Metrum Octave versus Eastern Electric DAC

I'm not even going to get into the convo of tube vs. ss as there is no definitive answer or empirical evidence one way or another.

Anyway, If we're comparing "modded" units Paul Hynes has a modded Metrum octave using his shunt regulators and an upgraded pulse transformer.

I personally use Shindo (tube) preamp/amp and Metrum Octave (ss) DAC.

I'm considering the Paul Hynes upgrades and a also getting te new Metrum Hex just recently announced.

Sibelius, I am doing the same, except I found a used Metrum, should arrive in about week. Then I need to purchase the EE upgraded plus and intend to do that after I listen to the original EE no upgrades against the Metrum.

Mikirob - Great. Will be interested in reading about your findings. Congrats on finding a used Octave. I've been looking for about three weeks without any success. I'm really looking forward to comparing the two.

Mr. Tennis I don't fully understand your question. When you say pick do you mean prefer? I have no clue as to which you might prefer, I can only say what other listeners prefer in my system. So far as "classic tube sound" ala your preferred Conrad Johnson MV 125 amp, the Minimax Plus is in no way reminicent of that type of sound, actually it doesn't have a tube sound at all to my ears. This is neither good or bad. It is a fine DAC, just not the most preferable is all. The tonal balance in stock form does not meld ideally with my system even using different tubes and I've tried them all. I agree with what Charles stated, my preference for tubes generally lies in amps and pre-amps. I don't mean to get too off topic from the question of the thread, Metrum vs EE since I haven't compared the two but my experience leads me to believe that the design of the output stage and power supply are the most important factors in designing a DAC. Tube vs SS, less a factor, YMMV.

i have used a 12au7 brimar in the minimax. while i did not achieve a classic tube sound, i heard the affect of then tube.

it created a "flavor" to the sound of my stereo system, which i would conjecture could not be replicated by a ss dac.