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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)
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Showing 1 response by mahler123

mahler123
3,088 posts
 
OP 

A few points.  First, Bluesound does support AirPlay.
Second, I am a former owner of the Manhatten I.  I loved it but I declined to upgrade to Manhatten II.  I currently use the Bryston DAC3.  These are very different sounding DACs, with the Mytek being very detailed and occasionally a bit to clinically.  The Bryston has just as much detail but it is more of a mid concert hall experience rather than a front row seat.
  I also have the Bryston BDP3 streamer.  It’s two boxes, but together they would be in your price range.  It is a major sonic upgrade from my previous streamer, Bluesound Vault2, but the app is clunky.
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