Experience with Metrum Octave DAC

Vic,

I'm very interested in the Octave as well. Because of funds, I have to wait a bit before buying, so I'm using this time to research and make sure it's the best buy for me. I have also seen those reviews, plus the very good feedback from several users. I haven't seen feedback from it being used with a Squeezebox Touch, though, as I plan to do. From your other post it sounds like you are planning to do the same. Please post your impressions once you get to try it!

Good luck!

Vic,

Thanks for the input. I've been in touch with Steve and think very highly of him. Wasn't aware of the Syncro - great news!

Have you been able to test for differences in sound between using the internal SBT DAC vs. SBT>SPDIF cable>Octave?

Elberoth,

That's great to read. Which source/s are you using? Playing what kind of material?

I've seen comments saying it really shines with high resolution material and low jitter sources, like USB/SPDIF converters if coming from a computer. My interest is mostly around a SB Touch.

Ronrags,

I also have a SB Touch and I'm looking into a DAC to pair with it, so your comments are of interest to me. You mentioned you were underwhelmed with Touch+W4S DAC1 and by Touch+Benchmark. Underwhelmed compared to Touch only?

Have you tried the Soundcheck Toolbox 3 on the Touch? I have and I'm happy, and suspect the improvements would be more noticeable with an external DAC.

BTW, if going down the optical route, make sure it's a glass and not plastic "cable". There was a thread on the cable forum a while back discussing this.