[anonymoustao]

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 all of this is system dependent.

[TRADERXFAN]

might want to look into AR-T Legato. This is what I use, it sounds great, but haven't compared it to the others so can't speak on that point.

[anonymoustao]

Thank you!  Have you only used it with the Metrum or with other DACS, too?

[TomS]

I have the AP1 with PurePower and I certainly don't find it to "over cook" anything at all, at least as it fits into my front end system. I use a Bryston BDA-1 with Alix/Voyage Linux.

With any of these patched together digital solutions there are a lot of variables to consider - computer source hw and sw, cables, USB 5v power sourcing, converters, isolation, DAC, attenuation type, etc. It is very challenging to isolate effects along that chain because it doesn't all just plug and play. Even just switching the PurePower in/out involves several variables - cabling, isolation/power routing.

AP offers a 30 day trial period so why not listen to it and see if you like it?

[anonymoustao]

I have the AP1 with PurePower and I certainly don't find it to "over cook" anything at all, at least as it fits into my front end system. I use a Bryston BDA-1 with Alix/Voyage Linux.

With any of these patched together digital solutions there are a lot of variables to consider - computer source hw and sw, cables, USB 5v power sourcing, converters, isolation, DAC, attenuation type, etc. It is very challenging to isolate effects along that chain because it doesn't all just plug and play. Even just switching the PurePower in/out involves several variables - cabling, isolation/power routing.

AP offers a 30 day trial period so why not listen to it and see if you like it?

Very true, Tom, regarding the variables.  However, one of the considerations in moving toward the AP2 w. PP was that some people indicated that it reduced the effect of other variables.  I am planning to take advantage of the home audition option for the AP2, but since that is not an option for the JKSPDIF Mk. III, had hoped to hear from those with experience with both as a point of reference.  If I like and buy the AP2 based on the home audition, I will never know if I could have had the same performance for half the price.   

[Aleg]

Very true, Tom, regarding the variables.  However, one of the considerations in moving toward the AP2 w. PP was that some people indicated that it reduced the effect of other variables.  I am planning to take advantage of the home audition option for the AP2, but since that is not an option for the JKSPDIF Mk. III, had hoped to hear from those with experience with both as a point of reference.  If I like and buy the AP2 based on the home audition, I will never know if I could have had the same performance for half the price.   

http://www.johnkenny.biz/ says a home trial of 20 days on all devices, so no reason not to try one.

-
Aleg

[anonymoustao]

Agreed.  Given that it's the lowest price among converters reputed to work well with the Metrum, I think I'll start there.