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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
relayer101's avatar
relayer101
614 posts
 

@dasherma  -  You can set the volume control where it is a non issue. I run my DAC through a preamplifier and have set the volume on the Morpheus to a level that works well with my preamp volume and in the Morpheus settings have the volume control on Fixed Volume. 

The are some very good reviews of the Morpheus on the web with Stereophile being one of them.

I can't comment on the USB input that you mentioned as preferred as I run my streamer through the DAC with an AES cable. With that said I was just throwing the Morpheus out as a suggestion but I am sure the Onyx sounds every bit as good.  

 

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
 

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

Sheesh.

mrotino
66 posts
 

I've owned the Onyx for about 3-4 years now.  I discussed with Cees the designer of both the Onyx and Morpheus and he mentioned by upgrading the Onyx DAC chips to the level 3 chips the sound of the Onyx would be very similar/close to the Morpheus so I upgraded the chips.  

The sound with the DAC 3 chips is more dynamic with a bit tighter bass control.  The Onyx with the DAC 2 chips is a little more laid back and slightly warmer in my opinion but the differences are minor so it may depend on what type of sound you are looking for.  I'm using the I2S connection to a Metrum ambre streamer.

I kept the DAC2 chips and did not trade them in case I ever want to switch back and forth.

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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