Yamamoto YDA 01 DAC

Pani,
This is why I suggested you read the Totaldac review for context. That review compared the reviewer`s Yamamoto(which he loved) to the Totaldac and preferred this component. Srajan found the Metrum and Totaldac sonic equals(Metrum is 1/5 the cost!). Pani did you note his comparison to the APL NWO-M? very impressive(more tone,body and presence). As I mentioned before the Yamamoto sounds fantastic(really as good as anything else I`ve heard so far), but this Metrum seems a different level upwards.

He made it a point to emphasize the superior "resolution" and wide bandwith performance compared to typical NOS DACs, yet maintaining a profound analogue like and organic character(mentioned sevral times).He made a point that upper frequency detail,harmonics and decay are very much intact(no rolled off highs). Remember the Metrum is R/2R, based not delta sigma chip(Yamamoto). Srajan obviously thought highly of the Yamamoto(and for good reason) but feels this modern yet simple R/2R designed DAC is quite special. Analogue gestalt and rich tone combined with superior resolution not found in most NOS DACs(weakness of typical NOS DAC). You should read the current 6 moons review of the April Music U3 USB converter where 4 DACs are compared and again note the Metrum comments, very clear opinion.
Best Regards,

Pani,
Forgot to answer other questions.
1)Payed 2500 USD for YDA-1. JAN. 2010
2) No switch for 110/220 volts
3)Srajan sent me an email saying he did`nt directly compare the YDA-01 and Metrum. But said reviewer Joel thought the TotalDAC clearly bettered his own YDA-01. Srajan considers the Metrum and Totaldac as equally great, thus by triangulation he`d say the Metrum would out performs the YDA-01.

Very very interesting Charles....
I would have gone with the Total if I had the opportunity to listen to it before buying. Did you notice that Srajan mentioned couple of times that the Metrum tone is darker and richer. Now that sometimes makes me nervous because tonally darker and richer many a times means change of timber towards the lush side. If you would have read, many romantic speakers (JMR, Spendor, Harbeth) are termed as richer and darker sounding, but to me they color the timber to the thicker and darker side. I just hope that is not the case with Metrum.

Anyway, from your explanation of the YDA01 I can see that you too recognize timbral accuracy well so I will take your word on the Metrum when you have it. Please do inform me when you get the DAC. BTW, I read that there is a waiting period for the Metrum DAC. When are you expecting it to come ?

Charles, have you listened to the Lavry Gold DAC ? It is also a highly regarded NOS DAC but the implementation is totally their own.

Pani I`ve not heard the Lavry Gold. I must admit the brilliant approach taken with the Metrum is quite exciting to me. I `ve been reading Srajan`s reviews for a long while and by now can sense when he finds a component`s performance exceptonal. He`s very descriptive and clear with his choice of words, If he felt this DAC too dark and or colored, he`d simply say so(he finds the tone natural and realistic, no digital artifacts). The Metrum is a blue moon recipient(as was the YDA-01,but we`re 3 years down the road from that now, things can and do get better).

I`ll put it this way, it you got the YDA-01 I`m convinced you`d love it. My hunch is however given the praise of the Metrum it has taken what the very fine(Yamamoto) does to the next level up.

Yes the wait time is 8-12 weeks( small company, hand built DAC, increased demand now) I`m patient, and the Yamamoto still sounds beautiful.