Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

I'm monitoring a couple of the newer DAC's that are about to come to market.  I know some folks who have heard the two I'm looking into and feel there is enough there for me to listen to them.  If I like them, I'll be selling my OSDE/SE, but it's going to really take a lot for that to happen as it's such a tremendous DAC still.  Steve just understands how to filter and clock properly and he uses the best components you can use for audio.  I've heard most of the DAC's in Matt's thread so far and only a few better Steve's and those all cost over 15k.  That's for MY ears and in MY system in MY listening room.  That takes nothing away from other DAC's as they may be more to someone else's liking in their room........you get the point. Thanks. :)

Hi guys,

As promised here the feedback of my listening session with the Metrum Pavane.

Before starting, please note that i am not a professional reviewer, it's just my personal opinion and my personal taste, my personal experience.

The session was driving by Samuel Furon owner of L'Atelier Audio in Montreal. For some of you, this name is not unknow. Sam is also co-founder of Ocellia who produces high-end audio equipment (speacker, electronic and cables).

It's always pleasant to make a listening session with a very real sound engineer.

Time to talk about the Pavane. The device is solid, heavy, and well finish. Pavane is a real NOS Dac. No DSD here, No MQA. First surprise : the Pavane don't make any oversamplig. So if the source is 16/44 the Pavane reproduce the sound of the source without any modification.  This is the sort of feature that is like in NOS Dac.

The Pavane sound is neutral, agile, hyper detail, never harsh, always highly musical. With a 16/44 source the sound is really surprising.

The first impression with the Pavane is very special. It's like if the sound literally jump outside of the speaker. You have the sound in the face but it's never agressive. it's wow !

Second things to note: On vocals, specially with Jazz, the voice is push in front of the stage. The direct impact is on the soundstage. It's deep. Incredibly deep.

All details in the music are reproduces with precision and subtlety. It's never analytic or harsh. it's always musical and elegant. 

IMHO for people (like me) who want a immersive experience with the music, this DAC is really good. If you looking for a DAC for ambient music it's not the good choice.

Marc

Thanks for the feedback.  Is there a link to the dealer as well as the DAC?  I'm lazy i guess, lol...thanks.

Nice review Marc. Your words pretty well mirror what I have been hearing for the past year of owning the Pavane. I don’t know whether it is an "absolute top tier dac" but it certainly makes listening fun. The combination of Pavane and Antipodes DX results in the best sounding source I have owned.

Not to get off track, but do you guys still play vinyl?  I got my Rhea up and working with my Basis TT and Benz Glider cart yesterday.  Cleaned the albums nicely and got the static off.  Honestly, it's still been better than digital by a hair.  I need to get a new server, but I am running Steve's totally rebuilt one with the Paul Hynes power supply and it sounds incredible through the OSDE/SE with the upgrades.  The Vinyl just has a more relaxed presentation and a much larger and better placed sound stage.  It's hard for me to describe.  I love digital though in that I can stream Tidal (once I get a unit to set that up on as I've kept the mac mini off the grid) etc...  On Sunday's I'll probably always listen to vinyl until the wife wakes up and I"ll put on digital to play all day long.