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Eximus | Metrum + U3: The Metrum is a quad-paralleled R/2R DAC run NOS style but capable of processing up to 24-bit/176.4kHz signal. Setting PureMusic 1.81d5r4 to 176.4kHz in NOS mode upshifts unfiltered anti-aliasing garbage out of the passband. If you're sensitive to the softening effects of zero sampling/filtering, voilà. At $1.500 with the obligatory U3 to do USB—the Stello could be replaced by a KingRex, Audiophilleo or similar for perhaps even better results—this Dutch converter had become my go-to choice from personal inventory. In the interest of minimized variables again I set source oversampling for both machines, then the Eximus to zero upsampling on its end.

The Metrum had the same shimmer and expansiveness as the Eximus, the same non-etched clarity and profound color intensity yet not quite its gutsiness, image pop, drive and projection power. This caused me conjecture about a perhaps butcher power supply for Simon Lee's machine because those exact qualities often accompany an upgraded PSU. The actual reason could be different but the tie-in does suggest the proper results. Given length constraints of this review and the need to keep multiple comparisons brief, I'd call the U3/Metrum combo Eximus lite - a very similar presentation but as such not quite as potent.


Where the Invicta and DP1 were on the level but distinguished by flavor, this pairing shared the flavor but occupied two different hierarchical steps - large/medium or original/lite. Considering moolaha (essentially half the cost), the Metrum is a true insider's tip. Over it the Eximus expands on features and sound. That has the fiscal repercussions in line.


Eximus | HA-160D. At $1.150 the packed Burson has a generally similar feature set to the DP1 with more analog but less digital inputs, a 24/96kHz limit on USB, no selectable upsampling and no XLRs. Flatly put, its resolution is of a lower order. This manifests all across as less acute three-dimensional relief. The Burson was voiced deliberately round, meaty and dense. Against the DP1 which manages the same qualities at noticeably higher pixel count, the HA-160D acts fuzzier, warmer and less teased out. The addition of the U3 takes things up a few notches but cannot bridge the gap.

Where Burson's softness comes from warmth—devotees of affordable triode amps will recognize it—the DP1's very minor softness mentioned via the Invicta is really sweetness. Warmth diminishes resolution, sweetness does not. This clarifies a core accomplishment of the Eximus. Its circuit achieves 'analogue comfort'—generosity, rich colors, fleshy robustness—and 'digital resolution'. The Burson errs on comfort, the CEntrance on the opposite side.

Eximus | Zodiac Gold: Igor Levin's converter is even more full-featured than the DP1 to add socketry including digital outputs plus remote control. It, the Invicta and the Eximus are the three big dogs of this pack. With the Gold I heard even more space envelopment behind the performers. This produced the most lit-up dimensionality and what in audio lingo goes for holography though it's not. Simultaneously the overall stance or attitude was more relaxed, the participatory vibe more laid back. The Eximus was the grippier and more forward projecting performer. This doesn't refer to subjective stage distance or placement. It's about the 'they're here' versus 'I'm there' feeling. The DP1 had greater oomph and incarnation factor.

All this translated intact to headfi where the Eximus added superior drive/gain and gumption whilst the Gold retaliated with a near overabundance of spatial detail or airiness. In terms of headphones I perceived a slight hierarchy which, top down, read DP1, Invicta, Gold. From these comparisons the Eximus adds up to top resolution that's a bit less overt or in slightly softer contrast than the Invicta; greater density and substance than the Gold; equivalent meatiness to the Burson but clearly higher magnification power; nearly subliminal sweetness rather than warmth; and tone-color intensity and crystallization similar to the Metrum but with greater force. That's the big picture.

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