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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?
loftarasa
171 posts
 
The Metrum Hex is an obvious suggestion. Perhaps the M2Tech Young + Palmer combo, also.

Might help to describe what you like / don't like.
kzhtoo OP
222 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the info.

Hi Bill,
What I meant is I wish Chord QuteHD comes with IEC socket that I can simply use with my aftermarket powercord. But instead, with QuteHD, I'll have to get a quality 12v linear power supply. :(
When you say "some people think Chord > AMR", you mean Chord + linear ps?
I've read many of your posts and let me say here that I appreciate the info you share on various forum. For some of us, these are very valuable.

Hi Loftarasa,
I have not tried many dacs. My previous d to a conversion devices include electrocompaniet ecd-1, oppo-95 and currently metrum octave. Each of these have certain characteristics that I very much like but none had made me completely satisfied and forget about the equipments while listening to music. I'm not very articulate in describing my musical taste, but in short, I like airy top, glorious midrange, controlled and powerful bass (so do other people lol) Detail is not as important as non-fatiguing sound that I can listen to for hours. My system consists of Focal Electra 1028Be, Pass XA30.5/XP-10 and an Empirical Audio reclocker. Cabling is all HiDiamond.

I'm also looking at Esoteric D05. Never heard of device with 32-bit AKM chips but it seems very interesting to me although D05 is 6-7 years old.

Best,
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