Topic: Mytek Stereo 192-DSD DAC Review - Impressions (Read 30581 times)

LFF · « **Reply #30 on:** March 22, 2013, 05:55:08 PM »

Quote from: Sphinxvc on March 22, 2013, 05:27:39 PM

Quote from: LFF on March 22, 2013, 08:39:32 AM
FLAC --> Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo III (Sabre ESS9018) DAC, with dedicated trident shunts on VD, AVCC, DVCC and VDD pins (Sabre analog and digital pins), with an NTD1 IV (Pass BI buffer, tuned for current mode DAC's), with an async USB receiver support > 384mhz PCM/I2S & DSD, I2S is routed through Ian's FIFO reclocker, which separates the data from clock, then reclocks to the optimum frequency for the selected I2S/DSD. The FIFO utilizes an Isolator board that isolates out ALL USB/power noise. Further, the clock board is a precision Si570 dynamic crystal that is spun up to 4x the optimum clock frequency to further reduce jitter down to < 3pps. This clock board is powered separately from a dedicated low noise reg, and leveled by a custom ultra low noise, high PSRR LDO. Singled ended output is provided by a Joe Audio high precision Balanced to SE converter. Last upgrade will be a custom battery pack to power the clock board along with custom shunts. --> Custom Made Cavalli Stacker (Tube) or Custom 50watt (85w peak) per channel balanced headphone amp (SS) ---> Custom Paradox with mini-xlr mod with OGC Rogue 8 Strand Cable.

Hmm, you haven't listed caps & other components in the signal path. Not thorough enough LFF.

Sorry. I don't remember what's all there. The paragraph above was put together by my great friend, MisterRogers. He is helping me build and pimp out my B3.

gelocks · « **Reply #31 on:** March 22, 2013, 05:57:46 PM »

Quote from: LFF on March 22, 2013, 08:39:32 AM

Quote from: Maxvla on March 22, 2013, 07:54:40 AM
What does LFF use? (amp/DAC)

Also any comments on the X-Sabre, LFF?

MAIN LISTENING RIG:
FLAC --> Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo III (Sabre ESS9018) DAC, with dedicated trident shunts on VD, AVCC, DVCC and VDD pins (Sabre analog and digital pins), with an NTD1 IV (Pass BI buffer, tuned for current mode DAC's), with an async USB receiver support > 384mhz PCM/I2S & DSD, I2S is routed through Ian's FIFO reclocker, which separates the data from clock, then reclocks to the optimum frequency for the selected I2S/DSD. The FIFO utilizes an Isolator board that isolates out ALL USB/power noise. Further, the clock board is a precision Si570 dynamic crystal that is spun up to 4x the optimum clock frequency to further reduce jitter down to < 3pps. This clock board is powered separately from a dedicated low noise reg, and leveled by a custom ultra low noise, high PSRR LDO. Singled ended output is provided by a Joe Audio high precision Balanced to SE converter. Last upgrade will be a custom battery pack to power the clock board along with custom shunts. --> Custom Made Cavalli Stacker (Tube) or Custom 50watt (85w peak) per channel balanced headphone amp (SS) ---> Custom Paradox with mini-xlr mod with OGC Rogue 8 Strand Cable.

Right now I'm using my Cowon C2 --> Cheapo Monoprice RCA cables --> Schiit Magni --> Mad Dogs/Ultrasone Signature Pros!!!

BEAT THAT LUIS!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, love the "spreadsheet" format guys, very informative and well organized! I pretty much doubt that I'll get into more expensive sources at the moment but it is always welcomed having such detailed breakdowns!

LFF · « **Reply #32 on:** March 22, 2013, 06:07:48 PM »

Quote from: gelocks on March 22, 2013, 05:57:46 PM

Quote from: LFF on March 22, 2013, 08:39:32 AM
Quote from: Maxvla on March 22, 2013, 07:54:40 AM
What does LFF use? (amp/DAC)

Also any comments on the X-Sabre, LFF?

MAIN LISTENING RIG:
FLAC --> Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo III (Sabre ESS9018) DAC, with dedicated trident shunts on VD, AVCC, DVCC and VDD pins (Sabre analog and digital pins), with an NTD1 IV (Pass BI buffer, tuned for current mode DAC's), with an async USB receiver support > 384mhz PCM/I2S & DSD, I2S is routed through Ian's FIFO reclocker, which separates the data from clock, then reclocks to the optimum frequency for the selected I2S/DSD. The FIFO utilizes an Isolator board that isolates out ALL USB/power noise. Further, the clock board is a precision Si570 dynamic crystal that is spun up to 4x the optimum clock frequency to further reduce jitter down to < 3pps. This clock board is powered separately from a dedicated low noise reg, and leveled by a custom ultra low noise, high PSRR LDO. Singled ended output is provided by a Joe Audio high precision Balanced to SE converter. Last upgrade will be a custom battery pack to power the clock board along with custom shunts. --> Custom Made Cavalli Stacker (Tube) or Custom 50watt (85w peak) per channel balanced headphone amp (SS) ---> Custom Paradox with mini-xlr mod with OGC Rogue 8 Strand Cable.

Right now I'm using my Cowon C2 --> Cheapo Monoprice RCA cables --> Schiit Magni --> Mad Dogs/Ultrasone Signature Pros!!!

BEAT THAT LUIS!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, love the "spreadsheet" format guys, very informative and well organized! I pretty much doubt that I'll get into more expensive sources at the moment but it is always welcomed having such detailed breakdowns!

Well....my portable rig is:

Clip+ -> FrogbeatsC4

DaveBSC · « **Reply #33 on:** March 22, 2013, 09:54:22 PM »

Quote from: Maxvla on March 22, 2013, 08:30:47 AM

Apparently the Mytek uses the same chip and layout as the X-Sabre (ESS9018 4x2). Interesting that they sound so different.

You can get the 9018 right, or you can get it very, VERY wrong. ESS didn't make it easy.

DaveBSC · « **Reply #34 on:** March 22, 2013, 09:56:02 PM »

The MK2 PWD (with the right firmware/board) is very capable in the $2Kish range that they typically go for. At the $4K list price, uh, no.

Marvey · « **Reply #35 on:** March 22, 2013, 09:59:46 PM »

Quote from: hiyu64 on March 22, 2013, 05:03:58 PM

So what's left? which 1K - 2K dac or <5K dac are you guys going to examine next?

We got:
Mytek DSD 192 check
PWD2 check
X-sabre check
gungnir check
Invicta(soon)

To Go:
Nad m51? did you guys ever review the Nad?
Anedio D2?
Calyx DAC(bad?)

other 1K - 2K dacs?

More DAC comments, including M51: https://docs.google.com/a/changstar.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArbLaKZd_-FsdGpvaWxoV2NtaEZYaWQ1ZHZsWkZtWUE#gid=1

DaveBSC · « **Reply #36 on:** March 22, 2013, 10:01:06 PM »

Quote from: Sforza on March 22, 2013, 05:22:16 PM

Quote from: hiyu64 on March 22, 2013, 05:03:58 PM
other 1K - 2K dacs?

Some other options aside from the ones you mentioned are the W4S DAC2 and EE Minimax DAC+

2-3k, There's the Burl B2 Bomber and the Forsell MDAC2 which have been mentioned before. I think both are for pro audio though.

As has already been mentioned, the W4S is old hat at this point, much like the Ayre. It's been thoroughly outclassed at its price point. The Forsell is a "Benchmark sound" DAC, not for me. The Burl I still need to hear. There are loads more.

Stapsy · « **Reply #37 on:** March 22, 2013, 10:07:24 PM »

This review is exactly the reason I like coming here. Very precise and detailed review. I'm sure there are many others like myself who appreciate you guys breaking down the hype machine surrounding every new piece of gear that comes out. To think I was considering buying the Mytek!

Just a quick question on your review criteria...when you mention plankton, does this include things like artifacts on less than perfect recordings? I am wondering if something like the Gugnir, while lacking the low resolution detail compared to the PWDmk2, would tend to be more forgiving for lower quality recordings?

LFF · « **Reply #38 on:** March 22, 2013, 10:11:36 PM »

Quote from: Stapsy on March 22, 2013, 10:07:24 PM

This review is exactly the reason I like coming here. Very precise and detailed review. I'm sure there are many others like myself who appreciate you guys breaking down the hype machine surrounding every new piece of gear that comes out. To think I was considering buying the Mytek!

Just a quick question on your review criteria...when you mention plankton, does this include things like artifacts on less than perfect recordings? I am wondering if something like the Gugnir, while lacking the low resolution detail compared to the PWDmk2, would tend to be more forgiving for lower quality recordings?

I answer for myself...

I'm very critical of stuff that is "forgiving". IMHO, if it's forgiving...it's crap. I can see how some people might like that and that's fine - I might not smash a product for being forgiving. On a personal level, anything that doesn't resolve a bad recording into what it is, is crap. Add brightness or other nasties to it and I'll be very unforgiving.

Marvey · « **Reply #39 on:** March 22, 2013, 10:16:41 PM »

I think the plankton category (the whole "plankton" thing is an inside joke) would play a part. Anything with a C- rating or above, one should be able to pick out artifacts on recordings with ease. The Gungnir can easily pick out these issues. So can the Modi.

For a DAC to not be able to pick these things out, the plankton and/or the precision ratings would have to be C- or lower.

P.S.

What LFF said.

Author Topic: Mytek Stereo 192-DSD DAC Review - Impressions (Read 30581 times)

LFF

Re: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC Review and Un-Appreciation Thread

gelocks

Re: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC Review and Un-Appreciation Thread

LFF

Re: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC Review and Un-Appreciation Thread

DaveBSC

Re: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC Review and Un-Appreciation Thread

DaveBSC

Re: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC Review and Un-Appreciation Thread

Marvey

Re: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC Review and Un-Appreciation Thread

DaveBSC

Re: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC Review and Un-Appreciation Thread

Stapsy

Re: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC Review and Un-Appreciation Thread

LFF

Re: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC Review and Un-Appreciation Thread

Marvey

Re: Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC Review and Un-Appreciation Thread

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Author Topic: Mytek Stereo 192-DSD DAC Review - Impressions (Read 30581 times)