Metrum Onyx versus Metrum Pavane

 @justjames72

I can't imagine its a big enough difference to justify that price jump from Onyx to Pavane 3 or Adagio

I currently own Jade (Onyx with volume control), Pavane L3, and Adagio, and can say that while the Jade sounds good, the other two clearly take things to another level. The choice of whether that is worth it depends on system goals, partnering equipment, and finances, but the differences are tangible. With audio its like stepping half the distance to a wall, the closer you get, the smaller the steps.....and you pay more for each smaller step.

@mitch2 I was told by someone else that even Anjo (metrum) said you wouldn't hear much of a difference unless you are a very critical listener, but that doesn't mean I don't want to try it out either way. 

Once I get some funds saved- I'm going to give the pavane a try and see what happens. 

Mitch I'm wondering if you compared the coaxial digital input versus the I2S and if so what differences did you hear when using both of those digital connections from ambre to DAC?

I know you compared aes versus I2S and mentioned I2S was slightly better but wondering if you compared RCA digital to I2S as well and if so if you can comment on differences in sound.

I currently connect to my onyx via rca and am thinking of purchasing the ambre to be able to use I2S if the sound difference is worth it.  I do not have aes output currently as well.

Thanks

In general, I like the coaxial input the least of all.  I have had good luck with USB, AES/EBU, and I2S.  The AES/EBU seems to have a little more drive and both I2S and AES/EBU seem just a tiny bit more natural-sounding to me.  Coaxial was a bit thin-sounding in comparison, although they were all pretty good-sounding.

Ok thanks Mitch for the information, much appreciated.