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Which USB to S/PDIF converter with Metrum Octave?

I'm exploring USB converters to pair with my Metrum Octave, which in turn feeds a Lamm LL2 deluxe and a McIntosh MC275. I read comments suggesting the converter is very important, but equally important is how it interacts with the DAC to be used.

So far my top pick is an Audiophilleo 2 with PurePower. This would also be about the higher end of what I'm willing to spend ($1k).

I read great things about the Off-Ramp, but it's over my budget. Same for Berkeley's converter.

One line that has me intrigued is Bel Canto's. The uLink is $675, but doesn't have a good power supply. What it does have is the fiber optic out, and Steven Stone recently found that connection superior to the others when connecting to a Bel Canto DAC. Anyone tried it with the Octave? Or the REFLink?

Other converters I should consider?

Thank you!
lewinskih01
loftarasa
171 posts
 
There's the new iFi iUSB + Gemini cable + iLink combo. Should come in well under $1k.

The iUSB provides isolation and provides cleans power, the Gemini cable separates power and data feeding the iLink converter itself.

I've got an iLink on order, will evaluate that. If it works well, then I'll consider adding the iUSB and Gemini cable later on.
lewinskih01 OP
909 posts
 
Naggots,

Thanks for the lead. I believe you are referring to the JKenny Ciunas, right? It was not on my radar screen, so great tip. It's probably too new, which explains why I can't find references - let alone matching to an Octave.

But I recall that on Elberoth's converter shootout, where he used an Octave as one of the DACs to try, the JKenny EVO stack was on par with the Audiophilleo without PurePower. So if Ciunas is conceivably better that EVO, then the Ciunas vs AP with PP should be interesting.

I guess I will need to let a bit of time go by so early adopters start telling about Ciunas performance.

Thanks again!
singleendedsingle
664 posts
 
W4S makes the uLINK. I've used their dacs on the past, great products from a good company.
lewinskih01 OP
909 posts
 
Loftarasa,

Thanks for the tip on iFi products. Been doing a fair amount of reading since receiving your tip, and the iUSB is well reviewed by many users. The iLink seems to be too new and can't find much more than speculation about its performance. Please let us know how it performs for you. How much did you pay for it? My understanding is the iUSB is $300, the Gemini about $200, but have not seen price references for the iLink.

Thanks again!
highstream
207 posts
 
For the Ciunas, I don't know how the converter has changed from the JKDAC model, but I suspect he made some changes that parallel those in the Dac. As for the later, three days in I'm finding it's really good. For some pre-production reviews, check the thread at the link below. One thing to note is the prices are in Euros, so if you're in the States deduct about 20%. John answers emails promptly and is very helpful.

http://www.tirnahifi.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2079
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