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Okto DAC 8 Stereo (Shout-out)

I know this DAC made a buzz via a Stereophile A+ rating a couple years back, and I can’t say how many times I casually checked if they were back in stock for purchase. A couple of weeks ago I happened to check and they were. 
 

Previously I had read the lead times were up to 8 weeks for a build, but happy to report it arrived in just over a week to the states. Great communication and service from the Okto team. Unfortunately couldn’t get one with streaming on-board due to R-Pi shortages. 
 

Seems well built, nice screen, and overall a smaller chassis than I thought. Hopefully won’t miss lack of single ended outputs. A note you can use this as a preamp and order to custom output voltage to match your power amp.

My initial impressions are as follows: This is the most transparent DAC I have ever heard, previously owning Denafrips Terminator, Holo Spring, Sonnet Morpheus, Aqua La Scala, PS audio PW DSD and others of lesser renown and quality. . The instrument separation is quite good, a wide and deep stage, and an almost eerily clarity that lacks any glassy edginess that sabre DAC based designs seem to be known for. Although I owned a HIFI rose and loved it. 
 

Anyways, kudos to Okto and a heads up they are in stock. Great performance and a very affordable price!

 

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poketacez
raysmtb1's avatar
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raysmtb1
800 posts
 

I just got mine hooked up today. It’s incredible. I’ve had Berkeley, Meitner, DCS, PS Audio,Bricasti….it beats them all. I run that new Eversolo streamer.. the combination is super clean, but warm and transparent. Really is incredible.

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audioman58
4,176 posts
 

The T+A 200 dac I feel and many others the best sounding dac 

that also has HQ player incorporated since Roon too has it built into their program 

at $7200 it competes well with anything at 2x it’s cost check it out as well as reviews . I know 4 that own one I am currently buying one in the fall.

and I have heard in our audio get together heard every brand ,your taste many vary 

but this dac has a lot of flexibility built in. 

shooter41
76 posts
 

I've never heard of this unit until this thread, but at that price and with those reviews I felt it worth a try, so I just ordered one. I dearly love my Yggdrasil LiM so we'll see if this thing can outshine it. Ordered the custom output voltage, too.

gavin1977
55 posts
 

I can understand the Okto being perhaps more transparent than the Aqua La Scala, but it sounding better than it… not sure.  Quite different sounding DACs I believe, but I have never heard the Okto.

Are you able to provide more comparative feedback on other aspects of sound, in addition to transparency?

gavin1977
55 posts
 

…also depends upon how good your source is. I have a feeling that the Okto would sound better with most regular/intermediate music sources. R2R needs real high end to come into its own, otherwise it’s somewhat hobbled.

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