Metrum Acoustics Octave - Page 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobeau 

 

It always surprises me how much difference tube rolling can make.  If I put a miniwatt gz34 and 6ed7s in my Woo, then a 6n6p and EML 274b in my Sonett, the Sonett will sound more like the Woo than the Woo, if that makes any sense.  

 

What are you using to drive the amp?  Even though you don't have an outboard unit, there is a DAC chip somewhere.  If it's something like a decent PC soundcard be prepared to be blown away by the improvement.  

 

Make no mistake, this is a crazy good DAC.  Even the quad, I imagine power filtration is more important than the number of chips.  At this level of performance it's really about preference in sound.  I can see folks interested in more typical NOS DACs not liking it, it's like some sort of weird hybrid.  For me it's been an acquired taste but a taste I'm definitely acquiring 

 

I just got back into  HPs after a 5 year hiatus.

Lots of listening on the PC (X-fi sound card)/Sony Vaio driving my  Pete Millett's SRPP amp =>T1 with ground taken off. Going balanced next week, just waiting for 4 pin XLR to show up. I was using my Wadia for sometime but found it a PITA changing CD's to listen to tracks so it's back into my HT system (Wadia=>Pioneer=> Proceed HPA-2=> Legacy Signature) and  getting no use at all.

Going to the Sylvania and Tungsol 12BH7 made such a huge diff from the 12AU7s( Telefunken, Mullard. Amperex Bugle Boy and even the Genalex -old stock- now sold, some crazy guy from Taiwan paid me $350 for it) I can safely say I don't like the 12AU7 sound anymore, just too rounded, smaller sound stage  and no extension but  pleasant to listen to. I have a Tungstram E80CC and RCA  BP's on the way which should be more fun as the sound I believe is diametrically opposite. I am at a stage I would be happy with just about any improvement brought on by the  Metrum, but I know it's going to be substantial and then on top of that I can definitely tailor it to my liking with tube rolling. I did order the Quad with a separate 7A power supply. Just hoping it shows up in the next few weeks as I paid for it about 3 weeks ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobeau 

 

Yeah, engagement is off so I'm in no rush.  Sooner or later it will be for sale... deal with 274b is it is direct heated, and Sonett is not designed to work with that.  It will work, but I guess it puts great strain on the power tube? I could totally be wrong on that, but I spent about 15 minutes trying it out once.  

 

I'm totally an idiot - you're the one who linked that article on the Wadia from a decade ago talking about questionable measurements vs. sound.  Looking forward to your thoughts on this DAC.  

 

It looks like several people have gotten them in 4-5 weeks so you may be in luck.  What was the final price w/ shipping and pp + conv fees?   The Octave w/ 14a ended up being ~$1060.  It arrived by way of post office, no customs fees.

 

Yeah, I got my Wadia before that article was published. I liked it so much I took on  distribution of  Wadia and introduced the product in Canada.

I paid ~$635- including all charges  for the Quad.

I've been listening to the Metrum Octave (specifically with the Stello U3, as recommended by 6moons) for a couple of months now, so I'll say it simple: it is clearly the best DAC I've heard, save the dCS Debussy (which costs around $20,000 alone, I believe). After enough burn-in I brought my U3/Octave to a friend who owns the Debussy. Overall, I'd say the Debussy is slightly superior to the Octave in terms of clarity and soundstage, but this gap was mitigated by adding the U3 (which also makes it computer USB compatible). IMO the U3/Octave delivers about 95% of Debussy's performance, but the former's fast PRaT, deep bass that slams hard and tight, and guttural sound signature will definitely earn points from hard rock headbangers like me. :)

That's still a great complement given that the U3/Octave combo costs much less than the Debussy. U3/Octave represents great value for money and will definitely rock when paired with a great amp.

Got my Quad with a separate 7a power supply. a couple of days back. It is a lot smaller than I envisioned. There was no notice of shipment from the manufacturer. As a matter of fact, I had emailed Cees on Wednesday to find out out when it would be shipping and he emailed me back  that it would be 6-8 weeks after my payment which would have put it at November first week delivery at the earliest. So kind of surprised when it arrived on Friday. After 50 hrs burn in, listening to it and it sounds really good. What it does in my system is listed below

• Brings the mid a bit forward and makes it stand out from the rest. Absolutely beautiful mids.Would work wonders with LCD-2.
• The slam, detail and extension on the bottom end is another strong point. Lot of authority there.
• Lot of extension and air at the top.
• Increased sound stage in my system. Lot of detail with good spatial imaging, cohesive sound.
• Neutral and very clean sounding but not thin sounding like a lot of DACs
• .Does not have the digital signature.

Thank for your comment gurus.

I'm thinking of the Octave, but now I've got the feeling this dac may not be a good match with my Stax 507.

I'm especially concerned about what you've defined as forward mids, which is something typical of the 507. Basically I don't want "too much of forwardness" :-) and I'm probably looking for something more laid back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by realmassy 

Thank for your comment gurus.

 

I'm thinking of the Octave, but now I've got the feeling this dac may not be a good match with my Stax 507.

I'm especially concerned about what you've defined as forward mids, which is something typical of the 507. Basically I don't want "too much of forwardness" :-) and I'm probably looking for something more laid back.

The key word was 'bit'  (forward).

Things have settled down and everything has smoothed out a lot and it has opened up from top to bottom  with a lot more detail. The dynamics are just about unbelievable.  I think the DAC is a real bargain. Very happy with the purchase.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gurus 

The key word was 'bit'  (forward).

 

Things have settled down and everything has smoothed out a lot and it has opened up from top to bottom  with a lot more detail. The dynamics are just about unbelievable.  I think the DAC is a real bargain. Very happy with the purchase.

I know gurus :-) I guess there's no substitute for a real demo
 

You guys got me all interested in this DAC now. Since there is 3 chips per channel, does that mean this DAC is balanced? Nowhere on their site or on the 6moons review is this mentioned explicitly. And it also doesn't use opamp, but isn't considered fully discrete because of their unique design right? Depending on how things go, I'll probably order one in the next few days.

It doesn't have any balanced outputs..

That's a bit disappointing...but I don't have a balanced amp at the moment either.  Still seems better than the other options I've considered especially for the price.  Convince me to get one!  Compare it to an NFB-7, Reference 7.1, or something of that caliber.

Approx. how long did it take to receive your DAC upon ordering?

Also, can anyone tell me if the treble is fully extended or is it rolled off?