2. digital
  3. 190584-12723

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
rowlandc31
3 posts
 

I have an Onyx with the Level 3 DACs and have also heard the Yggdrasil OG pretty frequently.  I would say they are pretty close (although admittedly I think a lot of DACs are pretty close unless given a long listen).  Both have that “something about them” that is non-fatiguing and relaxing - with the Onyx it strikes me as kind of a smooth depth to the sound, while with the Yggdrasil its more incisive and expressive.  I like them both more than some other DACs I’ve had from Mytek, LUMIN, etc.

I’ve only used my Onyx with the Ambre streamer, both in the USB and I2s inputs, with the latter being better.

I’m planning to stop by the Schiit store later this week on the way to LA to try and hear the MIB if they have it.  Who knows, I may leave with one and then can do some more comparisons when I get home.

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.

rowlandc31
3 posts
 

I don’t think you can really go wrong either way.  If you do get the Onyx, get the newer DAC3 chips - I upgraded from the the DAC2 chips and it was pretty significant.  

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!!!!)

rowlandc31
3 posts
 

Yes agreed - pricey.  Metrum used to have a deal where they would refund you part of the price of the DAC3 chips if you sent them back the old DAC2 chips.  That’s how I did it.  
 

but worth it (at least after the refund).  More resolution, spaitially expanded and somehow smoother too.  

More to discover