Okto DAC 8 Stereo (Shout-out)

How is the quality of the Raspberry streamer option? Was it difficult to flash the microSD card with a streamer software? How do you connect the card to a computer to do the flash?

I am guessing the USB input is the best streaming option with an external streamer.

I think I am going to order this DAC and forget about the more expensive DAC I had in mind. That dual XLR output is something I was looking for a long time in a DAC. I can connect my headphone amp and 2-channel preamp at the same time to a single DAC using XLR instead of RCA + XLR.

@yyzsantabarbara I look forward to your review of the Okto, you are one of the few people I believe to give an informed and unbiased review.

Besides, we have both owned the Musetec 005, which I feel the Okto will struggle to beat. We will see of course.

At a little less than half the cost of the Musetec 005, the Okto offers amazing value, however the interior is very spartan, does it use a switching or linear PS?

No mention of which ESS chip is being used. The Musetec uses the ESS 9038 Pro, it would be nice if the Okto uses the latest ESS 9039 Pro chip.

Good Luck!

@lordmelton I am thinking of getting the Musetec 005 again or the Okto instead of the Playback Designs Edelwise or Dream that I had my eyes on. The Musetec 005 sounds really good on my KEF LS50 Meta and I think it will be superb on my Magnepan LRS+ that I also have in the office. I also think the 005 will be very good with my new Livingroom speaker, the Yamaha NS5000 (amazing speaker).

My main issue with the 005 is that it is not a good fit for my RAAL VM-1a tube headphone amp which is in the office. Even the maker of the amp heard my 005 at his shop and said it was not a good match. However, I may sell the VM-1a now since I have a new option for my phones that is about 90% as good as the VM-1a. I could use that new option with the Musetec 005 and the phones.

I will be busy for the next 2 months with work and vacations, so I have time to think this out. As you can see in my posts I am going in circles trying to make a decision on this.

@yyzsantabarbara 

How is the quality of the Raspberry streamer option? Was it difficult to flash the microSD card with a streamer software? How do you connect the card to a computer to do the flash?

I don't own one, but am interested as well. I found relevant information in the manual - pp.22-23. I already have an RPi 4 that I'm using as a streamer, seems like all I have to do is just plug it in.

i use a Transcend memory card USB adapter and the official Raspberry Pi imager to write the SD card from a PC. Some OSes let you pre-configure the RPi - just click on the gear icon in the lower right hand corner if it shows up.

@shooter41,

What custom voltage did you order? I know that this option comes at an extra cost.

@raysmtb1,

Would love to see pics of Okto in your system. Looks like lot of fun with this DAC in your system. How long has it been, that you have owned the Okto. To compare it with the likes of Bricasti and Meitner is something. Those cost big $$$$ compared to this fairly affordable unit.