Metrum Acoustics Musette NOS R-2R DAC (2015) Discussion thread

[Rockcoon]

[COLOR=8f5c1f]Description:[/COLOR]
[Br]

In order to improve upon the Octave we stopped looking towards our secret industrial chip, and instead implemented our new Transient technology as used in our flagship Pavane. The Musette is designed on the same basic frame as used for the Octave but to get more flexibility, both front and back panel have been changed as one more digital input is added. Like her predecessor, the Musette is available in both silver and black.
The Musette is using two Transient R2R ladder Dac One modules as used in the Pavane. These modules can handle extreme high sampling rates but are limited to current industry standards which has its maximum (384kHz) on the USB input. The result of this process is an extremely fast and accurate behavior and brings listening experience on a much higher level . Despite the fact that both dac modules are build on the same board an extremely high channel separation of 100 dB is realized. This contributes to flawless positioning of instruments. In other words, a DAC we are rightly proud of.

[COLOR=8f5c1f]Links:[/COLOR]
[Br]

Spoiler: Reviews

Head-fi:
http://www.head-fi.org/products/metrum-acoustics-musette-non-oversampling-mini-dac-with-usb-analog-sounding-black

Review collection on home page:
http://www.metrum-acoustics.com/MusetteEN.html[Br]

AudioStream (by Michael Lavorgna):
http://www.audiostream.com/content/metrum-acoustics-musette#3jUpHxMdDY0lshPx.97

Spoiler: Direct links on some posts with impressions in this thread

Contrails:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/15#post_11991026

Gibalok:
1) http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/15#post_11991940
2) http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/30#post_11995238

nimmen:
1) http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/30#post_11998325
2) http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/30#post_12012383

Jimi Zeen:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/45#post_12013953

windwolf447:
1) http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/60#post_12055473
2) http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/60#post_12055588
3) http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/60#post_12055712

dasher
1) http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/75#post_12069378
2) http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/75#post_12070103

Thread starter
http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread#post_11857412

The Fed
http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/105#post_12122185

yiokuan
http://www.head-fi.org/t/777406/metrum-acoustics-musette-nos-r-2r-dac-2015-discussion-thread/120#post_12152305

Since that post i'm stoped to track down.

[COLOR=8f5c1f]Gallery:[/COLOR]





[COLOR=8f5c1f]Technical Specifications:[/COLOR]

Working priciple: Non oversampling dac based on Transient technology.
Power: 15 VA transformer. Average power 5 Watts , standby < 1 Watt
Mains voltage: 110/115V AC 220/230V AC 60/50Hz
Inputs: 1x optical Toslink, 2x RCA coaxial and 1x USB
Outputs: 2x RCA
Output voltage: 2 Volts RMS
Frequency response: 1Hz - 20 khz -2.5 dB. 44.1 kHz sampling. 1Hz - 65 kHz - 3dB .192 and 384kHz (USB)
Distortion: 0.007 % THD
Noise: -140 dB related to 2 Volt RMS
Output impedance: 100 Ohms.
Sampling rate: Optical 44.1 - 96 kHz sampling rate. Coaxial 44.1 -192 kHz . USB 44.1 - 384kHz sampling rate
Dimensions: WxHxD 190 x 60 x 245 mm.
Weight: 2 kg.
Recomended retail price: €1033 (ex vat)
Official page: http://www.metrum-acoustics.com/MusetteEN.html

P.S
Feel free to share your impressions of Musette DAC and comparisons with other devices. Or big informative review will be even better

 

[Rockcoon]

Dismissed

 

[Joe-Siow]

Subbed. Had the fortune of listing to a Octave Mk 1 some time back. Extremely impressed with it.

 

[Rockcoon]

Official russian distributor says, that in Pavane and new Musette will be used modified m2tech OEM USB module, based on xmoss chip.

 

[Gibalok]

Official russian distributor says, that in Pavane and new Musette will be used modified m2tech OEM USB module, based on xmoss chip.

saving money to get one..

 

[Jimi Zeen]

In the UK, istereos seem to have the Metrum Acoustics Musette in stock to buy now, http://www.istereos.co.uk/metrum-acoustics-musette-p-469.html#products

Anybody tried one, reviews?

 

[kenman345]

Anyone got one to review yet? Quite interested in this

 

[Jimi Zeen]

Noticed the Pavane and Musette use USB 3 modules (http://www.metrum-acoustics.com/SupportEN.html), I wonder why?

Also here's more on their NOS approach - http://www.metrum-acoustics.com/Design%20Philosophy%20Metrum%20Acoustics.pdf

 

[Rockcoon]

http://forum.doctorhead.ru/index.php?showtopic=23117&st=425#entry769347

First impressions from handmade device, based on two Transient modules (Metrum sells them separately for DIY makers). Edel converter used as an USB transport.

It's best sound i've ever heard. Detailed, fullbodied, natural. Best quality/value, no doubts.
That thing beats Octave mk II, and kills Quad.

Sounds very promissing. Ofcourse, in Musette will be used m2tech OEM usb module, not Edel. M2tech is still a mistery. Atleast, we know now, that two Transient modules itself is a win

 

[kenman345]

http://forum.doctorhead.ru/index.php?showtopic=23117&st=425#entry769347

First impressions from handmade device, based on two Transient modules (Metrum sells them separately for DIY makers). Edel converter used as an USB transport.
Sounds very promissing. Ofcourse, in Musette will be used m2tech OEM usb module, not Edel. M2tech is still a mistery. Atleast, we know now, that two Transient modules itself is a win

Good to know. I will be looking to find more reviews when it launches. I will probably hold off on any decision to buy a new DAC until my current unit is sold, reviews come out, and my Cavalli Liquid Carbon arrives and I can properly test a new unit and its synergy with my main amp unit.

 

[Gibalok]

Im also looking on the Musette despite I got Eximus DP1.. Fans of Metrum are expecting some revoluiton with the upcoming model. if so it will be a bargain for the price comparing to Pavane/Hex

 

[kenman345]

  Im also looking on the Musette despite I got Eximus DP1.. Fans of Metrum are expecting some revoluiton with the upcoming model. if so it will be a bargain for the price comparing to Pavane/Hex

I contacted Metrum about the tuning and asking about noise floor (probably a bit silly):

 Dear sir  
The Musette is in production right now so there are no reviews yet. Signal noise ratio is -140dB which is about 30 dB better as most headphone amplifiers so noise is not an issue here. Sound wise it is very close to our Hex dac so maybe by reading the reviews http://www.metrum-acoustics.com/AwardsEN.html it helps you to get an impression.
 

I think they meant that it is not yet launched, but the rest is still valid. I've been reading up on the Hex ever since. As I said in my last post, I will likely leave any purchase until after I have received my amp to pair it with so that I can make a proper determination for myself with the entire rest of my setup in place.

 

[money4me247]

what was the expected price point on this item again? thanks

 

[Rockcoon]

money4me247, Darko says:

Props to Mr Rujtenberg for keeping Musette pricing as per the Octave: €1199. A taste of Pavane then for a whole lot less than its €4950 asking price. Buyers outside the EU can subtract 21% VAT.

 

[kenman345]

Small update, I have officially pre-ordered the Musette. Supposedly it is supposed to ship to the retailer I ordered from in the next week. Then it might take some time to even get into the US. Hoping to have it by mid to end October. I will keep everyone informed of my impressions