Uprgrading my Metrum Octave DAC


I currently have a Metrum Octave DAC with an audiphileo-2 feeding it. I'm thinking of auditioning some other DACs in the sub $3000 range to replace it. I would prefer to have a one box solution, so am considering:

the Ayre QB-9 or maybe a wavelength Brick

Has anyone compared either of these to the Octave, or have any other suggestions?
linaeum66
Steve N., I ripped several hundred CDs (using XLD) as FLAC files. Can they be converted to WAV files, or do I have to rip them all over again? thanks, Matt
01-02-13: Linaeum66
In other matters, does anyone have any DAC suggestions?

Linaeum,

I very much apologize for the thread hijack. Didn't intend to do it and won't discuss the "other topic" any further with Steve on this thread.

I have the Octave with a Audiophilleo driving it. Just like you. I would not try to improve it unless I could demo the pieces in my own system for a few days at a time. I find reviews to be almost useless, unless they are way negative, then it's pretty safe to stay away.

Personally, I would like to try Steve's OR5 via SPDIF into the Octave, if I was to try anything. But this would not solve your two-box issue.

RM
Matt - you can convert all of your FLAC files to .wav using dbpoweramp on PC or XLD on Mac.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Hello Linaeum. Was wondering what you ended up with and why. I'm looking into pulling the trigger on a USB to S/PDIF converter for my Metrum Octave in the next couple of months, and the Audiophilleo is among the top 3 in my list, so interested in your findings.