Any opinions on the AMR Digital Processor 777 Dac?

My honest opinion of the AMR after four listening sessions with it, including one in my own system, is that is is way overrated. Its not bad, and its features are great, but I actually PREFERRED the Metrum Octave, as did my buddy the AMR owner who sold his and bought a stock Metrum, chuckling all the way to the bank.

Lots of hype, but it is NOT special, IMO. The met rum had better weight, texture and impact.... the amr may have had better air less PRaT, though it was admittedly a splash sweeter.

So Gopher, in your opinion, which dac would be an upgrade from Metrum Octave? I currently have Metrum and looking to make a change. I do not need a lot of features (volumn control, USB in, etc) as long as there's a couple of SPDIF ins and RCA outs (XLR would be nice but not required).

Gopher (Fred) is a great guy but I will have to disagree about the DP-777. I ended up purchasing one just over 1 year ago so I feel like I have a handle on it at this point(I'm the original poster of this thread). My opinion is not worth any more than Fred's but I would highly recommend an audition for yourself. I hate when people spew hyperbole about a product so I won't. I will say, however, that I haven't had a single thought in the last year about dacs and can't think of a single thing it is missing that I desire (well maybe DSD).It is unfailingly musical, has an outstanding linestage, and incredible functionality. I've loved the dac so much I've purchased the 777 integrated amp, phono preamp, 2 AMR power cords, and numerous AMR fuses. To make a hot dog analogy, AMR is "all meat and no fillers" in my opinion.

Gopher,
I love the TWL PC's for some things but definitely not all. Once I took the TWL cord off the AMR and put on a HiDiamond Power3 cord the AMR came to life even more. It was a sleepy lil thing with the cords I think you use. But with a more suitable PC, it 'woke up!'
FWIW I also tried it with a Sablon Gran Corona PC but the HD3 is what really worked for it.
The difference here IME was not small. Added texture, bass and openness...
I understand your "preference" but do not see this unit getting any unnecessary or exaggerated "hype" like you say it is. Just this thread of happy owners. different flavors for different systems.

Schw06, how's the line stage on DP-777? I currently have Pass XP-10 line stage and wondering if DP-777 can replace XP-10 + Metrum. Most DACs that come with volume control are digital, unlike DP-777.