Metrum Onyx/Jade

[Mark1987]

I own a Metrum Amethyst and a Jade (since yesterday). Initial impressions are very good. Much wider and deeper soundstage. Bass notes are much easier to follow. Detail retrieval is supurb. Not to mention the volume control, it is such a relief that i can use the Jade to control the volume instead of my Croft 25R with dual volume pots

[Mark1987]

I own both the Amethyst and the Jade. Are you guys interested in a comparison? 

[Mark1987]

Hello everyone,

 

The Jade and Amethyst will be compared on the following system:

 

432 Evo High-End streamer > USB

Metrum Jade/Amethyst

Croft 25R Preamp

Croft Series 7 Monoblocks

Harbeth Compact 7 ES3

M-Way Cables and Wow Powerblock 

 

Connections and internal differences

 

The front  layout on both DAC's is identical with the exception of the Headphone jack on the Amethyst. On both dacs you use one button to switch sources and both have the same annoying volume knob. On the back the Jade has trigger, XLR,  and AES/EBU the rest of the inputs are the same. The Amethyst uses a bigger power supply to feed the headphone Amp. The Jade has a remote control (yay!). 

 

 

Sound

There is no tonal difference between the two. If you ask me to describe the difference in one word: More. The Jade is more present, it has more authority and more staging.

 The Jade puts the soundstage further back and it is much wider. With the Amethyst the stage has a clear border and the whole image is more upfront. That last bit also has its impact on the presentation of the high frequencies. Because of the somewhat upfront presentation the details get pushed out, I don't exactly know how to properly describe this. With the Jade you can hear that the details are part of the whole picture, while the Amethyst kinda throws them at you. Bass is a joy with the Jade. Clearly defined and controlled. I found that the Amethyst was a great upgrade to the Hex in this regard, but the Jade takes this to the next level.  Dynamics and punch or impact is also much more improved with the Jade. You can hear the the Amethyst is much softer and less articulate. 

[Mark1987]

I find the sound too sterile when i leave the 25R out of the chain. I prefer to use the Jade as a DAC and volume control. The volume control on the 25R is on 75%.

[Mark1987]

1 hour ago, Spinning said:

Very nice write-up!

 

Thank you Spinning! Writing reviews or comparisons is not my strength. If you want some more information about the comparison, just ask. 

[Mark1987]

Oh and i cannot edit mu own posts? Is there something i am missing?

[Mark1987]

8 hours ago, Blakcloud said:

Currently I own the Metrum Octave Mk. II and it has served me well and I quite like it. Yet I am thinking it may be the weak link in my system. I am thinking about going up the line to the Onyx and wonder is this going to be a noticeable upgrade or do I need to go to the Pavane? The Onyx I could purchase new, the Pavane, I would have to purchase used if I could even find one. Will the Onyx match the rest of the system in terms of level of performance?

 

My system : Aurender N100>Metrum Octave Mk.II>Herron Line Stage Preamplifier>Herron Mono Blocks>Tetra 606's. Power cords Audio Sensibility Statements, Audio Sensibility interconnects, TEO Game Changers interconnects, Audio Quest Cinnamon USB, Audio Sensibility Statement speaker cable.

 

Even when you buy the Amethyst the upgrade will be very much worth it. Jade/Onyx will be better (see my comparison ). I personally dont like the Jade as a preamp in my system.

[Mark1987]

2 hours ago, PeteS said:

Any new Onyx/Jade owners here to share their experiences?

What do you want to know?  I own both the Jade and the Ametyst.