2. digital
  3. 137749-109343

DAC/Streamers Under 10k - Mytek, PS Audio...

Let's imagine you only listen to streaming music (Tidal, Qubuz, Apple Music, Youtube, etc). Roon is a pretty good way to stream higher quality to a Roon core (though the interface is horrendous) and for everything else you want to use AirPlay (which is lossless). What's the best option for a DAC-Streamer out there? I have a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+, which sounds excellent, but I don't love that I need to attach a USB cable to a computer to get the music to play (using a MacBook Pro currently).

There is the 
- Mytek Manhattan II w/ Network Card - $7k
- PS Audio DirectStream - $6k
- Lumin X1 - $14k (well over budget)
- Ayre QX-5 Twenty - $9k (might not support AirPlay)
- something from NAIM?
- ???

I've seen very few comparisons in the space so I just don't even know what's out there.
(For reference, the system is currently MBP > Mytek Brooklyn > Mc C47 > Mc MC452 > B&W 802 D3 with all Audioquest cabling)
Ag insider logo xs@2xmayoradamwest
in_shore's avatar
in_shore
596 posts
 
Rockna Audio’s sister company AudioByte have just released a dac with separate power supplies, with a yet to be released streamer to complete the stack all for under $6,000.00.
AudioByte Hydra Vox dac and Hub streamer stack.

Audio manufacturers like PS Audio and other highly regarded brands have commissioned Rockna to help develop their own digital products, brilliant guy with much to offer .

The description of the AudioByte stack is really very interesting and I will listen this new dac next month .
US dealers Vlad Bazelkov AudioMirror.com and MikePowell.com I believe is the North American distributor for AudioByte.






yyzsantabarbara
4,941 posts
 
@in_shore  The AudioByte looks rather interesting. 

Can you post your feedback on the demo you will do?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojFKx5QREYE

in_shore's avatar
in_shore
596 posts
 
Yyzsantabarbara I haven’t seen that video , your on top of this more then I am lol .
The AudioByte stack is really interesting and for the asking price it could turn out to be a huge bang for the buck components.

Though I’m not looking to change my current sever and dac I’m just curious.
More to discover