Digital Processor Reviews

Okto dac8 Stereo D/A processor Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Two-channel, digital-to-analog converter with volume control, headphone output, 2" × 2.42" OLED display, 7 PCM reconstruction filters, optional Raspberry Pi module, and Apple remote control. Digital inputs: AES/EBU (S/PDIF voltage compatible) on XLR, S/PDIF on 2 RCA jacks and 2 TosLink optical connectors, asynchronous USB Type B, 2 USB Type A host, Ethernet on RJ45 jack and Raspberry Pi module, Wi-Fi via Raspberry Pi module. PCM sample rates supported: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, and 192kHz via AES/EBU and S/PDIF, plus 352.8kHz, 384kHz, DSD64, and DSD128 via USB and Ethernet. Maximum input word-length: up to 32 bits depending on input. Analog outputs: 2 pairs balanced XLR, ¼" stereo headphone jack. Maximum output voltage at 0dBFS: 4.1V RMS at main and headphone outputs. Frequency response: not specified. Dynamic range: 131dB. THD+N: –130dB (0.00003%) ref. 0dBFS; SINAD, –120dB (0.0001%) ref. 0dBFS, main output; –113dB (0.00022%) at 100mW into 32 ohms, headphone output. Channel separation: not specified. Output impedance: 50 ohms (main), <0.1 ohm (headphone). Power consumption: 15W.
Dimensions: 17.55" (446mm) W × 7.2" (183mm) D × 2" (50mm) H (including feet). Weight: 10lb (4.5kg).
Finishes: Black, silver.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 0, Firmware v1.00.
Price: €1089, equivalent to $1285 at the time of writing, plus €89 for the streaming module and €25 for the Apple remote, to give a total of €1203 ($1423). Sold direct, with 30-day return policy. Warranty: 2 years.
Manufacturer: Okto Research s.r.o., Jana Masaryka 257/26, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic. Web: oktoresearch.com.

COMPANY INFO
Okto Research s.r.o.
Jana Masaryka 257/26
12000 Prague
Czech Republic
oktoresearch.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
rt66indierock's picture
Submitted by rt66indierock on January 21, 2021 - 12:52pm

John you got the same measurements I did when I measured it last year which is good.

I have said this is the best DAC I have heard.

Olle Linder's picture
Submitted by Olle Linder on February 5, 2021 - 9:04am

How does Chord Qutest sound compared to Oktos dac?

kirk's picture
Submitted by kirk on February 6, 2021 - 5:08am

Hello John

Thank you for the review. What I glean from it is that the unit majors on detail retrieval, leading edge definition and resolution. You also mention that another more expensive DAC gets out of the way of the music more effectively - what does that mean exactly?

Also, any dac8 owners reading this: how would you describe the sound? Anything to add?

MhtLion's picture
Submitted by MhtLion on February 20, 2021 - 8:18am

I haven't heard Okto dac8. But, as far as the measurements published in Stereophile are concerned - I think it's in the top 10, even the top 5 possibly. Rest assured, I'm ordering this.

MhtLion's picture
Submitted by MhtLion on November 3, 2022 - 11:36am

Okto is definitely one of the best measured DACs at a fractional cost compared to other high-end brands.

shawnwes's picture
Submitted by shawnwes on December 11, 2022 - 6:44am

When John Atkinson and ASR both agree that something is an extreme bargain I notice. It took me a year to find one on the resale market as the Okto site rarely has one posted for sale and they go almost immediately, like Stones tickets. Happily paid full retail price even though it's used. It should arrive here in a week or so. This should definitely up the digital side of my system. Thanks John.

shawnwes's picture
Submitted by shawnwes on December 20, 2022 - 5:11am

Unable to purchase one directly from the manufacturer due to supply issues I managed to find a Pi-less version in mint condition online. Arrived yesterday. Simply stunning using HQPlayer playing my ripped flac files. Thanks John for your enthusiastic review. Now if only the manufacturer could find a way to figure out his production issues.

ednazarko's picture
Submitted by ednazarko on June 7, 2023 - 2:43pm

Have been listening to the Okto for about 6 weeks now. It's addicting - all the clarity and detail without any edge, images beautifully with the system it's in (which has B&W 702s2 speakers that I was only mildly happy with before). What I'd planned as a couple hours of trying headphones with the DAC last weekend turned into a day into night listening marathon. They are able to put out a few for purchase every couple weeks now, get on the email notification list. It's worth it.

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