Metrum Acoustics owners experience

I don't but maybe others do regarding the Octave II dac.  I know once you move up the line it gets a bit more expensive as is the case with all products.  

I actually owned the Octave II, and forgot because before the trial period was over I purchased the Hex from the same dealer and returned the O2.  With those earlier DACs they just got better as you moved up the line - better tone, body, dynamics, punch.  I could not really recommend those earlier DACs compared to what is out there today.

There are probably quite a few DACs in the same sonic ballpark as the Octave II.  If you can swing it and have a preamp, and if you want Metrum, I would start with the Onyx then you wouldn't need to look at anything else for a while. I use the Jade in my outdoor (second) system and it is basically an Onyx with their volume control and it sounds fine.  Or, keep you eyes open for an earlier Mojo Audio DAC or for a Sonnet Morpheus in your upper price range.  There are some others to look at like something in the Denafrips line, but I cannot vouch for them one way or another except that people seem to like them.

I have enjoyed a Metrum Pavane for several years. I upgraded to the DAC3 Modules when they were available. I've never had any problems and even when company was in distress I was able to get good customer service. I think Cees returned for awhile because when I purchased the DAC3 modules he personally replied to a few of my questions. I'm sure there are better DACs but I have never felt any dissatisfaction. I always preferred analog (vinyl) until the Pavane when I realized it would cost many times more (more than I could afford) to find a cartridge and turntable equal to the enjoyment of the Pavane. It is never fatiguing.