Highest performance, streaming-enabled stereo D/A converter
NEW: The recently released v1.6 firmware brings DoP decoding capability to SPDIF, optical and AES/EBU inputs, enabling direct playback from SACD players. Available for download below.
"The dac8 Stereo is the result of our years-long journey to extract the fullest potential from the flagship Sabre D/A chips. Though it shares the analog architecture of the dac8 PRO, the dac8 Stereo goes a step further. By combining 4+4 channels, it doubles the dynamic range and pushes measured performance to levels previously thought unattainable. Additionally, it incorporates a Raspberry Pi 4, a widely recognized, community-supported single-board computer. This enables the device to play audio from network storage or streaming services.
Our design process took an unconventional path, ultimately deviating entirely from the D/A chip manufacturer guidelines. The driving principle behind our products is that it's the implementation that truly determines performance and character."
Pavel Krasensky, dac8 Stereo designer
"Okto has done it again: producing state-of-the-art, class-leading, instrument-grade DAC. Not only that, the mechanicals and usability are a good match for it as well. When someone as picky as me can't find any faults, you can tell the job is well done. Very well done. It is my pleasure to highly recommend the okto dac8 stereo DAC."
"Not only does the Okto dac8 Stereo offer superb sound quality and state-of-the-art measured performance; its price is a fraction of what you'd pay for competing products."
"This was an upgrade from the NAD m51. I was expecting a difference. What I was not expecting is this big a difference. It does not seem to care too much about what file I throw at it. In fact, the most impressive experiences I have had have been mostly with redbook cd files. I am extremely pleased and impressed with your creation!"
Philip, customer
"The Okto is an amazing DAC. So happy with it. It seriously outperforms our two other (but admittedly several years old) DACs in my home in terms of clarity, imaging, and musicality - especially musicality. Sometimes a bit more clarity than expected… I can hear Pablo Casals gasping for air - very, very faintly - as he conducts the Brandenburgs. When I sit down to listen to an album or two, it turns into five or six albums or more. Listened through headphones for the first time last weekend and day turned into night and I just kept going. You’ve made a wonderful product - deserves to be better known. It’s got me thinking about your multi-channel DAC. "
Ed, customer
"I'm writing this e-mail to let you know that I'm very pleased with the performance of the dac as I'm spending a lot of time listening to music, a sure sign of a well-engineered, low distortion, musically engaging product in my opinion. So, thank you for the countless hours of music bliss and I'm certain for the many more to follow. "
Georgios, customer
"After about one month of almost daily sessions, your Okto DAC8 Stereo has performed flawlessly with excellent ergonomics: I particularly like having been able to use my old remote control, the auto-off feature, the clear display. Musically it ranks the highest as I rediscover many of my treasured 44.1/16 CDs and FLAC files and they convey more than ever the complex emotions of musical sound, more than ever treasured in these difficult times. Your DAC is making my life more beautiful and my emotions more pleasurable."
Andrea, customer
"More than that, much more than that: thank you very much for delivering such a wonderful product! After a little running in, I found the sound quality to be very nicely detailed and delivering music in a very convincing way! "
Peter, customer
"in italian “da pelle d’oca”, “pazzesco”, “tanta roba” very good job, DAC 8 is better than my old Auralic Vega (which was better than my older DCS Puccini+clock) "
Antonio, customer
"I just wanted to give you my feedback on the Dac8 Stereo after a month of ownership. First and foremost, the Dac8 Stereo is the best sounding DAC I’ve ever had in my system! And I’ve had well regarded DACs in my system(s) for the past 20+ years - this year alone I’ve had 6... I also find it really easy to use (my whole family uses it) and very elegant from both a product design and a user experience. It is a well thought out product. The Apple remote works perfectly."
Julien, customer
"Rec'd DAC today and it is obvious this kit is a labor of love. Just out of the box, sound is SHOCKINGLY good. Like profanely good. I won't embarrass myself by slobbering in print but, WOW. OUTRAGEOUS PRODUCT in build design, execution, and, most importantly, sound quality."
Robert, customer
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Warranty
From CNC machining to PCB assembly, Okto Research products are crafted with care in Central Europe. We procure most of the production in-house, and for everything else, we collaborate with local suppliers and manufacturers. This approach ensures the utmost quality, a standard we firmly believe in and one that makes us proud to deliver our products to you.
Please contact us if you have an EU VAT number and want to make a purchase with VAT excluded.
While the streaming version of the dac8 Stereo is currently not available due to the Raspbery Pi 4 Model B worldwide shortage, it is possible to retrofit it into the non-streaming version later if you manage to buy one locally. This Wi-Fi adapter and USB interconnect are the acessories that would normally come with the streaming dac8 Stereo.
Previously offered Apple Remote is no longer in production. We are currently developing a custom-designed replacement. Until this is available, the dac8 Stereo can be paired with any remote that has a minimum of seven buttons.
Custom output voltage can enhance dynamic range in setups where the dac8 Stereo interfaces directly to the power amplifier. For more information, please refer to the "Driving Power Amplifiers Directly" chapter in the Owner's Manual. Please specify the requested value in your order note.
There is currently no ongoing dac8 Stereo tour, but one is planned for EU and US. If you sign up, we are going to contact you when a tour unit is in your area and available. The participation is free except for the shipping cost to the next participant. The tour order is dependent on location, not sign-up date.
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