Okto DAC 8 Stereo (Shout-out)
I know this DAC made a buzz via a Stereophile A+ rating a couple years back, and I can’t say how many times I casually checked if they were back in stock for purchase. A couple of weeks ago I happened to check and they were.
Previously I had read the lead times were up to 8 weeks for a build, but happy to report it arrived in just over a week to the states. Great communication and service from the Okto team. Unfortunately couldn’t get one with streaming on-board due to R-Pi shortages.
Seems well built, nice screen, and overall a smaller chassis than I thought. Hopefully won’t miss lack of single ended outputs. A note you can use this as a preamp and order to custom output voltage to match your power amp.
My initial impressions are as follows: This is the most transparent DAC I have ever heard, previously owning Denafrips Terminator, Holo Spring, Sonnet Morpheus, Aqua La Scala, PS audio PW DSD and others of lesser renown and quality. . The instrument separation is quite good, a wide and deep stage, and an almost eerily clarity that lacks any glassy edginess that sabre DAC based designs seem to be known for. Although I owned a HIFI rose and loved it.
Anyways, kudos to Okto and a heads up they are in stock. Great performance and a very affordable price!
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I always wondered why this DAC does not generate as much discussion as it probably should. My guess is the cost for this is low enough that people ignore it? But of late they have these in stock. One more reason could be that they might come up with a new DAC that is based on AKM. I had read a couple of years ago that they originally planned with AKM chips. But with the part of factory burning down, they plans went up in smokes. |
@shooter41 , I would be very eager to hear back from you once you get this DAC. At this point I have not made up my mind about a specific DAC. While the T+A DAC 200 is on top of my list, it is a bit out of budget. There are others too, but the Okto seems very favorable.
@gavin1977 , I am not sure why that case would be. If there is a system that has everything constant and you only switched the DAC, you should be able to make out the difference between 2 DACS - one Delta Sigma based while the other R2R based. What are the components in your system? Care to post? Just curious since you mentioned that R2R needs a high end system. I have seem other posters with a good system use R2R and appreciate it. |
What custom voltage did you order? I know that this option comes at an extra cost. Would love to see pics of Okto in your system. Looks like lot of fun with this DAC in your system. How long has it been, that you have owned the Okto. To compare it with the likes of Bricasti and Meitner is something. Those cost big $$$$ compared to this fairly affordable unit. |
Good to know @audioman58 . Shows how people have different perspectives and listening preferences. |
Thank You for willing to take time to upload the pics. It is very commendable on your part to accept the fact that a DAC like Okto can equal or better a DCS DAC. It is very hard for people to accept this fact. And I did check the ad you have on US Audiomart. For me, your recommendation on this DAC is most genuine because you not only own this DAC, but have presented the facts as they are. It takes a lot of guts on this forum to accept that something pricey you already own was bettered by a lower priced equipment. Now I am starting to ask myself - why should I go with a higher priced DACs?! |
Hard luck @shooter41. Shows how different folks have different preferences. Also shows how components are system dependent. Appreciate your feedback. Let’s see how things turn out after a few more hours on the DAC. Good luck. |
I somehow missed that this was your headphone setup and not stereo speakers. But thanks for sharing your thoughts on the comparison between the Okto and Yggy. Do you have a stereo setup that you were able to compare these 2 DACs? My Oppo plays "meh" when I spin silver discs. But as a DAC using the USB input, it sounds amazingly different. |
