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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)
mayoradamwest
1graber2's avatar
1graber2
280 posts
 
OP
gotcha. I think you’ve made a good choice with the Manhattan. Don’t want you to second guess your choice, but I would agree with Lumin, Aurender, Naim but also SimAudio MIND-based sources. MIND was one of the first components/modules to showcase 24/192 streaming. 

Also, if you are a member of the SFAS in the Bay Area, you could suggest to Alón (Prez) to have a streamer showdown with other streamers for comparison. 
Best
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
Mayorwest we sell almost all the brands you are looking at Lumin, Aurender, Mytek, plus a ton of others T plus A, Naim.

Please give us a call to discuss

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
mayoradamwest OP
116 posts
 
@audiotroy I appreciate that, but I'm more interested in comparing in-home with someone who has a PS Audio or Lumin at this point. 

@1graber2 good suggestion. I'd never heard of that group until now. Will look into it! I've got 3 DACs now, so a showdown seems necessary! Would love to compare an R2R.
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
Personaly  Mayor i wouldnt make a move until the new Naim Ndx  2 hits.

The design of this $7500 streaming Dac is off the charts and will most likely be unbeatable at the price point.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
Ag insider logo xs@2x
david_ten
2,509 posts
 
@audiotroy   What, in your opinion, are some of the top / reference level network players on the market today (that don't offer an integrated DAC)? Thanks.
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