{"id":3698,"date":"2025-06-22T12:59:26","date_gmt":"2025-06-22T10:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/?p=3698"},"modified":"2025-04-26T13:07:52","modified_gmt":"2025-04-26T11:07:52","slug":"octavio-stream-the-french-eco-friendly-dac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/tests\/types\/dac\/octavio-stream-the-french-eco-friendly-dac\/","title":{"rendered":"OCTAVIO Stream: The French Eco Friendly DAC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A network player made in France? That was enough to intrigue us. Because while our teams are fond of high-end DACs, exceptional CD transports and high-resolution portable music players, we are above all driven by a passion for beautiful sound. Octavio, a young French start-up that also intends to make its mark thanks to Octavio Stream, no doubt shares this passion. So here we have a well-designed, well-thought-out audiophile network player that we couldn’t wait to try out!<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 2018 in Lille, France, Octavio was born, like many inventions, out of frustration. That of two student friends, David and Victor, music lovers in their spare time, unable to enjoy the joys of connected music on their vintage but quality system. The solution? A network player, of course! But while there are plenty of top-of-the-range products on offer (from the famous Bluesound Node to the majestic dCS Lina, tested in the last issue), it’s hard for the less fortunate to find what they’re looking for. This is the challenge our two companions have taken up by developing their own in-house network player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s an original idea that will take shape in their flats, before coming to life – in prototype form – in the Plaine Images incubator, a veritable European hub dedicated to the creative industries. The gestation period will last a year, from January to December 2019, until the first system is created: the Octavio Stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In March 2020, everything accelerates. Thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, Octavio leaves the concept phase to become a real brand, ready to offer the world the fruit of its efforts: a compact network player, designed and assembled in France, capable of being combined with both an amp and a dedicated DAC, at a condensed price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s an audiophile project with real meaning, supported by a young team who are fully aware of the new climatic and technological challenges from the first to the last kilometre, thanks in particular to the Hipli packaging designed to be returned and reused!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while we had been following the project from a distance, one fine morning we decided to pay closer attention: have we finally found our French network player nugget?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introducing Octavio Stream<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Following in the footsteps of Google Chromecast Audio, the Octavio Stream plays the simplicity and sobriety card. A recycled plastic chassis with a black and white bitonal finish, a single USB-C socket for power, a 3.5 mm jack output that doubles as a mini Toslink, and two control buttons directly accessible on the top panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A no-frills presentation, then, guided by the desire to offer a 100% French design: the case is moulded and assembled in the north of France, the pad printing done in Haute-Savoie, the screws in the Rh\u00f4ne. Even the manual comes from a printer based in France, in Villevieille (Gard) to be precise. The only limit to this system is the electronic board, which is produced in Asia, the undisputed leader in this high-tech sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the latter, Octavio called on a major player in the sector: Linkplay. A major player that has successfully deployed its offerings throughout the sector. Triangle, AudioPro, Marshall and even Harman Kardon all rely on the Chinese solution, which continues to expand. A logical choice, then, especially as for its Stream, the brand has decided not to integrate the old A96 chip, but the new A97\/A98, which are far more upgradeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of the Stream is an Amlogic A113x DSP, specifically designed for connected hi-fi systems, backed up by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor that ensures perfectly smooth navigation. The icing on the cake is the adoption of ARM Neon architecture to accelerate audio processing and facilitate the playback of high-resolution audio files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A winning bet that will not only enable the addition of numerous functions simply by updating the software – AirPlay 2, hi-res streaming, multiroom – but also and above all ensure perfect synergy with the audio PCB. This time it’s a circuit designed entirely in-house by Hugo, developer and engineer, based on a Texas Instruments PCM5102A chip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This digital\/analogue converter is perfectly suited to this application, thanks in particular to its integrated phase-locked loop, which does not require the addition of an internal clock, and its ability to decode all 16- and 24-bit PCM streams. Added to this is minimal power consumption (no need for an active heatsink), ensuring excellent chip life in closed environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"octavio<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In use<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Delivered in a striking black cardboard box, the Octavio Stream has a real charm all of its own. It’s a small block with a sober but neat appearance that blends in perfectly with its surroundings. Measuring just 118 mm wide by 64 mm long and 21 mm thick, it slips easily between the elements of our test system, adding a discreet touch of fantasy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connecting the player takes just a few seconds: you connect the USB-C cable to the mains power supply supplied, then to the appropriate port on the back of the player. Then all we need to do is connect our streamer to our amp, either via a jack-RCA cable or via a mini-Toslink to Toslink connector, which bypasses the Octavio’s built-in DAC. The brand offers a choice of three cables: jack-jack, jack-RCA and mini-Toslink-Toslink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installation itself is very straightforward. Octavio guides us step-by-step through the Stream’s configuration – whether via the myriad of dedicated videos on their website or the Virtuose application developed for the purpose. And for those of you who are paper addicts, the brand hasn’t forgotten the classic user manual, included with every device, and printed on recycled paper, wow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of network connections, the Stream is powered by a Broadcom BCM 43456 chip, compatible with the 2.4 GHz\/5 GHz Wi-Fi bands and 802.11 b\/g\/n Wi-Fi protocols. This configuration is more than sufficient for hi-fi needs, even at 24 bit\/192 kHz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, should the quality of your Wi-Fi network prove inadequate, the brand also offers an ingenious Ethernet adapter, enabling you to connect the Stream in a wired configuration. Once connected, the Stream can be controlled at the touch of a button via the dedicated application, designed to bring together all your sources: Deezer, Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music and even Apple Music. Once again, the brand offers a set of explanatory videos, which is particularly appreciated. What’s more, the streamer also supports the Bluetooth protocol, which may not be as high quality, but it’s handy for a guest who’s just passing through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the icing on the cake, the brand is also developing a new application called Virtuose. Although available in beta version, we were able to test several of its features, including omnichannel search, which combines all the results from each platform on a single page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all these positive impressions, we can’t wait to see what this little box can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sound of the Octavio Stream<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Touted as the bridge between the old world and the new, the little Octavio Stream doesn’t fall short, quite the contrary. Connected to our pair of KEF LS50 Wireless speakers, direct comparison with the Google Chromecast – our previous streamer on these speakers – shows a clear advantage for the little French player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the listening progressed, the Octavio gradually found its way into each of our systems. Behind the LS50s of course, but also connected to our Cayin set, where it naturally found its place, powered by the USB port of our iDAC-6. The synergy works quickly and direct access to Qobuz, combined with Gapless playback, means we can rediscover many tracks such as \u2018City Fade\u2019 by Against All Logic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether in terms of overall airiness, clarity of rendition or simply output level, the Stream does better on all counts. An excellent surprise given its contained price, even if, logically, it will not be able to compete in this respect with its top-of-the-range, but also much more expensive, rivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, let’s not get carried away: the Stream puts in a very fine performance here. The lower end of the spectrum, in particular, takes full advantage of its high output level, perfectly reproducing the lowest fundamental frequencies. A real treat for older systems, which are often at a disadvantage in this respect, even when combined with a modern source. Especially as it will be possible to overcome the inherent limitations of the small TI chipset. How do you do this? By connecting a higher-end DAC via the small Stream’s optical output, concealed within the 3.5 mm jack. In this way, the box becomes a true audiophile streamer, capable of conveying a raw digital signal that can be decoded by a higher-end converter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A welcome feature that unlocks a whole range of functions, particularly for music lovers with an old, unconnected top-of-the-range system. Connected to our Devialet D-Premier + Atohm GT set (the finest of its time), the Octavio Stream gives you access to the joys of dematerialised music, in HD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sound alchemy that works without a hitch, with no jitter and no digital interference – the Octavio team having done a remarkable job in this area. A fine achievement, and one made in France to boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"octavio<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Practical and fun, the Octavio Stream is the perfect entry point for any music lover looking for a compact, high-performance audiophile streamer. Perfectly in tune with the times, notably through its commitment to sustainability and its French short distribution channels, the player also has the luxury of filling a real gap in this price range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And with the disappearance of the Google Chromecast Audio and the democratisation of streaming offers, Octavio is the obvious solution, especially as the brand makes a point of offering regular updates. A new player to keep a close eye on. The brand also offers a connected amplifier! A word to the wise…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author<\/strong>: Haja Randrianarison<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technical sheet: OCTAVIO Stream<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Origin<\/strong>: France<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Price <\/strong>: \u20ac199<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dimensions <\/strong>: 118 x 65 x 22 mm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Weight <\/strong>: 200 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Converters <\/strong>: Texas Instruments PCM5102<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Resolution<\/strong>: PCM up to 24 bits\/192 kHz<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Audio formats<\/strong>: FLAC\/OGGALAC\/WMA\/APE\/MP3<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Output voltage<\/strong>: 2.1 V<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Outputs<\/strong>: 3.5 mm combo line\/optical jack<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Input <\/strong>: USB-C (charging only)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Bluetooth<\/strong>: 5.0 A2DP + BLE (configuration only)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Wi-Fi<\/strong>: b\/g\/n – 2.4\/5GHz<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Compatibility<\/strong>:
    • AirPlay 2\/Qobuz\/Deezer\/Spotify\/Tidal\/Amazon Music\/UPnP<\/li><\/ul>\n
        \n
      • Multiroom via Octavio application<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        A network player made in France? That was enough to intrigue us. Because while our teams are fond of high-end DACs, exceptional CD transports and high-resolution portable music players, we are above all driven by a passion for beautiful sound. Octavio, a young French start-up that also intends to make its mark thanks to Octavio Stream, no doubt shares this passion. So here we have a well-designed, well-thought-out audiophile network player that we couldn’t wait to try out!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3699,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[115,37,119,35,38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dac","category-manufacturer","category-octavio","category-tests","category-types"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3698","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3698"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3698\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4140,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3698\/revisions\/4140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3698"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3698"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3698"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}