Yamamoto YDA 01 DAC

Hi,
Pani the bass is very much like the Yamamoto`s (meaning very good) it at this early stage is controlled and natural. I would say it has good articulation and notes are distinct. I`ve not noticed bloated or "one note" bass issues thus far. There`s no overdamped-too tight hifi charactrer present, again quite natural in my system anyway.

David,
I don`t use any upsampling, just native 16/44.1 with my PS Audio Perfect Wave Transport, it sounds just fine. Perhaps upsampling could be even better, I don`t know(Srajan Ebaen felt either method was very good).

All I can say is that I`m highly impressed with the Octave`s insertion in my system,exceptionally natural and involving. YMMV.

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.

Excellent review. You have the system to show what this DAC can do. Glad it was a home run for you.

Onemug, thanks for the kind remarks. You can research and read reviews but nothing beats an in house audition. Sometimes anticipation can lead to disappointment and I`ll admit my expectations were pretty high. It is gratifying when they are met or as in this case exceeded. This DAC is really fine. The 6 Moons review is remarkably accurate. I do think there`s much synergy with my system and others may /could have a different experience or out-come

My eagerly awaited Octave came this week and out of the box, I thought it sounded a little subdued, a bit bright. My system consists of a 4 way active horn setup with all tube amps( 3 SETs, 1PP) and I listen to Diyhifi Satch Dac with tube output stage in NOS mode for RBCD. Left it playing in my music room for a while and came back later ( 1 hour) to no music in the room. Found a dead Octave. No blown fuse in power supply or burnt parts that I can see. Back it goes to the maker and more waiting. Pretty annoyed :(