2. digital
  3. 1372491712

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
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
KZhtoo, I think you will find those two choices to be more alike than different. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Of course an audition would be ideal.
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
Hi Kahtoo

Yea mate - its a fully tricked out Chord driven by and Off-Ramp and Linear power supply. Otherwise its really not in the race - and its not much cheaper than an AMR that way either.

The Metrum is a hard to beat bit of gear - make sure you audition any contenders in you system to ensure it does best it before forking out you dosh.

Thanks
Bill
gopher
499 posts
 
I'd wager a LampizatOr money that a LampizatOr Gen 4 Level 4 would sound better than anything else mentioned in this thread. I moved to one directly from a Metrum and could tell in less then ten seconds (without burn in) that the Lamp was a MUCH better DAC.

I also have friends who sold AMRs in favor of it. Keep an eye on the used market as you won't do better, but keep in mind I wasn't a huge fan of the Generation 3 DACs (my former Metrum replaced a LampizatOr Gen 3 Level 3 in my system).
More to discover