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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
yage
400 posts
 

@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.

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,402 posts
 

@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.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,176 posts
 

I heard it with other dacs much more expensive it is a very good value

 didnot thing its-musicality can March the Terminator2  dac or anything close it does have very good detail, but bass was not that powerful and soundstage any imaging 

not even asgood as the newDenafrips Pontus2-12th anniversary .it’s a very good value but not any giant killer in my experiences.

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,402 posts
 

Good to know @audioman58 . Shows how people have different perspectives and listening preferences.

raysmtb1's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
raysmtb1
800 posts
 

@milpai i’ll try to get some pictures uploaded to my page tonight or tomorrow. It seriously is the best unit I’ve ever had. It’s very lively and fun. I find it very musical. I think that the bass response is better than most. I like it better than my DCS Bartók. If anybody’s looking for one I’ve got a deal on one on US audiomart. I guess it must be because it’s summer, but I’m having a hard time selling things. I’ve lowered the price on the Bartók to 8750 and still no takers, I guess I’ll drop at another 250 

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