Which USB to S/PDIF converter with Metrum Octave?

Lewinskih01, I would highly recommend the Off Ramp. I've bought my OR4 since April and it took my dac to a whole new level of performance. There is an OR4 that just popped up here on audiogon. I know it is more than your budget, but I'm sure you could negotiate a lower price than the one listed. If you can't get a good price on it, then save a little more and get a new stock OR5 for $1300. You simply can't go wrong with these.

Hey. I got my iLink from Stereodesk for $299. It works real good! It comes with its own USB cable, SPDIF cable (with BNC-RCA adaptors) and a Toslink cable. Sound has improved quite distinctly with my Squeezebox Touch. More details and a larger soundstage. Was impressed enough to also order the Gemini cable and iUSB on top. I recommend Fred at Stereodesk 100%.

Great tips. Thanks to all!

I thought I should come back and share my thoughts as of now. First off, too bad I'm not in Europe or the US so can't audition any of these options.

The iFi iUSB looks great and there has been quite a bit of enthusiasm from users. Great! The Gemini cable has received a lot of online time, but not so mane rave reviews. The iLink...is missing in action as far as user reports go, yet there was significant anticipation before launch...I'm guessing it's good, but not great.

I also considered switching the Metrum Octave Mk I For a Mk II since the latter has the same USB input board the Hex has, which is so well reviewed. That would be the lowest cost option. Turns out in the case of the Mk II the USB board is powered from the computer power through the USB cable, unlike the Hex. So this option would need an extra box, like the iFi iUSB. Still a valid option.

The JKenny Ciunas converter looks promising. Again, little talk yet. One user on head-fi finally reported back yesterday about this converter + Octave and liked it a lot. Most talk is about the Ciunas DAC, though. One guy who is in the audio industry (with no afiliation to neither, as far as I know), tried Ciunas DAC vs Ciunas converter + Octave and preferred the former, but he is driving his amps directly from the DAC and I suspect the unusual output section of the Octave could have something to do with the result, and I won't use it in that fashion.

BTW, the Offramp that was mentioned I decided not to pursue, even used, as the design seems to change all the time, is still very expensive, and having treated power or batteries for it would make it even more expensive. No doubt is a great performer, though.

Bottom line, I'm down to Audiophilleo 2 with PurePower vs Ciunas converter. I wish I could listen to both, but can't. The AP has been said to sound more in your face vs other top performers, like the Offramp. While my tube pre and amp should take care of that, my B&W speakers can be in your face too, so I can only wonder if I will end up with fantastic clarity, or too much in your face sound. I know, impossible to describe or decide by typing or reading. Oh well!

Thanks all again!

Hi Lewinski, did you make a choice or had the opportunity to compare them ?

I'm in the same situation than you this is to say I can't decide between audiophilleo (may be +pp) and Ciunas spdif. The problem is that there's so few reviews/comments about Ciunas spdif that I can't make an opinion.

I did buy an Audiophilleo 2 + PurePower and I´m super-happy. Best sound I ever had! A very audible improvement.

There was no way for me to try them side by side, though. I ended up opting for the AP as there were so many good reviews of it, and some very good also when paired with the Octave. For example, member Elberoth had a shootout (posted over at computeraudiophile) and compared this combo and talked about it quite favorably, especially in light of his super DCS setup.

Bottom line, I can't state it's better than the Ciunas, but I can say it's mighty good. Plus it was a pleasure to deal with the owner.

You also have an Octave? Running PC or Mac?