Metrum Acoustics Onyx (balanced Dac) and Jade (balanced Dac + Pre)

When I had them, Ambre>I2S>Onyx was noticeably better than AES from various AES sources (including Ambre).

 

Ahh, good to know, I’m so new to this I2S stuff I didn’t know it has different version. Any alternative solutions(streamers or converters) other than Ambre that can fit Onyx? Ambre is probably hard to get nowadays.

 

I use a Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 for AES to my Onyx. There was a noticeable improvement over coax from Eitr. Bass was tighter, treble had a bit more sparkle, and the soundstage seemed slightly wider with better placement/separation. It's $400 but I'm pleased with it and it has the added benefit of all outputs being active all the time so doing A/B(/C/D) comparisons are much easier, too.

 

Pi2AES w/ RJ-45 board.
You’ll find a guide on the forum on how to build a streamer. Costs less than $200.

 

https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...-to-pi2aes-throw-away-your-pc-or-laptop.8878/

 

Thanks guys for the suggestions, seems interesting, let me figure this out.

 

I checked with Marco re the new driver and he confirms suitable and can be taken advantage of. Not only that but there will be a further upgrade coming soon which may improve things further.

 

Just a brief update for closure of the "story", for those interested: After spending even more time with HQplayer, I concluded it is up to the task.

To get the desired "tonal" sound signature (in between NOS Onyx and OS Modi Multibit) without subjectively losing sound quality, this is what I configure in HQplayer:

• 2x oversampling for 44.1/48kHz data
• poly-sinc-ext2 filter
• 20bit depth (optimized for Onyx's R2R nature with limited linearity, based on subjective tests)
• "shaped" or "TPDF" dither (depending on digital transport used)
• volume control disengaged (the default soft knee limiter is very good on its own) or minimal (-1db to -2db)

I prefer "TPDF" for Eitr while the integrated USB module in Onyx benefits from the sonically slightly more relaxed "shaped" dither. I am actually very close to ditching Eitr as the software does very good job in compensating for the differences, at least in ways I care the most for.

As a result, I can recommend the software to those who would be in a similar situation. The key advantage (over other similar software) is the level of customization allowed and maturity of some of the included filters.

 

Seems like Metrum is going back in business in August. https://metrumacoustics.com/ And they say they will support previous purchases and 5-star customer support. Safe to say people would take that with a grain of salt given the drama of their customer support in the past...

 

"The HIFI company that was founded by an audio guru is relaunching." Why mention the founder (Cees Ruijtenberg) unless he's involved somehow? Mentioning him (even if obliquely) after all that drama doesn't seem to add up.

 

Oh man that’s great news! Maybe Cees is helping in some way in the shadows?

 

He's back in the saddle https://alpha-audio.net/2020/07/metrum-acoustics-is-back/

 

I am glad that the investor that was a big reason for all of this situation fell from his metaphorical horse though.

Hopefully things will get back in track, with time.

 

Randomly browsing Metrum's site and I see this https://metrumacoustics.com/, DAC 3 is coming out. Metrum claims "Switching your current DAC2 for DAC3 chips will bring for instance the Onyx/Jade to the Pavane/Adagio level." Any thoughts?

 

I've signed up on the Metrum website as someone who might be interested in the new Onyx upgrade. Cees should let an independent reviewer evaluate prototype new DAC modules. Otherwise, it's hard to commit either way.

 

Hi Friends, anyone knows how to install the MQA module on the Onyx? I can't find any instruction on Metrum's website nor do they respond to my email/msg.

 

Somebody knows the exact output voltage on XLR for Onyx?
The manual tells 4 Volts RMS for Onyx but 6 for Jade??
I know the Jade has an volume functionality...