Metrum Onyx versus Metrum Pavane

I had reached out to Metrum and Anjo said they were working on new products and this was back in January...I haven't heard from him since. I know that there is clearly a sore relationship between Metrum and Cees...at least that's how Anjo put it. He wasn't happy at all.

Also with Onyx- I would only use the AES or I2S to hook up to streamer. I wonder if your experience would have been better if you could have used either option.

Yea, I got the onyx for $1500 and can get the pavane level 3 for $3800 from a friend. Trying to decide.

@mrotino I have not tried any other connection with the Ambre/Onyx. I've heard from multiple people online it was by far the best connection to use.  What streamer do you use now?

@nitewulf good to know! 

@1markr Greetings! That's interesting you say that Qobuz is better. My limited testing showed MQA to be better, but obviously it's all subjective. I don't have MQA enabled in my Onyx either, but I let Roon and the Ambre take care of the first unfold. I think you should def try the Ambre. what do you use now?

Yup Tommd. Agreed, I let Roon do the first unfold for MQA and think it sounds fantastic. Anjo at Metrum told me to not worry about getting the MQA module for Onyx. so there's that!

I stopped reading after you said, "Ive read that Onyx has a narrow soundstage" 

@mitch2 so not worth it to upgrade from Onyx to Pavane unless you are super critical listener? 

@mitch2  My system is currently:

Metrum Ambre > Metrum Onyx > McIntosh MA6600> B&W 702s2

I use Roon as well.

Whats your system comprised of ?

@mitch2 have you had time to listen to the Adagio?

Also, what are the main benefits in using the Jade as opposed to Onyx? Is it mainly just being able to hook directly to a power amp?

@mitch2 right on, I'm interested in what the difference is. I can't imagine its a big enough difference to justify that price jump from Onyx to Pavane 3 or Adagio

@mitch2 I was told by someone else that even Anjo (metrum) said you wouldn't hear much of a difference unless you are a very critical listener, but that doesn't mean I don't want to try it out either way. 

Once I get some funds saved- I'm going to give the pavane a try and see what happens. 

@mitch2  what would be a game changer in terms of a streamer?

@mitch2 thanks for that. My setup is strictly Ambre > I2S > Onyx > XLR >McIntosh MA6600 > B&W 702S2.

I use Roon on my IMAC also

 I think it sounds damn good, but it’s always fun to wonder what I might be missing.