VERY happy SB Touch->Metrum Octave user here, I was sleepless for a couple of nights before I received my DAC thinking that I might need an interface box but when I got everything going it worked so well I decided to leave it as is. It would be nice to go BNC to BNC to accomodate the cable I'm using(Black Cat Silverstar 75) but again, sometimes best to leave well enough alone.
I have been a DAC of the month club member since the Benchmark DAC1 first came out but this one will have me off the merry go round for longer than the others I think, the presentation is a lot better than anything else I've had. Was looking at a possible $5k upgrade as that seems to be the level where you realy get a big improvement these days but my "Champagne taste on a beer budget" attitude towards audio led me to the Metrum.
It has detail, great separation and excellent tone but somehow manages to be very easy to listen to at the same time. For the price I figured I'd take a chance and I'm glad I did...
I have been a DAC of the month club member since the Benchmark DAC1 first came out but this one will have me off the merry go round for longer than the others I think, the presentation is a lot better than anything else I've had. Was looking at a possible $5k upgrade as that seems to be the level where you realy get a big improvement these days but my "Champagne taste on a beer budget" attitude towards audio led me to the Metrum.
It has detail, great separation and excellent tone but somehow manages to be very easy to listen to at the same time. For the price I figured I'd take a chance and I'm glad I did...