Uprgrading my Metrum Octave DAC

I have not heard those, but have done extensive reading before buying my Octave, and I actually plan on getting an Audiophilleo 2, just like you. I seriously doubt you will find a significantly better sounding one-box solution for $3k. Moreover, the two units you list are very, very good ones, but dating from several years ago. This doesn't make them bad, but over the past 3 years cost/prices have come down a lot and I doubt you would getting much bang for your bucks.

Having said that, if what you enjoy is the sound of upsampling DACs, then all I said above is worthless.

BTW, do you run your AP2 directly into your Octave, without a coaxial cable in between?

As good as many find the Octave,the new Metrum Hex is said to be a substantial improvement(that`s impressive). See the current 6 moons review and comments.
Regards,

I did see the 6moons review and from that, it appears (by photos and deduction) to primarily be two Octaves in parallel, with additional logic for the new inputs provided.

Also, I don't like how the single ended outputs now require a transformer. Technically speaking, transformers are not where it's at. But I realize that the sum of all parts could be something special. (maybe I read that wrong, it seems crazy) (unless that's effectively the low pass filter in this output)

I do like that Cees is not using the same old topologies, chips and methodologies that all the other vendors seem to be permutating through.

I've had my Octave, driven by the AP directly connected to the SPDIF RCA input (wish it was a BNC) for about a year now.

Can't find anything that can touch it. Don't like the surreal sound of upsampling..

BTW, in case you have not discovered it yet, driving a TUBE preamp with the Octave sounds unbelievable. In this config, the tube preamp acts like the perfect low pass filter for the filterless Octave.

I'm using a SP17.

RM

Forgot to mention the perfect wave MKII as another potential. I realize the ayre and brick are a few years old now, but from what I've read, they still hold their own with modern DACs.