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Recommended USB- SPDIF converter for Metrum Octave

I am looking for a USB to SPDIF converter to use with a Metrum Octave DAC. The primary ones under consideration are:

1. JKSPDIF Mk III ($460)
2. Audiophilleo 2 with Pure Power ($999)
5. Wavelength Audio WaveLink ($900)

These configuration would be computer->USB to SPDIF->Metrum Octave->Rogue Cronus->Harbeth P3ESR

Aside from the obvious cost consideration favoring the JKSPDIF Mk III and Linux support favoring the Audiophilleo, can anyone comment on how the sound compares for any of the units?

I would prefer to hear from Metrum owners and owners of the aforementioned converters, but any other recommendations from owners of similar USB to SPDIF converters using them with the Metrum Octave would be appreciated. The reason for asking before looking further is that I came across these comments from John Darko on the DAR website.

"How does the Audiophilleo compare to the JKSPDIF? I get asked this question a lot. I've tried them both with a wide array of budget DACs over many, many months. There really isn't that much to separate them sonically. I could happily live with either (in the long-term) but I distinctly preferred the JKSPDIF with the Metrum Octave - it seemed to bring out more elasticity and tame some of the glassiness."

"Last week a buddy and I sat down to compare four different DACs. Whilst I won't divulge the conclusions here (this piece is about transports, remember?), we both agreed that the Audiophilleo seemed to overcook the upper-mids on a couple of decoding boxes. This wrinkle was ironed flat with a digital attenuator. The JKSPDIF MK3 seems to be kinder/gentler overall. Perhaps it's the battery technology?"

Can anyway comment as to whether or not they have shared his experience of the Audiophilleo? I believe his experience was without the Pure Power unit, and I was wondering how much of a change that had brought to the table for Audiophilleo owners, understanding that these characterizations are often system dependent.
anonymoustao
tan43
128 posts
 
One you might want to check out is the little Digital Interface from GD Audio.
I don't make it a habit ordering from China, but after reading about it I ordered one. It cost less then $200 and works great with my Wyred 4 Sound dac.
There is a little info on the net.
anonymoustao OP
127 posts
 
Thanks, I'm aware of the Audio-Gd DI, but have gotten the impression from forums/reviews that it is not in the same league as the AP2 or JKSPDIF. It does seem pretty neat, though. USB and SPDIF inputs, so you can use it with a Squeezebox Touch, as well as a computer.
j_fav
26 posts
 
If a new Off-Ramp is out of your budget, get a used one. I had an Off-Ramp 4 for a long time and loved it, compared directly to the Audiophilleo it was the better unit.
anonymoustao OP
127 posts
 
Better in what way? Could you elaborate on that?
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Anonymoustao, Mac Mini (up sampled via Pure Music) > MeiCord Opal > Apple Time Machine / Airport Extreme > Logitech Squeeze Box Touch > Straightwire Data-Link RCA > Metrum Acoustics Octave.

Since my analog library far exceeds my digital, my systems focus and budget are mainly analog. Until recently I was very dissatisfied with the $2,000 and below digital audio converters (DAC's) I'd auditioned. I took a flyer on the $689. NOS Metrum and finally found listenable digital that suits my taste.

Currently I'm using the Squeeze Box Touch's wireless function so I have no need for a USB converter though the Empirical Audio Syncro Mesh is in the near future. The combination of the Octave, Touch, and the Syncro Mesh is still well below my $2,000 budget for digital.

You should look into this, I don't think you need to go full boat on the Off Ramp 5 to exceed the performance of the other candidates. Also, look into replacing the RCA with a BNC connector on the Octave. SP/DIF connectivity is important.

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