Analyzing DACs

I sense the preamp is an afterthought for some of these low end DAC/preamps. Super high end ones may warrant a discussion however. I read the MSB select manual; the OEM suggests direct to amp connection. I'm not playing in that league. A high quality DAC in the 3k-5k range is ideal. Holo Audio and Exasound DACs are interesting. And maybe the Qutest.

I read the MSB select manual; the OEM suggests direct to amp connection.

as dacs go it is a bit of an older model now, but my beloved msb analog dac functions not only as a streaming dac (with lan card) but also has an extra set of analog inputs (for a phono stage for example)... it works brilliantly going into power amps - with both rca and xlr outputs, and a terrific remote control

My pre is a Freya + do this allows me to add tubes or not depending on the sound I want. Even though I never use with out the tube stage it is nice to have the option. IFi dac’s have a very good amp stage and you can buy dac’s with tubes if that is your sound choice. Does not mean you have to add a pre amp. Listen to what you like don’t feel the need to chase or catch the rabbit. Enjoy the music!

@decooney 

after playing the dac for a while it was one of the most sterile and boring sounding dac units I’ve ever tried or owned. The dac got returned for a full refund, thankfully. Agree, you cannot pick a component by measurements alone if you care about how it sounds too.

+1, Live and learn. There’s no better teacher than experience.

Charles

I don't know much about the Mytek line, but they have an interesting approach.  The Mytek offers the choice of analog & digital volume control.  Indeed, there seem to be a lot of similarities between the Brooklyn & P6.  Both have preamp facilities (additional inputs, including phono sections, volume control) as well as DACs (both appear to be based on the ESS 9018, even).  Have you compared them against each other, section by section?

The P6 is much more flexible, with more inputs, home theater bypass, bass management, etc.  If these have value to you and the DAC sections sound acceptably close, consider selling the Mytek & using the P6 DAC while you ponder your next acquisition.  If the Mytek works for you as a standalone preamp, you could do the reverse.

If all of your sources are digital, source switching really occurs at the DAC.  In that case, a DAC with a satisfactory volume control could be all the preamp you need