2. digital
  3. 1344560021

Where to buy Metrum Octave?

So I was denied a Metrum Octave by Hifi Heaven because I couldn't return their call the same day to make the purchase. This after waiting patiently for 6 weeks for something that they supposedly had 3 of in stock at time I made my order. I waited patiently as they explained that it was in customs each of the 3 times I called them fully agreeing that it was out of their control and not their fault. Then when they did receive it, they left me a message to call them back on their last unit. Unfortunately due to a work deadline I was only able to call them back the following day at their opening time. They tell me "I wished you called back sooner because it's already been sold".

While the individuals I spoke to were nice, I'm very disappointed that they didn't reciprocate a smidgeon of the patience I asked of me. Come on now, I'm made to wait for 6 weeks but they can't even wait a full day?

So now I'm seeking suggestions for an honest and reliable dealer that have or might have the Metrum Octave for sale.
huynhh1

Showing 8 responses by huynhh1

huynhh1 OP
11 posts
 
Vicdamone,

I placed the order through their amazon store, so I assume only amazon had my card info. Since it wasn't delivered within 37 days, amazon automatically cancelled the order per their policy. However, I called Hifi Heaven about this before the cancellation and arranged to be on their waiting list. I was never asked for my card info, so maybe they weren't technically obligated to do anything for me *shrug*. Perhaps the extent of their obligation was only to call me and nothing more.

So it's good to know that Metrum Acoustics has sold directly. They're current website states that 'The NOS Mini DAC is available via Acelec Engineering(parent company - ) except the following countries'. When you click on the countries link, USA is on the list with Hifi Heaven being the dealer. Despite that, I'll give them a shot and email them.

Thanks
huynhh1 OP
11 posts
 
Sibelius,

Did they take your credit card? Please let us know when you actually receive your order.

In my case, placing the order wasn't the issue. And yes my order (their shipment) was also in customs, but it took 6 weeks before it was cleared and then they needed an immediate response to complete the sale.

If I'm unable to get it direct then your experience may influence my decision to retry.
huynhh1 OP
11 posts
 
Amazon reporting that there were 3 available was probably a due to a delay between dealer and Amazon. Regardless, Hifi H was completely aware of my order each of the 3 times I called them.

I think the confluence of 6-weeks in customs, Amazon's auto cancel of order after 37 days, Hifi customer service procedures, and my work schedule are to blame. Before Amazon cancelled the order, I talked to Hifi customer service and asked them if they can guarantee me a unit on their next shipment even if Amazon cancelled my order. They said yes, no problem, but they didn't take my card - so in the end, that conversation translated into just being a courtesy call.

I got a reply from Metrum Acoustics, they will sell direct but the lead time is 6 weeks plus the time in customs. Shipping is 26 euro for post and 125 euros for UPS. They said UPS is faster and more reliable. Anyone know if UPS's rates are really worth 100 euros more?
huynhh1 OP
11 posts
 
More like $200 if I use standard post: 668Euro ($825) + shipping 26E ($32) + paypal fee 23E ($28) = $885(compared to Hifi H $1095).

* 668E comes from their pricelist page for the 14V power supply and in silver

Vicdamone, did you use standard post? I haven't bought anything from Europe for a decade now. Has standard post gone downhill that I should consider UPS?
huynhh1 OP
11 posts
 
I decided to go direct and ended paying $904 (with today's exchange rate).

It would be interesting to see how far behind my order is compared to Sibelius' order from Hifi.
huynhh1 OP
11 posts
 
Cool, I'll report when mine comes in too.

Hopefully the delay turns out to be overstated and it actually arrives sooner (as in Vicdamone's case).
huynhh1 OP
11 posts
 
Hifi Heaven must have remembered my plight and reached out to me to offer a discount on a unit. I unfortunately had to decline it since I've already placed my order with Metrum.

I included a link to this topic in my reply in hopes that they'll read it and will work to prevent my issues from happening to other folks. I hope I'm not being an ass for doing it that way.
huynhh1 OP
11 posts
 
I finally received my unit at the end of September - about 6 weeks after the order was placed. Again I was too busy with work to write about it - I gotta change jobs or something.

It's got about 20 hours burn-in time. I'm impressed with how much more of a soundstage and depth it casts. It also renders the bass with more girth without muddying up the bottom - I no longer think that my KEF R300 bookshelfs are bass shy. Cymbals, triangles, and acoustic guitars are rendered realistically - which is generally true for most acoustic instruments. The vocals are slightly improved - I don't know how to qualify this.

Occasionally when the music is too busy like when the instruments are all mostly centered, fast, and competing with each other volume wise, the rendering sounds disorienting like the signals are out of phase which I liken to a bad attempt at creating surround sound from 2 channels. This rarely happens but is more pronounced compared to my cheaper Dac-Wow.

Overall, worth the price and wait.
More to discover