@jackd @audiotroy @kren0006
Thank you everyone for the suggestions so far. The T2 is out of my budget, unfortunately - so the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge and Teac NT-505 are still the current front runners. Both of those let you convert to DSD (DoP) as far as I can tell, which I do from time to time, via Roon DSP.
Both of those have a lot of versatility, which is nice, but I really only need a streaming input, and balanced outputs. The Lumin range offers just that, but the D2 is the only budget friendly option for me at this time.
I think the PS DSD will have a price drop in the used market soon, or whenever their new flagship DAC becomes available.
My current Auralic + Mytek Liberty is no slouch, so there’s no huge rush if waiting is my best option. However, I’ve said that many times before, and pulled the trigger on something new the next day! |
@aberyclark
Thank you for the heads up. I usually don't use filters, so that would probably not be an issue, but still good to know.
I'm also looking at the iFi Pro iDSD, but it's not Roon Ready(yet) to the best of my knowledge. However it does have an ethernet digital input for streaming & switchable tube output, which is pretty cool.
There might be a loophole to get Roon to work with it, and I will check the Roon forums for more answers. |
@bond-san
Thank you for the suggestion. The new G1 looks very promising, and Auralic works very well with Roon. Just made it to the top of my list. |
Well...I think i'll pass on the iFi for the time being.
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One other option, which is much cheaper, is the Cambridge Audio CXN V2. It has Chromecast built-in, which is Roon friendly. Tops out at 24/96, but that’s fine with me.
However, no MQA support, which isn’t a deal breaker, but one of those things that just feels nice having. I can always have Roon do MQA converting as well.
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@audiotroy Thank you for the breakdown, much appreciated!
My main reservations with the Mytek is that it's packed with functionality, almost all of which will never be used (but you never know, someday I could use it as a preamp).
About the same goes for the iFi, and since I can't currently use Roon with it directly, I would be using the same configuration I am currently, albeit with a better DAC than the Liberty. That's not a bad option by any means, but I'm really trying to limit my box count.
Another option that may work is something in the Aurender line, if they make a streamer/dac combo that is Roon friendly. I believe they do, but probably not for my current budget. I will search around.
Right now I'm still leaning towards the Teac NT-505 and Auralic Altair G1. The Cambridge CXN V2 is also intriguing, but to be honest it's mostly from an aesthetic standpoint. I love the looks, and especially the front panel displaying artwork/sample rate, etc. Long term, that shouldn't be a deciding factor, I know. |
@musicloversaudio Thank you for the suggestion. The Codex was on my watch list last year, but to me it seems like a sideways move from the Mytek Liberty.
I haven't heard the Codex, so I could be way off, but as far as my main goal, it puts me on the same boat. |
Thanks for the link @david_ten |
@bthartman Thank you for the suggestion. That does seem to check everything off my list.
I know little about Cary as a brand, so will have to do some research, especially regarding the different "direct" levels you mentioned.
Any further info would be appreciated! |
@jimman2 The Nativ looks very cool! I like the screen. Hard to find pics of the actual unit (front/back) from actual users. I'm guessing it's pretty new to the market.
Not sure if there is a streamer & dac version, or if you have to purchase two separate units.
I'll keep looking at more info. |
@fpeel
A couple years ago I was using a Benchmark DAC2 HGC, as a DAC and preamp too for a bit. Very, very nice piece of gear. Extremely accurate sounding, no jitter, no coloration whatsoever. I'm sure it would mate well with my Yamaha/Spendor setup, but as mentioned previously, I'm still looking for a one box solution right now.
The Simaudio Mind Streamers looks great, but my Auralic already works wonderfully with Roon and sounds great with the Mytek.
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@audioman58
Thanks for providing the link. That makes much more sense now, as I was a little confused by your earlier posts.
Not a whole let of information on the specs, as of now, but it seems to do everything I want, with the only exception that there are no balanced outputs (not a deal breaker though).
It's on my list now, but I would like to know more about the DAC inside, and output specifications when available. |
*Update, I didn't see that user guide link, and that has more info. Looks to be a great little streamer/dac. |
@aschuh1 Good suggestion. I'm not opposed to using an Oppo 205, and I would be able to play my CDs again too!
Anyone use an Oppo as a Roon endpoint? Looks like it uses the same/similar DAC as in the Mytek. Maybe a later version. |
@rbach Thanks for all the great constructive comments on this post. When other members who are looking for a streaming dac see this, they'll surely be better off, after reading all the great information you've provided.
Much appreciated, and keep up the good work! |
Well...
Just pulled the trigger on a new Bel Canto e.One Stream. Should have it this Friday, and will have all weekend to break it in.
I'll be able to compare it side by side with the Auralic Mini/Mytek Liberty, and switch easily between the two with Roon.
Thanks to everyone who contributed, and I'll make sure to post my first impressions and the comparison soon.
Best,
Rob
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@nonoise
That was on my radar a while back. Was getting really close to going with a whole Alchemy/ELAC system with the amp and phono stage too.
At that time though, it was still too early, and there wasn't much in the way of professional or user reviews, so I put it on hold. |
@aberyclark
That looks like a nice piece! I've owned the PH-10 and IS-1000 by Gold Note. Both were excellent. |
A few pictures are posted on my "Systems" page. |
Update:
The Bel Canto e.One Stream arrived today, and took all of 3 minutes to setup and connect with Roon.
Using the analog out right now to test the internal DAC. So far it's sounding excellent, and I got to remove one box!
Going to let in burn in for a while, and then do some A/B testing. |
Okay..
The Bel Canto ran for about 18 hours straight, which probably isn’t enough burn in, but at least it got a good work out in. I decided to start the A/B testing.
*First test:
Bel Canto (using analog out to integrated) vs. Auralic Mini (using analog out to integrated) - Using Roon for both tests, and it’s not even close. The built-in DAC on the Bel Canto far exceeds that of the Auralic. Details, high/low freq. response were much better, and a much more "meaty" sound. Not surprised by the results, as the Auralic isn’t really designed to be a Dac/Streamer.
*Second test:
Bel Canto (Coax out to Mytek Liberty) vs. Auralic Mini (Coax out to Mytek Liberty) Audioquest Forest Coax cables (2) used for each output. Roon was used for both tests again. The Mytek has two coaxial inputs, so I was able to do the testing together, just switching one input on the Mytek. Almost identical results as above, but the differences were a bit more subtle. Freq response were about the same, but still got a more full "meaty" sound from the Bel Canto.
*Third test:
Bel Canto (analog out to integrated) vs. Auralic Mini (coax out to Mytek). The slight edge goes to the Auralic w/ Mytek. This was how I was listening before purchasing the Bel Canto. I had hopes that the Bel Canto alone would be at the least equivalent, but not the case so far. The Bel Canto may need another 50+ hours until it’s fully burned in, and then I can do the tests again.
*All tests above, the Bel Canto was using a wired connection (only option) and the Auralic Mini was using WiFi. I did not test the Auralic with a wired connection, since I only have one ethernet cable/connection in my room, and wanted to listen to both streamers simultaneously, without have to disconnect the Bel Canto.
However, I liked the sound better from both Streamers to DAC from the second test and 1/2 of the third test, than using the Bel Canto’s DAC alone. I was hoping the Bel Canto would replace the Mytek entirely, but after listening (of course only briefly) it’s going to difficult for me to not want to keep the Mytek in the chain.
To sum up, the Bel Canto is not quite the all-in-one I was hoping for, although it’s still very capable. As a streamer compared to the Auralic Mini, it’s a clear upgrade. Now I need to decide if I want to try a different DAC/Streamer, or just be content using the Bel Canto w/ Mytek, as it is a nice overall improvement.
Another option would be to look at upgrading from the Mytek, keeping the Bel Canto as a streamer, although this was not my original plan, but I know that is where the most further improvement will be had.
In order of best sq in my system (just to reiterate the above):
1. Bel Canto to Mytek: A+
2. Auralic Mini to Mytek: B+
3. Bel Canto direct to Integrated: B
4. Auralic Mini direct to Integrated: C- |
Well..
Bel Canto is being returned, and I'm still in the 30-day window obviously, so no shipping or restocking fees, phew!
I am going with the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge, and yes @audiotroy you were right.
Originally I didn't want to go with the Brooklyn Bridge - only because I didn't need all the extra features it provides, but now I think that it'll come in handy later on, if I decide to change my system (which I do frequently). I'm sure the BB would make a decent preamp if I wanted to upgrade to a separate amp, instead of using the integrated.
That's a whole new thread though.. |
Well a few things have changed, but I did receive the Brooklyn Bridge. As expected, it outperforms the Bel Canto easily.
I had the Bridge connected to my integrated (Yamaha A-S2100) initially, but knew I could use it as a preamp too, so took the integrated out and hooked it up to my back up amp, NuForce STA200. This took the SQ up a notch which was surprising, to say the least. $499 amp vs. $3500 integrated.
As a preamp, the detail & clarity was much better, wider soundstage too. The Yamaha is much warmer sounding that the NuForce, which usually isn’t a problem/issue but it was just too much for my taste. My Spendor A4s are on the warm side of neutral, but this was never an issue when I was using the Mytek Liberty with the Yamaha. Strange is all I can say. I assumed both Mytek Dacs would have the same signature.
The STA200 did lack in the bottom end though, compared to the Yamaha, so I found a good deal on a used Wyred4Sound ST-1000 MKII amp, and the bottom end is back to where I like it! The W4S is also much more quiet than the NuForce and Yamaha (and more powerful too).
Really loving the Bridge w/ W4S combo, which on paper, most would assume to be too clinical sounding, but it’s a great match with the Spendors.
Anyways - I found the right streaming DAC for me, but also made some unexpected changes along the way too. That’s hardly a surprise for those of you who know me :) |
@hpfish10
I decided to simplify my setup, and since I use a TT, the BB was the better fit since it included a MM/MC phono stage (which is quite excellent, BTW).
Absolutely loving this DAC/Preamp. |
Uberwaltz,
Go back one page, and you’ll see the details. In short - I went with the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge.
Tried 3 different pairings:
-w/ Yamaha A-S2100
-w/ NuForce STA200
-w/ Wyred4Sound ST-1000 MkII
That was also the order in which I preferred the sound quality overall too. However, and you won’t be surprised, I’m on to something else right now.
Currently auditioning a Simaudio Moon Neo Ace (all-in-one integrated). I’m streaming Tidal & Qobuz via Roon, using the streamer in the Neo Ace. So far, I’m diggin it. It is brand new, so I need another week before I decide whether or not it’s staying. |
Uber,
Very true, and I have a feeling I'll be living the Neo Ace for a while. At least 3 weeks!! |
