Update impressions of the Octave:
This is an exceptionally detail retrieving DAC for sure.
It presents very subtle nuances and inner/ micro information well,finger pressure on piano keys, minute voice inflections, fine differences of overtones and harmonics are quite special. Micro dynamics are handled as completely as the macrodynamics.
The important distinction is that these low level details are natural and realistic, there`s nothing of a clinical/analytical quality what so ever. You are made aware of the venue size and scale(lots of ambience) and each recording is unique and individual in this regard.
Tonanlity is in my opinion top tier, the full body and richness(not overly rich however) of instruments are preserved and have`nt been stripped of vitality, color and energy. this superior trait is so vital to me as the vast majority of my music is unamplified acoustic jazz. With the larger jazz bands the many varied sounds and tones of all instruments are simply realistic and organic with really fine seperation(no matter the # of instruments and volume level, impressive!).
I think this DAC will appeal to people who placed a major priority on natural flowing music , pure tone and harmonics along with realistic dynamic ebb and flow.
I don`t focus intently on imaging and soundstage, but I will tell you the stage is very large with very good depth. Images are IMO dense and very 3-D( living breathing flesh and blood presence).The Octave is well extended at both ends, I find the higher frequencies refined and elegant, at least in my system there`s no edge or sharpness.
Overall I`d sum it up as in the organic-emotional camp but includes high detail and resolution capabilities(superb transparency) This is a very involving DAC.
