Anyone using a Mytek Brooklyn or Manhattan (I or II) DAC as a preamplifier?

I am driving a Jeff Rowland 625 directly with a Mytek Manhattan to great effect via the analog volume control.  Manhattan II is said to have a superior volume control.  I think Mytek would pair great with a Pass amp.

Do the Mytek DAC’s that support ROON require connectivity to a PC or a MAC computer?

 

Yes, even with the Roon ready network board the Mytek will require a computer to run Roon.

The advantage is you eliminate a digital cable in your system and dump the unaltered bits directly into the DAC....It is strictly for sonic benefit and does not eliminate a box in your system.

I've been considering the same thing myself and what I want to know is if you use this network interface, or one like it on another DAC, yet still have it connected to a generic computer like a MacMini, do you eliminate the negative affects the computer has in the chain, or are you still at a deficit by not having a purpose built computer?

What devices, if any, are available that support streaming using ROON and do not need computer access? 

There are plenty of devices that don't require an off the shelf computer, but those devices are essentially just a purpose built audio computer.  Some good options would be Aurender, Auralic, Antipodes, etc.