Metrum Acoustics Octave

[Clemmaster]

Quote:

The differences are very minor going from the Quad to the Octave. It is  a different story going from the Octave to the Hex. Totally different beast and then you add  balanced and  USB implementation and how can you compare the two.

 
Did you listen to both the Quad and Octave or is this just an assumption based on their respective specs?
 
I have the Quad and I'm considering the Octave as an upgrade now  

 

[gurus]

Quote:

 
Did you listen to both the Quad and Octave or is this just an assumption based on their respective specs?
 
I have the Quad and I'm considering the Octave as an upgrade now  

Listened to all three. The Quad and the Octave in my system.
 
The differences there  did not justify the premium. They sounded very similar. But now, with the new lower pricing and their special offer of 575 Euro for the Octave might make more sense.

 

[Clemmaster]

Could you elaborate on the differences, even subtle ones?

A description of the hex is welcomed too (not that I can afford it for the moment...).

 

[gurus]

Quote:

Could you elaborate on the differences, even subtle ones?

A description of the hex is welcomed too (not that I can afford it for the moment...).

That was some time ago. But suffice to say I found them very similar. The very reason why I am not even looking at the Octave for my current upgrade path. I still do own the Quad which is up for sale.
 
I heard the Hex in a different system and was impressed enough to actually get a quote from the dealer but then sanity took over and I am still looking for a DAC. The Hex definitely has more authority and control and makes the music flow more easily. Better definition, more so in the bass and the higher frequencies seem to have more clarity, extension and air. Just better overall.

 

[TT600R]

Quote:

Listened to all three. The Quad and the Octave in my system.
 
The differences there  did not justify the premium. They sounded very similar. But now, with the new lower pricing and their special offer of 575 Euro for the Octave might make more sense.

Do you have a link where they offer the Octave for 575 euro?
Would appreciate it.

 

[zenpunk]

Straight from Metrum's website but don't forget to add 115 Euros in VAT if you are in the EU 

 

[TT600R]

Quote:

Straight from Metrum's website but don't forget to add 115 Euros in VAT if you are in the EU 

Hate the tax maffia

 

[Stitch]

Also noticed the special price on the site. Heavily considering a purchase or at least an audtion(1 hour drive for me 

 ). I'll just skip food for a month i guess 

 

[customcoco]

Quote:

Hate the tax maffia

Indeed, but with metrum's case you could say that at least the Union actually brings something along... Some kind of norm, security guarantee etc. What's really worse is when you buy something overseas..
 
20% of my package's value? For what? Just because you can?

 

[MomijiTMO]

I paid way too much for my Octave . Oh well

I'm still having a bit of a love affair with this dac.

 

[Currawong]

That's an awesome price. Combine one with an Audio-gd DI and you'd have a killer bargain high-end DAC rig for under $1k.

 

[TokenGesture]

Trialling one as of yesterday.  Its already fairly burned in I think - I'm loving the warm yet detailed sound.

 

[Clemmaster]

Quote:

That's an awesome price. Combine one with an Audio-gd DI and you'd have a killer bargain high-end DAC rig for under $1k.

 
I'm planning to use the Quad (and possibly, the Octave, if the upgrade is worth it) with a custom DI-V3 DSP to take advantage of its resampling ability (which you said was benefical to the Octave).
They don't have it in stock though...

 

[Stitch]

I've been reading and thinking some more. I'm trying to decide to get the Octave or spent the cash on a new set of cans, been eyeballing the T1 and HE-500 for sometime now and i dont have the cash for both. And all in all i'm pretty happy with the DacMagic, though a little more clear/transparant sound would be nice.

 

[philo50]

I have had my Octave for about 2 weeks now and would guess it now has about 120 hours on it. I am very pleased with the natural sound and can sense its maturing. I use the Audiophilleo 2 and run it through a powered usb hub. Just very recently I upgraded my hub to the Vaunix brick.....immediate noticeable difference in both the clarity and bottom end. Very nice!!!! Just thought I would share as Currawong has often mentioned the positive effects of the Vaunix.