Metrum Octave versus Eastern Electric DAC

I had an Eastern Electric DAC with op amp ugrade. I replaced it with the Metrum Octave and haven't looked back. I found it detailed but less fatiguing to my ears.

I am the guy that had both DACs in my system. I did upgrade the op amps in the original EE DAC. I also tried several different tubes. In the end I preferred the solid state vs. the tube with the op amp upgrade. I have not heard the EE DAC Plus. I was considering the EE DAC Plus before I bought the Metrum but didn't want to go through the hassle of modifying a brand new piece of equipment and thus voiding the warranty to get the best sound. I am very happy with the Metrum Octave.

Mikirob,
Even though I found the resolution of the Metrum to be greater than the EE I think it is more analogue sounding at the same time. I find it less fatiguing when listening for longer than a couple of hours. I am playing less vinyl since I installed the Metrum. Of course this is in my system, my room etc.

Mrtennis,
I really didnt expect to prefer the ss over the tube mode and was surprised that I did. I found the bass to be more controlled without giving up anything in the mid-range. Perhaps the pairing with my tubed preamp was the reason. Again this is what I hear in my system.

My system:

Doge 8 tube preamp w/ phono
Wyred4sound SX500 monoblocks
Von Schweikert VR4jr
SoundQuest SQ12 cdp used as transport
Metrum Octave DAC
MMF 7.1 tt w/ Ortofon Bronze

Don

Devilboy,

The Metrum Hex uses 8 DACs per channel instead of four. Check the Metrum website for additional info.

Don

Have you ever heard the Metrum? If not, why do you keep posting? The OP is interested in people that have auditioned both DACs. This posting isn't about tube vs. ss. There are plenty of those discussions in the archives.