Antipodes Audio S40 Roon Server

Antipodes Audio emerged from New Zealand's Kapiti Coast on the North Island, with research into music server design commencing in 2009. Founded by Mark Jenkins, a former Telecom New Zealand executive and lifelong audiophile frustrated with conventional interconnects, the company drew its name from the British colonial term for Australia and New Zealand as the "antipodes"—the distant other side of the world. Starting with an audio-cable venture alongside his wife Sonia around 2004, Jenkins pivoted to digital audio innovation, prioritizing simple circuits, premium components, and aggressive noise reduction to preserve signal integrity.

The brand specializes in high-end digital audio sources, particularly music servers and streamers that excel as both servers and players. Iconic models like the CX, EX, DS Reference, and Kala series evolved into flagships such as the K50 and the Oladra platform, now a distinct brand. These devices incorporate advanced G4 technologies, including double noise isolation, output regeneration, reclocking across S/PDIF, AES3, I2S, and USB, alongside custom linear power supplies and motherboard tuning for optimal bandwidth and musicality.

Antipodes occupies a niche boutique position in the ultra-high-end market, earning acclaim for delivering emotionally engaging sound in noisy digital environments. Reviewed favorably alongside rivals like Innuos, its maverick designs—embodied in the "Oladra" name, evoking Greek renegades—appeal to discerning buyers seeking reference-level servers that rival top DACs in transparency and dynamics.