Metrum Onyx versus Metrum Pavane

@nitewulf: Thank you!
@soix: Right now I’m using my old Mackie HR824 (mark I, USA made) monitors, but I’ll upgrade to better speakers + amp within a year or so. Not sure to what, though, from all I’ve listened so far I liked a pair of Spendor SP2/3R2 driven by a Densen B175 amplifier the most (other possible contenders: other Spendors, Proac D30RS, Harbeth SHL5+, Atc SCM40A etc. - kinda all over the place, I know). Choosing speakers is very difficult IMO, so I’ll start with the dac and thus reduce the number of variables.

@justjames72 , to your question,

"so not worth it to upgrade from Onyx to Pavane unless you are super critical listener?"

I would say, probably not, unless the rest of your system is dialed in at a fairly high level. 

However, this stuff is subjective and more than a few say the source is your most important component (closely followed, or led, by speakers).  I definitely would not trade the Onyx or Jade for the Level 1 Pavane, that doesn't use the Transient DAC Two modules. 
 
I have been on a small mission to simplify my system and I am strongly considering purchasing an Adagio so I can remove the preamp from my system.  One thing I didn't notice the first time I auditioned (i.e., owned) the Adagio, is that in addition to improved resolution and HF extension, the Jade (or Adagio) direct seems to provide a bit of a boost in dynamics over the Pavane L3/preamp....possibly because the DAC direct route is providing a higher voltage output than my preamp or, maybe just because there are less electronics in the path.  The differences are relatively small. 

The other thing to consider is that my amplifiers are relatively optimal for both passives and DAC-direct because of their high'ish 100K ohm input impedance.  This DAC-direct option may not work as well with amps having lower input impedance.   However, the output impedance of the Jade and Onyx is a low 100 ohms and output impedance of the Adagio is 100 ohms for the RCA output and 320 ohms for the XLR.

@mitch2  My system is currently:

Metrum Ambre > Metrum Onyx > McIntosh MA6600> B&W 702s2

I use Roon as well.

Whats your system comprised of ?

@mitch2:

I definitely would not trade the Onyx or Jade for the Level 1 Pavane, that doesn't use the Transient DAC Two modules.

Really? Have you heard the level 1 Pavane and you prefer the Onyx / Jade soundwise? I find this quite surprising (and very good news for me - I think a Jade would meet my needs very well so I really hope I will like it, I think I'll try it later this year). Pavane level 1 has received some very good reviews and I didn't expect for the Transient Dac Two modules to make such a big difference as to compensate for the other advantages of the Pavane level 1 against Onyx / Jade (such as the all important power supply).

@don -- So, I looked up your speakers and they’re like 700 bucks. For BOTH speakers and amps!!! Why are you even messing with a DAC at this point??? Upgrade your speakers and amps first, THEN talk to us about a DAC. C’mon man. If you’re concerned with imaging and sounstaging, $700 for active pro speakers ain’t getting it done! You’re putting good money after bad. Don’t waste our time talking about $2k DACs to play with "toy" speakers at this point. End of story!!!