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Audiophilleo vs Empirical audio offramp

I currently have a metrum octave DAC being fed by an Audiophilleo 2 converter. I've been thinking of replacing it with an Offramp 4 or 5, but am not sure if it is worth it. Has anyone compared these two directly (doesn't necessarily have to be with a metrum DAC)? Most say that the offramp is slightly better, but does this increase in performance make it worth 3x the price (since you will also need to buy a SPDIF cable for the offramp). Let me know what you think.
linaeum66
hightechredneck
27 posts
 
The AP can also be improved by using Connectronics brand BNC / RCA adapters in lieu of those provided with the AP unit. They sound much better and a very inexpensive purchase from Markertek.

I also found a good coax sounds better than direct connection to the DAC. I use the BlackCat Silverstar.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The current power supply upgrade for the OR5 is the DYNAMO. This supply is AC powered and Hynes-regulator based. Sells for $699.00. Many customers say that the power supply is a bigger upgrade than the OR5 or the Synchro-Mesh makes.

The other significant upgrade that Empirical offers is the BNC-BNC coax cable with RCA adapters. This cable is currently unbeaten in the market and only $250.00.

The OR5 can also get the "OTL" mod for $150, which removes the output transformer. This reduces jitter even more. It helps to have a DAC with a Coax input transformer on it.

If you have the OTL, Dynamo and BNC-BNC combination, I don't believe the OR5 has any competition.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
I have compared both on a number of occasions, and lent my Off-Ramp to owners of an Audiophellio to do just that.

The Off-Ramp is clearly and obviously better. The only issue was the price difference - is it worth the extra dosh? For me - yes - but others had a different view on the price vs performance equation.

And indeed a very well regulated supply lifts the Off-ramp up another notch - either Steves Dynamo or I had a local tech build me one. Don't know if it's as good as Steve's effort, but it was less hassle.

Thanks
Bill
phusis's avatar
phusis
1,248 posts
 
Bhobba --

The Off-Ramp is clearly and obviously better. The only issue was the price difference - is it worth the extra dosh? For me - yes - but others had a different view on the price vs performance equation.

I use the Audiophilleo2 + PurePower myself, and would appreciate it if you'd go into some detail on the sonic differences compared to the Off-ramp?

From what I've read on this topic opinions do differ on which's the better of the two. Some consensus seemed to form on the Off-ramp being a tad dark-sounding, while others have felt the AP(2) being "too direct." Does this, in any variation, apply to your impressions?
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