I've been demoing the Mytek Stereo96 DAC for over a week now and am purchasing one! I've been looking for a DAC since I sold the ULN-2 a few months ago. I'd been using the analog out of my sound card since then and was getting pretty fed up with it. I didn't want to use the 722 for playback, though I did just that a few times when I really wanted to listen to something a little more critically.
The version of the DAC I'm demoing has more inputs and features than what's described on their website. I've included a few pics of the latest version. I've compared this to both the Benchmark DAC-1 and a Bel Canto DAC1. I like the Mytek over both. I brought the unit over to Brian's place today to hear it with Von Schweikert VR-1s. Since they're the speakers I have (boxed up in Connecticut right now), I just wanted to be sure I liked the DAC over those as well as over my headphones. Maybe Brian will offer up his opinion as well.
The Mytek has 4 inputs: AES, 2 coax, and 1 optical. It has balanced XLR outs and a 1/4" headphone jack. Both are contolled by the volume knob on the front and both are active simultaneously. A button on the front cycles through the inputs. There are two clock modes: input and superlock. Input is derived from the incoming clock, while the superlock is some internal clock that is used to reclock the input.
In a single-blind test, Brian was able to identify the difference between the superlock and input modes. His observations confirmed mine, we agreed that the input mode was more "in your face" and detailed, while the superlock was more laid back and generally smoother. We found the superlock mode easier to listen to for an extended time.
We also did a comparison to the Bel Canto through Brian's tube pre. I played the "blind" during this one. The Mytek had a better lower end extension, a balanced presentation, and more detail overall. It took a few switches back and forth for the differences to become apparent, but once I identified them, it was easy to pick out which unit was which.
Before today, I had borrowed a friend's Benchmark DAC-1 for about 2 weeks. It had the blackest background I've ever heard. It was definitely quieter than the Mytek. However, I found that the Benchmark was sterile, especially with very layered sounds. It shone on simple stuff (Miles Davis was excellent), but rock music wasn't as good through it. I was actually disappointed with it, since to me, it failed to live up to the glowing reviews.
I was tempted to test drive a Grace m902, but after hearing the Mytek, I don't want to. I like the Mytek and can't justify another $500 for the Grace unit. I'm sure it's good and I might like it better, but the Mytek fits in my budget with the money I made from selling the ULN-2. I'm sure I will be very happy with it!
Topic: Mytek DAC - a brief review (Read 6578 times)