2. pc-audio
  3. 1363240771

Novice needs Mac Mini and DAC advice

Stereo Boys, I really really need some advice. In the past 18 months, I've loaded all in on this hobby and in that short time span have gone from birth to a full blown, fairly high end system and now I'm integrating a Mac Mini server into the mix. My mind is blown with too much information and I'm losing it over which DAC will give me the best bang with a budget anywhere from $800 to $4000. I'm told that the Ayre and Wavelength don't really outperform the lower cost DACs by a huge margin. I need a shot of the truth. And I'm looking for plug and play. I'm not that conversant with all the technical science involved in all of this. I just want a clean, high res sound. Please help!!
moonshot

Showing 4 responses by devilboy

devilboy
1,172 posts
 
I'm loving my Metrum Octave. At around $1,150 it's an absolute steal IMO. Beat my Weiss Minerva at 1/5th the cost.
devilboy
1,172 posts
 
Greg,

Congrats on purchasing the Octave. It's probably the greatest value product I've owned through the years. I tried the M2Tech but ultimately returned it. I'm currently using the Audiophilleo 2 with the Metrum.
devilboy
1,172 posts
 
Lewinskih01: So sorry. I haven't read this post in a while. I'm running Pure Music. A friend just told me he likes Audirvana over PM hands down. I went to Audirvana's website and they list Mac 10.6 or later. I have a 10.5. I don't think I will be able to get Audirvana to work on my computer. I'm not knowledgeable in computers at all so I guessing no???
devilboy
1,172 posts
 
Gregfisk: I'm glad the you're finding the Metrum Octave so enjoyable. I think you will see the Octave gets even better over time. I had a very good friend over today who has much better ear than I and we took the Metrum Octave amp-direct straight to his amplifier he brought over. I controlled volume via the volume bar in PureMusic. HOLY FRIGGIN CRAP. Transparency, transparency, transparency. Holographic, deep soundstaging. We heard the Octave and his amp. That's it. I love this dac. Have fun! Big thanks to Bhobba who gave me the idea.
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