Metrum Octave versus Eastern Electric DAC

i have yet to hear a solid state digital front end that i would prefer to one using tubes.

so it boils down to the issue of tubes vs solid state.

although i have not heard the metrum, the advantage of a tube circuit is the facility to alter the sound by changing the tube.

Thanks for the responses, frankly, I thought I'd get at least several more folks here who have direct comparison. Mr. Tennis, I am tube biased as well, pun intended, and have swapped out a number of 12au7s since I purchased the unit. These include: Mullard, RCA Clear Tops and more...I settled on Shuguang Black Treasure. Very nice indeed. I also installed upgraded fuse. I like it very much, the EE is a stellar performer stock, with these minor changes; but I am curios about th Metrum, it appears from the threads I've read so far on the A'gon to have a type of sound I "might" enjoy even more than my current set up.

hi mikirob:
as audio is a subjective hobby, your point is well taken. although you have achieved good performance from the minimax, you think that , perhaps, somewhat more reolution , perhaps, would be preferred.

is it possible that you could achieve what you feel is lacking in the minimax, by trying a different tube.

for example, i have found that a 12au7 or 12at7 yellow label brimar works best.

in addition, there are other brands and vintages, you have not auditioned.

if i were in your position, i would experiment with tubes and/or interconnects or digital cables, before i replaced the dac.

once you own the metrum, you lose the affect of tube changes upon the sound of your stereo system.

You have to try the Dexa Discrete op-amps to fully bring out the analog tone you are seeking.
My 2Cents for what it is worth.

Hi Morningstaraudio,

Your 2Cents is highly valued. So, the Dexa Discrete Op amp is the ticket to a more analogue sound, more warmth, more body to the sound? How much in the older volume control unit? Also, I'm in southern GA about 40 minutes north of Jacksonville, FL. How far from here are you? Might be worth a drive to drop it off and get the mod.