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Metrum octave vs new Rega DAC vs Eastern electric

I currently have an EE minimax (non-plus version), but have become increasingly interested in the Metrum and Rega DACs recently as a potential replacement. What are people's opinions on this? Would either of these DACs truly be an upgrade? I listen to all redbook, so oversampling isn't an issue, and I listen to mostly Rock (which I guess means I prefer a meaty/rich sound character).
linaeum66

Showing 3 responses by elberoth2

elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Metrum is in a completely different league than Rega. HiFi Critic awarded metrum with 170 points, and Rega with ... just 50. That should give you an idea about the diferences we are discussing here.

One word of advice though - the Metrim is very sensitive to signal jitter. Buy only if you can afford to buy an Audiophileo 2 USB->SPDIF converter ($579) to go with it. Cheaper converters, like MF V-Link, Stello U3, HiFace 2/Evo, Halide etc will not do it (yes, I have tested them all with Metrum and then some).

Coupled with Audiophileo, Metrum is absolutely stunning piece of gear. You can pay 10x more and get lesser sound.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Mjm6 - you may try replacing the RCA digital input connector with a true 75 Ohm BNC one. Then you may try fitting WBT NextGen RCAs for the analog out.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I find it sounds great with a Halide Bridge, or from my Squeezebox Touch with the enhanced digital out. Haven't tried the Audiophilio, but I probably will.

By all means try it. You will be stunned. I have both the Halide and AP1, and the difference is not subtle.
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