Analyzing DACs

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

jasonbourne52

2,738 posts

02-03-2023 at 01:03am 

I'd rather trust ASR's rankings than the subjective blather here.

Oh good! Go back there to ASR. The world will be a better place. What are you doing here? Why are you here in this “horrible subjective blather place”?? Polluting every single adult conversation with your childish (or senile, rather ) comments 

@mastering92 

Which tracks? I’d love to fix them.

Try listening to White Flag by Dido. The initial 10 secs are beautiful. However the track is painful as the vocals kick in.

BTW, my streamer is connected via USB > Brooklyn DAC > P6 via XLR > A21+ via RCA.

@petaluman 

Have you compared them against each other, section by section?

This is something I'm trying to analyze, though it's quite difficult to match the volume. I find the Brooklyn plays louder. I'm unsure whether the detail I hear is a result of higher volume or simply better DAC on the Mytek.

Your advice is sound. I may go that route, though many reviews poo poo the P6's DAC.