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

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by sacredgates, Oct 3, 2017.

  1. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    Italian management will do that for you :rolleyes:
     
  2. lehmanhill

    lehmanhill Almost "Made"

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    Unfortunately, I think we can call the demise of Metrum Acoustics as semi-official. After 5 weeks of myself and Paypal trying to contact them, there has been no response and Paypal has awarded me a full refund. If they aren't responding to Paypal, then they aren't in business, at least by my definition.

    I know its trivial compared to the coronavirus, but it is a shame. I personally like the "Metrum sound" and am happy to have a few of their dacs. Hopefully, Sonnett will continue the tradition. Somebody should start a new thread by comparing an Onyx or Pavane to a Sonnett. Maybe even throw a Holo KTE May into the comparison.
     
  3. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    I was tied up on other stuff the last few weeks and wasn't able to wrap up the I2S adapter testing. Should I continue or is it a moot point? It seems unlikely there will be new Metrum users to sell the adapter to. The cost and effort of the adapter itself is not that huge, but not zero.

    Michael
     
  4. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Your call of course, but there's a fairly large installed base, and I believe many of those don't have the I2S module yet.
     
  5. Ksaurav402

    Ksaurav402 Friend

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    I'm not sure how different is I2S module of Sonnet Morpheus as the user base for this DAC will grow now as Metrum is not in picture anymore
     
  6. lehmanhill

    lehmanhill Almost "Made"

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    I will be going ahead with an i2s module of some sort for the Pavane I bought.

    I thought it might be useful to gauge interest in Michael designing an i2s module for Metrum DACs, so I made a Google spreadsheet. If you are interested, follow the link and put your information into the spreadsheet. Its not a commitment, just a show of interest.

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Gt4SYvu2chZhJNQmBLq0lWfV1AXpR3S89hlAOnA64gg/edit?usp=sharing

    I will start a new thread for this component and survey because we are getting pretty far off the topic here.
     
  7. lehmanhill

    lehmanhill Almost "Made"

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    Michael and MisterRogers,

    I sent you guys a PM or is it called a conversation?
     
  8. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    Make the cost worth your time. Us as a community will help get the word out as I'm sure there are many Metrum users who were in my shoes - looking at I2S module and Ambre and unable to swallow the cost.

    The fact the I2S could be sold as bundle, essentially both sending and receiving, is very advantageous from a buyer's perspective. My only caution is the apparent sizing difference between models and what costs this brings on your end, and subsequent stocking.
     
  9. IB Down-Under

    IB Down-Under MOT: Critical Sound Information

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    It’s around 2 years of degeneration (since new owner takeover) and a case of empire building – opening offices in Florida/India. A move away from traditional methods of Audio marketing i.e. Reviews from mags around the world to cover diff countries/languages. Introduction of an Ambassador scheme (instead) using DJ’s & some recording artists. Although large fan bases for them (music) not Audio enthusiasts.

    After building up a network of Dealers around the world for close to 10 years, around mid 2018 the new owner deleted reference to this network on the Dealer page (no one seemed to have noticed) – in spite of claims to support them where purchases made direct.

    Introduction of a 14 day trial (or money back) offer around the world. The logistics must have been a pain and what happens to the number of returned products – which are no longer new ? Costs back & forth added financial burden.

    It’s been reported elsewhere M went bankrupt in Feb. I (and other ex Dealers) still have some diminishing stocks but will continue to trade their products and offer support. The company may be defunct but the products are still good-uns.
     
  10. drgumbybrain

    drgumbybrain Science Nut

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    Im a little worried about the future, I just bought 2 dacs from Metrum. Praying for no need to tech support like this guy (poor fellow)


    https://www.head-fi.org/threads/metrum-acoustics-horror-story.927279/
     
  11. Ksaurav402

    Ksaurav402 Friend

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    Their DACs seem to be robust. Just invest in good surge protector and you should be good for many years hopefully.
     
  12. lehmanhill

    lehmanhill Almost "Made"

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    Thanks for that update and summary. I had not seen the bankruptcy info.

    Now they need to have someone turn off the computer.;)
     
  13. Orkney

    Orkney Acquaintance

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    Yep, they're well-made for sure. The Ambre can be a little finicky, with its SD card that can be corrupted in a power outage or even if it gets turned off before updating, but otherwise works well. As long as there's some bits and pieces in stock for repair I think you can buy used or keep listening with reasonable confidence. And the newer models at least keep their promises in the sound and build quality department. Can't say the same about any number of other DACs I've owned.
     
  14. lehmanhill

    lehmanhill Almost "Made"

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  15. JeffYoung

    JeffYoung Friend

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    Well that sucks.
     
  16. lehmanhill

    lehmanhill Almost "Made"

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  17. Levpush

    Levpush New

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    Hi friends - just wondering if anyone can comment on using Onyx for classical(more specifically, symphonies)? Given the narrow soundstage people were reporting on Onyx, is it better to go for Gungnir Multibit for someone who mainly listen to classicals? Thanks.
     
  18. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    Headphones or speakers?
    I don't notice a narrow soundstage with headphones, quite the opposite.
     
  19. lehmanhill

    lehmanhill Almost "Made"

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    I had an early Gungnir Multibit that I replaced with the Onyx, but I only use speakers. I would say that the Onyx soundstage was equal or better for width than the Gungnir and better for depth. The Onyx might seem a little softer focus than the Gungnir in the mid-range, but overall I preferred the Onyx. My majority listening is folk and small ensemble, but even for large orchestra pieces, I really enjoy the Onyx. I will say that Hands is right, some people prefer the NOS sound and others prefer the OS sound. If you can, find a way to listen to a good NOS before buying one, do it, just to be sure you are of those who like NOS. I didn't know it 2 years ago, but it turns out I am an NOS guy.

    An additional point. With the Gungnir, I didn't have good sources other than USB and SPDIF coax. With the Onyx, I got to try good coax, balanced AES, and i2s (Pi2AES). The Onyx responded very nicely to each step in input source with the i2s being the best. If you do decide to get an Onyx and can find one with an i2s module or find an i2s module separately, its a good thing to have because Metrum's USB implementation is only average.
     
  20. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

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    I disagree and also come from a Gungnir Multibit - gungnir - Jade. I much prefer the Jade overall, classical music included.
     

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