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5+ years old $5k player vs. current $2k player

Hi,
Been thinking the above question: which one would be a better choice?

Price for these older players (e.g. Esoteric, Wadia, etc.) ends up being in similar price than recent vintages like Ayon, PS Audio, etc. And perhaps even the Oppo as a transport?

Did CD technology really improve significantly in the last few years such that these "cheaper" but newer players will out perform the older but top-line players?

Especially player like the PS Audio PWT, the concept is certainly new (for CD transport) & the theory does make sense...
hobieboyca
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tubegroover,
You may want to research the Metrum Octave DAC as an example of a very modern NOS DAC that seemingly combines organic/natural sound with high resolution and superior frequency extention.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Thanks for the info Charles1dad. Have you listened to the Metrum or is your interest based on the reviews or what you might have heard through the grapevine? It sounds quite interesting.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tubegroover,
I have`nt heard it, I ordered one based on 6 moons.com review and the multiple mentions/comparisions in other reviews on that site.My track record with highly impressive reviews per Srajan are spot on so far. In this case there`s no where to hear the Metrum that I`m aware of.

I purchased my Yamamoto DAC the same way and it`s absolutely fine.It seems the Metrum Octave is an improvement over the yammy.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Please keep us posted Charles1dad, I am interested in your impressions. At these price points and the lack of ability to audition all the inexpensive DACs it seems there is little recourse than going the "buy and listen" route.
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
Looks like the Metrum Octave does not do 24/192, which is disappointing. 24/176 is not a generally available resolution. Sounds like it could be a great piece, but it would be nice if it did 24/192, as more and more downloads are available at that resolution. Just a minor nit.
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