XACT S1. The music server you've been waiting for

Hi @ajm,

I've yet asked this to Marcin but the answer was no. 🥺

Perhaps he has since changed his mind. 

On 8/15/2024 at 9:33 PM, ajm said:

Obvious question is can we expect a linux version of JPlay eventually?

JPLAY for linux is not planned. 

Best regards,
Marcin
 

what about an app for android?
I will never buy thinks for that I have to be a member of the Apple cosmos

One of the standout features of the S1 is its OS, designed to transform the streamer into a switch. In fact, one could argue that it is the S1 switch that can be easily transformed in a streamer. The only real difference between the S1 as a streamer and as a switch is its OS.

When exploring for the best audiophile switch, particularly with a S1 combo (switch → server) and understanding its core philosophy, the results can be compelling. With the S1, the line between a streamer and an audiophile switch blurs, determined solely by the OS.
 

Additionally, it has been announced as upgradable—though what this really means, whether it's maybe a fully integrated streamer-switch (with two mobo's like Antipodes does with it's streamers?), a new OS, or updated components, remains known only to Marcin.

In an optimized setup, I would prefer a single Ethernet cable (or fiber) from the modem to the s1 to be sufficient to achieve peak performance (assuming no noise between modem and server).

Modem → Switch → XACT S1 server

Additionally, the control point must be connected in a way that minimizes any impact on the audio signal.

@Marcin_gps

1) Does the XACT S1 server need a switch for best performance?

2) Can/did anyone compare the XACT S1 switch with some of the other top contenders?
 

(Slightly modified post was originally posted on WBF in the Best audiophile switch)

On 8/26/2024 at 1:45 PM, Marcin_gps said:

I think I wrote somewhere in this topic that during development and fine-tuning of the XACT S1 I did not use any network switch as I wanted to make sure it performs on a high-end level without a switch. At the moment I'm not using any network swtich in my own setup and having the excellent Grandioso K1X SE SACD player for comparisons, I don't feel anything is missing. 

However, the influence of network configuration is still there and you can improve the sound, objectively, by using a good network switch. 

Given that there are not many willing to spend 12.000 EUR for a network switch / router, we decided to design a new product: a dedicated network switch: XACT N1. It will be released in October. 

I believe that the XACT N1 is a truly unique product. 

It features 1x SFP port, 4x non-isolated 1Gbit RJ45 ports and 1x fully isolated 1Gbit RJ45 ports.

It has built-in high quality linear power supply based on JCAT flagship power supplies (ULTIMO and OPTIMO 3 DUO), delivering 3 separate and galvanically isolated voltages to main switch circuit, system clock and isolated output.

Low phase noise high accuracy OCXO system clock based on JCAT Master OCXO clock design, with separate linear power supply.

Truly isolated 1Gbit port: all data lines, clock and control signals are optically isolated from other ports, using latest technology chips. 

Low noise high common mode noise rejection signal transformers and high quality military spec jacks used for all Ethernet ports.

The isolated RJ45 is fully isolated using SOTA optoisolator 1Gbit chip which was released not long ago. I am pretty sure our switch is the 1st on the market with fully isolated 1Gbit port (both data lines and ground are galvanically isolated). The isolated port is also powered by a separate rail. 

The software on the switch is optimized for best sound quality. We spent a lot of time fine-tuning it. 
 

 

(I replied on WBF too)

Thanks Marcin, I further replied here (see AS link below) and I had already quoted your post from WBF in the Best audiophile switch.

New: XACT S1 EVO Music Server & PHANTOM USB/LAN Cables 

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share some exciting news for fellow audiophiles! XACT Audio has just launched two new products that are bound to make waves in the high-end audio world: the XACT S1 EVO Music Server and the XACT PHANTOM USB & LAN Cables.

XACT S1 EVO Music Server

The highly anticipated XACT S1 EVO Music Server, now available with even more advanced features for audiophiles who demand the highest sound quality. 

The new XACT S1 EVO model incorporates several innovative features that enhance its already superior sound performance:

Master OCXO Clock: A significant upgrade in digital audio performance, the in-house developed Master OCXO Clock ensures remarkable precision and stability. 

PHANTOM™ Music Drive Cable: Utilizing the same high-performance materials and construction as our new PHANTOM™ USB and LAN cables, the PHANTOM™ Music Drive Cable delivers a lifelike, richly detailed sound that brings your music to life with incredible depth and natural realism.

IMMOTUS™ Mechanical Isolation: Engineered with aerospace-grade aluminum and ceramics, the IMMOTUS™ isolation footers are designed to eliminate detrimental vibrations. This not only improves detail and resolution but also enhances bass precision. 

XACT PHANTOM USB & LAN Cables

These handcrafted cables are designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and are a great match for XACT S1/S1 EVO music server. 

You can find more details about the new products on XACT website: https://xact.audio/


Best regards,
Marcin