Metrum Acoustics Octave

[philo50]

Quote:

I just got a reply from Cees Ruijtenberg of Metrum Acoustics. In terms of sonic performance, the MK II has improved jitter but overall it's only a small step upwards. The real advantage of the MK II is the optional USB module, which is powered directly by the MK II's internal power supply. Other than these, it seems there aren't many benefits that would convince Octave owners to purchase the MK II.
 
Cees said that if you are happy with it, keep the original Octave. Which is what I decided to do after reading what he had to say.

 

 

[mcullinan]

I have a question. What was the normal price of the Octave before the special pricing.
Thanks
M

 

[songmic]

Quote:

I have a question. What was the normal price of the Octave before the special pricing.
Thanks
M

 
The price was different for white and black anodized version (the latter was more expensive). I bought the black version, and the cost was similar to the current MK II.

 

[mcullinan]

So its a pretty good deal, I would think having a separate power supply would provide better SQ results. Maybe Ill pick one up.
Thnx!

 

[songmic]

Quote:

So its a pretty good deal, I would think having a separate power supply would provide better SQ results. Maybe Ill pick one up.
Thnx!

 
I don't think the original Octave will have better SQ results than MK II just because it has a separate power supply. If separate power supply is always better, why didn't they do the same to Hex? Spec-wise, I think the MK II will sound just as good as the original Octave or slightly better.
 
If I didn't own the original Octave, I would choose with the MK II. However, I do think the original Octave has the edge in form factor (it's very compact and ideally sized for a desktop rig) and more importantly, value. IMO the current price of 575 euros is a steal for such outstanding performance.
 
Here's the catch, though... you will need a USB-to-S/PDIF converter (DDC) AND a coaxial cable if you're going to use the original Octave with your computer. If you buy the MK II with USB module option, it's 313 euros more expensive than MK I but you don't need a DDC or coax cable. According to Cees and 6moons review, the optional USB module is very good on its own because its powered directly from the internal power supply instead of dirty 5V power from the computer via USB. The USB module supposedly holds its own against $500+ DDC (which filters noise from computer and reduces jitter), and if you consider the coaxial cable the price will be even higher.

 

[Stitch]

Hmmm now i'm struck with a huge dilemma. I figured I'd go for a new set of cans first and later the octave. But with price difference between the mk1 and mk2 it seems a lot more cost effective to go for the dac now, considering the fact that I only use it from my CD-transport.... Choices, choices, choices. Damn this hobby

 

[khaine1711]

The Hex does have seperate power supply: 3 R-core transformer + the PSU board; just that they put it in the same box and not in a separate box. Same goes for the new Mk2. Generally, "purist" audiophiles prefer 2 boxes solution - to reduce hum/hiss if any. The Octave doesn't hum/hiss when you place one on top of the other so I guess a bigger chassis can save some cost.
 
Regarding price old octave = 668 EUR, Old black octave = ~700ish EUR. After the hex comes out, Octave = 575 EUR, Octave with guaranteed 192Hz = 668 EUR. At the moment I'd recommend going for the octave ons special offer + an AP2/JKSPDIF mk3.
 
 
Quote:

 
I don't think the original Octave will have better SQ results than MK II just because it has a separate power supply. If separate power supply is always better, why didn't they do the same to Hex? Spec-wise, I think the MK II will sound just as good as the original Octave or slightly better.
 
 

 

[Stitch]

Quote:

My Metrum Octave arrived!!!




First impression is that it sounds almost exactly like my "old" NFB3, but with some improvements in detail, attack, air, bass and better placement of instruments. Timbre and everything else sounds very much alike. 15 minutes of listening... let's see how it improves with time.
As soon as po$$ible I'll upgrade my Audio-GD DI v1 to Audiophileo or any other good converter.

 
Being a few months later, how do you think about the octave now?

 

[Sganzerla]

I can't find words to say how happy I am with his product in my system!

 

[Stitch]

Well that sure is a brief statement .
How do you think it has improved/changed your system? Both positive and negative.

 

[Sganzerla]

Stitch,
I think its sound is very lifelike, clear, open, natural, real and dynamic. This was already my impression after at least one month non stop, but it improved further after more time.
If you close your eyes you can have the feeling that you're listening to a real person, which is something I find impressive.
I really don't think I've seen any negative effect after upgrading from my NFB3. At first they were alike then it become to change to something different/better, in a whole new level.
The keywords people use on almost every review you can find on internet are spot on in my opinion.

 

[Stitch]

Ok thats it.
Just sent out my order for a mk1 to Cees. Hoping they aren't sold out yet. I'm really anxious to hear how how it pairs with my GS-1.

 

[angelsblood]

i just ordered the mk1 today, and will be delivered tmr! i have the halide bridge usb to spdif converter to go with it. hope it goes well with icon audio hp8 amp and he-500!

 

[Stitch]

In expecting some funds in a day or two, taking longer than expected :banghead: was hoping to have the dac in before the weekend.
For those interested; Cees said there are about 40 units left.

 

[songmic]

Quote:

In expecting some funds in a day or two, taking longer than expected :banghead: was hoping to have the dac in before the weekend.
For those interested; Cees said there are about 40 units left.

 
So after those 40 remaining units are sold out, the original Octave is gone forever? Or will he continue to make them alongside the new MK II?