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Metrum Onyx vs Schiit Yggdrasil?

Hey all:

I'm about to be in the market for a new DAC and have narrowed things down to the two referenced in the subject line. But I'd really like to hear more about each of these DACs. I can't really seem to find current reviews of them. Perhaps they're just older machines, or maybe my googling skills just suck.

I should say that I own and like a Metrum Musette, so I'm leaning towards the Onyx. But if the Yggy is great and could save me some money.

I ALSO HAVE TO SAY THIS: I would be using largely the USB input. I know the Yggy is supposed to have an awesomely engineered USB input, and I do wonder about the Metrum USB input. The Musette has a HiFace 2 USB input which, if I recall, was pretty good for the time (nine or ten years ago.)

So...if anyone can point me towards user reviews, I'd really appreciate it. Or if anyone wants to talk about their first-hand experience with either of these DACs, that would be really great.

Thanks, all!

P.S. I know there are a lot of internet darling DACs right now, but I think I've pretty much settled on one of the two. No offense to your favorite dac. :)

dasherma

Showing 10 responses by dasherma

dasherma OP
19 posts
 

Thanks, @deep_333. I read one user review that called the Yggdrasil "harsh" and "shrill", which is pretty much the opposite of everything I’ve read. It’s good to hear a current opinion.

dasherma OP
19 posts
 

Thanks @yyzsantabarbara. Could you tell me why the musician guy said the Yggy+ LIM is "awful"?  Do you find it awful compared to the OG?

dasherma OP
19 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara, thanks again!

You've actually set my mind at ease about the Yggy+ LIM. I'm one of those guys who absolutely dreads getting a super-resolving component. I want more fun!

Too often in hi-fi, "resolution" means "Rejoice, rejoice! Your old recordings will sound like utter crap again!"

If I didn't have about 10Gb of CDs mastered from old 78s and singles from the 50s and 60s, I might feel different. :)

dasherma OP
19 posts
 

Hey, @calvinandhobbes, thanks for the comparison.

dasherma OP
19 posts
 

Thanks, @rowlandc31 - the more I hear, the more I'm inclined towards the Onyx. Of course, I do already have a Metrum Musette DAC that I've enjoyed for about eight or nine years now.

dasherma OP
19 posts
 

@rowlandc31 - can you clarify what you mean by "pretty significant?"

The Musette I have has DAC1 chips (I think) so even DAC2 would be a huge change.

(Also, the DAC3 chips -- pricey!!!!)

dasherma OP
19 posts
 

Thanks @relayer101 - I've thought of the Morpheus, but I'm put off by the volume control. Do you find yourself using it? Can it be bypassed? I really just want to use my amp to control volume.

dasherma OP
19 posts
 

I meant to say I currently have a Metrum Acoustics Musette.

Sheesh.

dasherma OP
19 posts
 

Thanks, @relayer101 - I am leaning towards the Onyx because I currently have a Metrum Acoustics Onyx. So I'm pretty sure I like that Metrum Acoustics "house sound."

Thanks for the input, though. I did find the manual for the Morpheus, and it seems you can set the volume to fixed (unless I'm misreading it.) So that's a non-issue.

Thanks again.

dasherma OP
19 posts
 

Thanks, @mrotino. That information is very helpful. The Onyx is only a month away from being in my system now. smiley

I believe I'm looking for the more laid back and slightly warmer sound. I think it'll take a year or so to figure that out.

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