The title says it all.
This DAC is tonally open and fast, but still expressive. It has great soundstage space, including separation left-right and palpable depth.
It has the 'blackest background' I've heard (though it IS silent regarding noise floor, this effect is more about spatial separation of elements.)
I previously was using the Topping E70 Velvet, which I had thought was remarkable and top of class. When I heard the Octo at full capability, the E70 Velvet was displaced, though not quite embarrassed.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
This DAC absolutely needs a few hours of burn-in (don't tell me burn in isn't real - keep it to yourself).
Oddly, when I first used it, I was very concerned because it sounded harsh and congested in the lower mids. Within about two hours of use, the sound had changed completely. The congestion and fraying harshness were gone entirely, and the sound signature was wonderfully open, accurate, fast, and not remotely euphonic (I HATE euphonic.)
Lesson learned: don't judge the sound from the first usage. Let it run a while and then enjoy listening.
- Colin



