Recommended USB- SPDIF converter for Metrum Octave


I am looking for a USB to SPDIF converter to use with a Metrum Octave DAC. The primary ones under consideration are:

1. JKSPDIF Mk III ($460)
2. Audiophilleo 2 with Pure Power ($999)
5. Wavelength Audio WaveLink ($900)

These configuration would be computer->USB to SPDIF->Metrum Octave->Rogue Cronus->Harbeth P3ESR

Aside from the obvious cost consideration favoring the JKSPDIF Mk III and Linux support favoring the Audiophilleo, can anyone comment on how the sound compares for any of the units?

I would prefer to hear from Metrum owners and owners of the aforementioned converters, but any other recommendations from owners of similar USB to SPDIF converters using them with the Metrum Octave would be appreciated. The reason for asking before looking further is that I came across these comments from John Darko on the DAR website.

"How does the Audiophilleo compare to the JKSPDIF? I get asked this question a lot. I've tried them both with a wide array of budget DACs over many, many months. There really isn't that much to separate them sonically. I could happily live with either (in the long-term) but I distinctly preferred the JKSPDIF with the Metrum Octave - it seemed to bring out more elasticity and tame some of the glassiness."

"Last week a buddy and I sat down to compare four different DACs. Whilst I won't divulge the conclusions here (this piece is about transports, remember?), we both agreed that the Audiophilleo seemed to overcook the upper-mids on a couple of decoding boxes. This wrinkle was ironed flat with a digital attenuator. The JKSPDIF MK3 seems to be kinder/gentler overall. Perhaps it's the battery technology?"

Can anyway comment as to whether or not they have shared his experience of the Audiophilleo? I believe his experience was without the Pure Power unit, and I was wondering how much of a change that had brought to the table for Audiophilleo owners, understanding that these characterizations are often system dependent.
anonymoustao
What converter does John Atkinson of Stereophile and Steven Stone of TAS use to review DACs with?
I don't know, Steve, is it the same one that costs $1300 stock, and $2500 with a power supply? Have John and and Steven bought the units or are they extended reviewer loans?

I was asking Bhobba about your Offramp on another forum. I know he loves it and many have said wonderful things about it, but I want to know if his Offramp 4 is stock or if it has modifications, and which ones? Given that the J Kenny unit comes in with battery power at $450 or so, and the Audiophillio AP2 with PP is $1000, it'd be helpful to know how a stock unit compares to others that have battery power for less money.
Did you pay $700 or $1100 for your Octave? If it was $700 then there is the difference that allows you to go with the Off Ramp. The combination of the Octave and an Off Ramp 5 make for an incredible $2000 DAC

Don't for get the outstanding savings you made by not going with dCS as described by Elberoth.

["03-25-12: Elberoth2
I've been playing with my Metrum Octave DAC for the past 4 weeks, and I have to say, that it sounds spectacular. Super transparent, fast, detailed, smooth, with excellent front to back layering and soundstaging in general. It is indeed a game changing product.

No, it is not better than my uber-expensive dCS Scarlatti, which is still smoother and has even better resolution, but is not that far behind.

This DAC could sell for $5k and (fit and finish aside) could still represent a good value for money.
Elberoth2 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)"]
I have the same dilemma as Anonymoustao. Maybe I could stretch for a stock OR5 but I am not sure how much better than a AP2 w/battery it is going to be. Almost every reviewer seem to have theirs upgraded with turboclock and hynes regulator (The J Kenny is out for me because of the audio delay with video). Further, the reviews implies that the OR is less effective with well designed dacs.

Given all this, I am thinking that maybe make more sense to sell the Octave and combine the money to buy a better DAC with input less susceptible to jitter. Maybe even sell the preamp as well and get a dac with a well implemented volume control/remote. Many options available including Antelope Zodiac, Berkeley Alpha or maybe even an Empirical Overdrive.
"I don't know, Steve, is it the same one that costs $1300 stock, and $2500 with a power supply? Have John and and Steven bought the units or are they extended reviewer loans?"

JA has an extended reviewer loan of OR4. It replaced his reference. Steven Stone owns his OR5.

"I was asking Bhobba about your Offramp on another forum. I know he loves it and many have said wonderful things about it, but I want to know if his Offramp 4 is stock or if it has modifications, and which ones? "

It has Turboclock and USB Hynes.

"Given that the J Kenny unit comes in with battery power at $450 or so, and the Audiophillio AP2 with PP is $1000, it'd be helpful to know how a stock unit compares to others that have battery power for less money."

There have been shootouts already with all converters on the market except the Diverter HR. Posts can be read on all of the forums. Links on my forum and website.

Hew - good luck finding a DAC that is immune to incoming jitter. I have never found one.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio