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Metrum Acoustics Octave
Apr 18, 2014 at 9:53 AM Post #586 of 707
Some quotes from Acelec abou new USB module

Production date
"Because they are still being produced, we are not yet 100% certain. But we will probably start shipping them in the 1 week of May."

Price
"The new USB is going to be a bit more expensive then the current one, due to the fact that it is a unique product with more compatibilities than the current one.
The exact price will be officially announced soon. "
 
May 8, 2014 at 9:09 AM Post #587 of 707
spkrs01 said:
   
I think you need a usb/spdif converter, with the Octave purely because it does not have a usb input. Then to really get the best out of this Dac you need to up-sample from your music player. 
 
Even something relatively cheap like the HiFace 2, second-hand, with the right driver will improve the Octave sonically throughout the spectrum.....In your situation I would take this route rather than use a transport.
 
It really not too good an idea to go Dac to Dac....................
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@spkrs01 Would you elaborate on "...HiFace 2, second-hand, with the right driver..." . I bought lately second hand Octave and HiFace 2 and want to make the best out of this Dac.
 
I also checked out other hifi forum and somebody highlighted some issues with M2Tech/Octave drivers. I'm not techy person so I'm clueless. Please anybody help me :)
 
May 8, 2014 at 9:12 AM Post #588 of 707
luckyguliver said:
 
@spkrs01 Would you elaborate on "...HiFace 2, second-hand, with the right driver..." . I bought lately second hand Octave and HiFace 2 and want to make the best out of this Dac.
 
I also checked out other hifi forum and somebody highlighted some issues with M2Tech/Octave drivers. I'm not techy person so I'm clueless. Please anybody help me :)
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Just buy second generation of Metrum USB module and forget about M2Tech hell.
http://www.nosminidac.nl/price_list.html
 
May 12, 2014 at 7:43 AM Post #589 of 707
mock-up said:
   
Just buy second generation of Metrum USB module and forget about M2Tech hell.
http://www.nosminidac.nl/price_list.html
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Are you saying that my Metrum won't really sing with Hiface 2? Hmmm shame coz because I just bought one. Second hand thanks God :)
 
Re USB module, Did you mean USB 2 separate module for € 181.00? I'm thinking that buying "non Octave" Usb coverter might be a better idea in case I decide that Octave isn't my cup of tea. Also technology is moving on real fast and new better, cheaper coverters come on the market. Like this one MATRIX X-SPDIF 32/192 XMOS. Not much about it on int but I found one review saying that it's much better then earlier mentioned HIFace 2.
 
May 12, 2014 at 4:09 PM Post #590 of 707
The issue with the old USB module is that it won't play with OSX Mavericks or that it won't play integrated mode with A+. If neither of these apply to you you're likely in the free and clear. I would guess that the new version will be an bettered solution in SQ and cure above ills. Even so there are work-arounds for the older module...play, enjoy, see what you think.
 
Jun 26, 2014 at 2:22 PM Post #591 of 707
Finally read through the entire thread. I'm re-interested in this DAC (was told about it......got interested in others - more flashy, gizmoee) - now I'm back.
 
Quick question - may be ignorant.....If an Octave is purchased without the USB input.......and If one is using a USB/SPIDF converter (I have a Wavelength that I bought used from a friend).......and connects using the coax input.......are you guys connecting a CD player via Toslink? Apologies if I missed this in the previous 40 pages or if it is an obvious question.
 
Jun 27, 2014 at 7:01 AM Post #592 of 707
No depending on the Player/Converter I use a good wired coax, one that will guarantee a true 75ohm coupling. The Octave is sensitive to the impedance. 
 
Quote:
afghan vet said:
  Finally read through the entire thread. I'm re-interested in this DAC (was told about it......got interested in others - more flashy, gizmoee) - now I'm back.
 
Quick question - may be ignorant.....If an Octave is purchased without the USB input.......and If one is using a USB/SPIDF converter (I have a Wavelength that I bought used from a friend).......and connects using the coax input.......are you guys connecting a CD player via Toslink? Apologies if I missed this in the previous 40 pages or if it is an obvious question.
Click to expand...

 
Jun 27, 2014 at 7:29 AM Post #593 of 707
complin said:
  No depending on the Player/Converter I use a good wired coax, one that will guarantee a true 75ohm coupling. The Octave is sensitive to the impedance. 
 
Quote:
afghan vet said:
  Finally read through the entire thread. I'm re-interested in this DAC (was told about it......got interested in others - more flashy, gizmoee) - now I'm back.
 
Quick question - may be ignorant.....If an Octave is purchased without the USB input.......and If one is using a USB/SPIDF converter (I have a Wavelength that I bought used from a friend).......and connects using the coax input.......are you guys connecting a CD player via Toslink? Apologies if I missed this in the previous 40 pages or if it is an obvious question.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...


Thank you for replying. I might be misunderstanding though.....
 
Since I have a (what some would consider) decent USB/SPIDF converter - then I might not purchase one with the USB input. So the converter would be connected to the Octave with the wired coax. 
 
If I'm understanding the inputs of the Octave, that would leave only the fiber connection (Toslink) in which to connect a transport (CD Player) - is that a correct assumption?
 
And thinking about it......it probably would be a good idea to buy one with USB input for re-sell purposes, but with a good converter, I may still use the converter via coax versus the USB input (because I already own it) - is that reasonable in your opinion? I'm sure several would suggest......buy the Octave with USB input, and sell the Wavelength converter for whatever I can get for it. Less wires, but better sound through the USB versus the Wavelength?
 
Jun 27, 2014 at 11:22 AM Post #594 of 707
Just a little confused as the Octave has just the two inputs SPDIF (Coax) and optical
So are you using the converter from another digital source like a computer hence you are saying its connected via the SPDIF?
My own CD has a direct SPDIF output which is connected via cable to the Octave SPDIF. If you are already using the SPDIF with the converter then you have no option but to use the Toshlink.
Personally I'm not a fan of Toshlink and avoid using it unless its of a very high quality like those that used to optional on the Audio Synthesis DAC's
 
Jun 27, 2014 at 11:53 AM Post #595 of 707
Yes sir.....the converter is connected to the PC's USB output then SPIDF out of the converter - and would be connected into the coax of the Octave. So my option would be either to use the optical out of the cd player into the Octave (yuck) or buy an Octave with the USB input and get rid of the converter. It is just hard to tell whether 'better sound' would come with the direct USB in from the computer or through the converter. Most of the music I will play will likely be played through JRiver, through the computer......so if it is better to use the converter and the coax input on the Octave, then that will trump using the coax input on the Octave for the cd player (if that makes any sense).
 
Jun 28, 2014 at 1:31 AM Post #596 of 707
Very close to pulling the trigger on this dac. Its either the metrum octave mk2 or the Chord Hugo. Can anyone compare the 2? I know clenmaster have heard both...

FYI I hated the sabre sound and loved the arcam irDAC sound.
 
Jun 28, 2014 at 2:33 AM Post #597 of 707
Hugo is crystal clear with no harshness.
Octave is warmer and thicker.
 
What's the rest of your setup?
 
Note: I never heard any other Metrum but the Quad (that I've owned - and loved - for many months), but the sound is reminiscent throughout the lineup with better extension and clarity for each upgrade. I own the Hugo.
 
Jun 28, 2014 at 7:56 AM Post #598 of 707
Hmm not sure I would quite describe it like this
Yes its does not have the digital glare or in your face that many other modern DAC's have. "Thicker" I don't think is the correct adjective, gives the impression of slow and muddled which its not.
I would describe it as having richness, body and a natural sound. Its not a DAC that has an immediate WOW factor as I've found they can be very tiring to listen too for any length. 
 
Quote:
clemmaster said:
  Hugo is crystal clear with no harshness.
Octave is warmer and thicker.
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Jun 28, 2014 at 8:09 AM Post #599 of 707
I think it may likely depend on the converter you are using.
A decent converter isn't exactly cheap! Costs almost a much as a Metrum MKII !
I've had a number of USB DAC's and most of them because they need a special driver for windows I have found a pain in the proverbial! You are reliant on the DAC manufacturer to keep the drivers up to date with current versions of operating system. This is why Metrum have moved away from the M2Tec USB implementation as they are not keeping it current.
My preference is for a device which uses a native driver with an optional proprietary if desired. I think Audiophileo take this approach. If your main source is going to be computer based then USB would seem the obvious choice.   
 
Quote:
afghan vet said:
  Yes sir.....the converter is connected to the PC's USB output then SPIDF out of the converter - and would be connected into the coax of the Octave. So my option would be either to use the optical out of the cd player into the Octave (yuck) or buy an Octave with the USB input and get rid of the converter. It is just hard to tell whether 'better sound' would come with the direct USB in from the computer or through the converter. Most of the music I will play will likely be played through JRiver, through the computer......so if it is better to use the converter and the coax input on the Octave, then that will trump using the coax input on the Octave for the cd player (if that makes any sense).
Click to expand...

 
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