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Another DAC suggestion a step above Metrum Octave

I currently own a Metrum Octave and looking for a dac that is clearly a step above the Metrum. Tube or SS, new or used, budget is $3k.

Utmost importance is more refinement than the Metrum. I also use a reclocker with my dac.

Please choose one from the list or add if you feel you must.
AMR DP-777 (maybe a little out of range)
Audio Research DAC8 (very very curious over this one)
PS Audio Perfectwave MKII (in my Oppo-95 days, did like Sabre 9018 sonic signature)
Berkeley Alpha I or II (don't really know what to expect)
Chord QuteHD (seriously don't like it needs a separate quality linear power supply to sound its best, why can't Chord use standard IEC connection like everyone else)
kzhtoo
arh
366 posts
 
MyTek 192 DSD dac
Alan
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
Having owned a Metrum and owned or heard quite a few of those DAC's as well as comparing them with other Audiophiles I can assure you it is purely a matter of personal opinion if any of those is better than the Metrum - with the possible exception of the AMR - but even there its not certain - I know people that think the Chord for example is better than the AMR.

If you feed the Metrum with an Off-Ramp and direct connect it to your amp it is a very hard to beat transparent bit of gear.

To best it I would look at the AMR and Playback Designs.

A Killer DAC and PDX are better as well but unless you are in Australia they will be hard to come by.

BTW the reason Chord supplies a cheap PS is to keep costs down. It only costs a few dollars so chucking it away is not wasting much.

Thanks
Bill
chayro
3,016 posts
 
What exactly does "refinement" mean in audio terms?
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