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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
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.
mayoradamwest OP
116 posts
 
happy to try the Naim when it becomes available. Until it's out there and has reviews, I need a DAC, and found a good price on the Manhattan. Even if I resell it, I doubt I'll lose money.
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