In the realm of high-fidelity audio, Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) play a pivotal role in translating digital signals into the analog waveforms that we perceive as sound. Metrum Acoustics, a brand recognized for its innovative approach to digital audio conversion, offers two compelling DAC models: the Adagio and the Pasithea. This article delves into a comparative analysis of these two devices, exploring their features and technical specifications to provide a comprehensive understanding for audiophiles and enthusiasts.
Both the Metrum Acoustics Adagio and Pasithea DACs represent the brand’s commitment to non-oversampling (NOS) technology. This design philosophy aims to minimize digital artifacts and deliver a more natural and organic sound reproduction. Understanding the nuances between these two models requires a closer examination of their internal architecture and performance metrics.
When considering high-performance DACs, measurements often become a point of discussion. While objective measurements offer valuable insights into technical performance, it’s crucial to contextualize them with the subjective listening experience. Discussions around frequency response, noise floor, and channel separation are common in DAC evaluations.
In the context of DAC measurements, concerns are sometimes raised regarding NOS DACs and their frequency roll-off at the higher end of the audio spectrum. As the original text mentions, criticisms of NOS roll-off are noted, for example “- “Output is down 1dB at the top of the audioband (20kHz) with 44.1kHz data”.” However, the audibility of frequencies beyond 20kHz is a subject of debate, particularly considering the age-related decline in human hearing sensitivity to high frequencies.
To provide a relevant comparison, it’s useful to reference measurements from other high-performing DACs. The original text points to the Mola Mola Tambaqui and Sonnet Morpheus DACs as benchmarks. The Tambaqui was highlighted in Stereophile for its “state-of-the-digital-art performance.” Measurements for the Tambaqui revealed impressive specifications:
“Repeating the measurement with the maximum output set to 2V, the increase in bit depth dropped the noise floor by 24dB (fig.6), which is still 20 bits’ worth of resolution. Channel separation was 112dB in both directions across the audioband, HR had used the Tambaqui set to 2V maximum output level—and any supply-related spuriae were at –130dB or lower”.
Similarly, the Sonnet Morpheus, another DAC mentioned for its excellent performance, exhibited comparable metrics:
“An increase in bit depth from 16 to 24, with dithered data representing a 1kHz tone at –90dBFS, dropped the Sonnet’s noisefloor by around 24dB (fig.8). This implies a resolution of 20 bits, which is excellent. Channel separation was superb, at >125dB in both directions below 1kHz (fig.5), decreasing to a still-superb 113dB at 20kHz. The Morpheus’s noisefloor was free from any power supply–related spuriae (fig.6)”.
These measurements provide context when evaluating the Metrum Acoustics Adagio and Pasithea. While specific measurement data for the Adagio and Pasithea was not provided in the original text, the reference to Tambaqui and Morpheus sets a performance expectation for high-end DACs.
The anticipation surrounding the Metrum Acoustics Pasithea was evident, as the original text notes, “Pasithea should up the ante. Prior to Xmas the 1st production run sold out.” This suggests a high level of interest and expectation for the Pasithea to potentially surpass existing high-performance DACs in the market.
Conclusion
Comparing the Metrum Acoustics Adagio and Pasithea DACs requires a detailed examination of their technical specifications and sonic characteristics. While the original text does not provide direct comparative data, it sets the stage by discussing the importance of measurements and referencing other high-performing DACs like the Mola Mola Tambaqui and Sonnet Morpheus. The anticipation for the Pasithea, highlighted by its initial sell-out, suggests its potential to be a significant contender in the high-end DAC market. Further in-depth reviews and measurements of both the Adagio and Pasithea are needed to fully delineate their comparative strengths and nuances for discerning audiophiles.
