Digital Drive: REVIEW: Mytek Stereo96 DAC DAC Processors by eduardoo

Model:	Stereo96 DAC
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$1000
Description:	DAC with XLR output and headphone amp
Manufacturer URL:	Mytek

Review by eduardoo on March 30, 2010 at 00:30:40
IP Address: 203.174.59.158 Add Your Review
for the Stereo96 DAC

I want to write this likely not-so-well written review about the Mytek Stereo96 DAC because there wasn’t much on the net on which I can base my purchase decision when I was shopping for the Mytek. I hope that this can be of some help to DAC shoppers. Most of the information available on the Mytek I’ve seen were passing remarks and technical description. However, whatever remarks there were seem to suggest that this is indeed a good value. I was also curious about the AKM chip.

Physical
Very small box (about 5X8X2), even smaller than my Dacmagic. There is no need for external power supply (and the very humble black metal casework makes it kind of look like a power supply itself). I like its narrow shape which is useful for locating in tight spots. More importantly, the narrow faceplate makes the dreadful looking blue faceplate design somewhat more unobstrusive. On the faceplate, there are (from R to L) volume knob, input selector (2 X coax, 1 Opt, 1 AES), Superclock selector, headphone out and powerswitch. On the back, there are the inputs listed above, balanced XLR outputs and an IEC inlet. The space is cramped, but still manages to take on Oyaide IEC plugs without blocking the digital ins.

Sound
I use it as a secondary source driven by a Squeezebox Duet, where my main sources are an Esoteric X-03SE and an LP12. The rest of the system comprises Accuphase C2400/A60 and Wilson Sophia2. Music is mostly jazz. Before the Mytek, I was using a Cambridge Dacmagic in its spot. While the Cambridge is as much the wonder bargain that everyone says that it is (good detail, balance and tidiness), it fell short (expectedly) when compared with the Esoteric and the Linn. Mainly, I have issues with it being a bit flat dimensionally and uninvolving. Frankly, I don’t really need this end of the system (Squeezebox) to be as top notch as the other sources, but eventually the distance appears too far for me to really appreciate good music on it. (It was not bad at all, but the comparison was just too cruel). In particular, vocals seem relatively flat, bass instruments do not seem taut enough and things just don’t seem to gel together as well.

With the Mytek in place (with volume control and output caps taken out of circuit via jumpers), the improvement was not subtle. It is as if you have set your printer scanner to a higher dpi setting. Imaging appears more 3D and stable, layering of soundstage is more obvious and it does the “tune” thing much better. Vocal now has nuances missing from the Dacmagic. Bass is also bigger yet tauter. When I started using the Mytek, I stuck on a few 3M bump-ons as footers as the original footers were spaced a little too far apart for where I wanted to put it. It sounded a bit too “big” and bloated this way. It also sounded a bit too “pro” (i.e. stiff and matter of fact), though it was still warm sounding overall. Then I also tried on other footers I have in my roster including Ringmat domes and three little brass cylinders with a thin layer of rubber on one side. Both sounded better than the bump-ons and softened the “pro” inclination. The Ringmat domes sounds more detailed yet romantic, but was still slightly bloated. The brass cylinders have lesser bass and vocals that are slightly less full, but things appear better balanced. I settled on the latter. If I am to characterize the overall sound, I would say that it is neutral with a slight tendency towards fullness and warmth. With the Mytek in place, music makes better sense and it does not seem very selective over recording quality. Although differences are obvious, worse recordings are still very listenable. If there is any complaint, it may be that its treble is not as much of an improvement over the Dacmagic as the rest of the spectrum (though still an improvement. A minor usage note: The Mytek’s output (when fixed) appears a bit on the high side and can make volume adjustments a bit touchy. You may fix that either by leaving the volume control in the output path and tune it down a touch or setting the internal trim pots slightly lower. I find it still acceptable and did neither.

If I am to compare the Squeebox Duet/Mytek combo to the Esoteric, I would say that the Esoteric still has the edge in having a very clean treble, transparent soundstage, tighter bass and a bit more detail. On the other hand, the Mytek is warmer sounding. The Esoteric is also able to sail through complex passages better (though the Mytek is already much better in that regard than the Dacmagic). Perhaps I should later try using the Esoteric as transport and can then really tell how the Mytek compares with the Esoteric’s DAC section.

Overall, I am quite satisfied with the Mytek. It has taken my Squeezbox front-end up to the level that I no longer feel wanting for something better (for now anyway). Is it better than the Benchmark’s and Lavry’s of the world? I don’t know as I have not auditioned those. However, based on what I have read elsewhere, those seem to be drier (more neutral??) sounding machines and I generally prefer slightly warmer stuff (all copper cables in my system now). In conclusion, if you don’t mind the ugliness, the Mytek Stereo96 DAC is quite a good value.

Product Weakness:	very crude looking
Product Strengths:	well balanced sound, musical yet detailed, small form factor

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Accuphase A60
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Accuphase C2400
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Esoteric X-03SE
Speakers: Wilson Sophia 2
Cables/Interconnects: Ortofon/XLO/Furutech/Acrolink/Nanotech/AET
Music Used (Genre/Selections): mostly Jazz (little pop and classical)
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Isotek
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Accuphase A60
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Accuphase C2400
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Esoteric X-03SE
Speakers:	Wilson Sophia 2
Cables/Interconnects:	Ortofon/XLO/Furutech/Acrolink/Nanotech/AET
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	mostly Jazz (little pop and classical)
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Isotek
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner