2. digital
  3. 1315447046

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,
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
1,048 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.
mapman's avatar
mapman
23,053 posts
 
There are always exceptions but in general with anything digital/computer based, you are almost always better of going with more recent technology than old at any particular price point.

Why? Because digital computer technology continues to improve all the time and will continue to do so for the indefinite future. Just look around you at most any consumer electronic device today and that much is apparent.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
One thing that all these dac's should have but don't is a phase inversion option. It is also a reason I was attracted to the Minidac Plus. The W4S 2 has this as well.
More to discover