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)
Ag insider logo xs@2xmayoradamwest
As much as I liked my Brooklyn and was looking at the Manhattan as an upgrade, I dumped it and won’t buy another Mytek product.  Support, when you can get it, is poor.  It’s not a well run company on the business side of things.

Bricasti, on the other hand, is light years better in communicating and providing service.

Good luck on getting answers from Mytek.  I don’t like seeing people unhappy with their stuff.
Like other folks here, looking for a DAC that will play Quoboz via an on-board bridge or with an external streaming server (thoughts and suggestions on either configuration welcome).

My short list of contenders, in no particular order:
PS Audio DirectStream with Bridge II
Naim ND5 XS 2
Mytek Manhattan II
Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst

Anything else I should consider?

From what I gathered, Mytek support can be underwhelming. It may not be an issue if the product works flawlessly, but can be frustrating if there are issues.

I've had good experience with PS Audio, they are very responsive. I like that their DAC is upgradable. I like that it is FPGA-based, and I do like the idea of converting every manner of input format to DSD before analog. Quite frankly, my main concern with their DAC is the grainy touchscreen with dated interface that a lot of folks complain about and some find downright ugly.

I auditioned Linn with a local dealer and will buy from them if I decide to go with Linn. It looks very nice, they are selling it for around $7,000 with Katalyst.

It is interesting to note that all the DACs are in the $6,000 to
$7,000 range - thereby defining a market segment and competing directly with each other.
@stolpovsky Are you considering using the Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst as a preamp with DAC?

Can you output the signal from the LINN to another analog preamp? The LINN and it is a really fine product. A shame it did not have analog inputs other than the phono.
I'd give strong consideration to the Manhattan II.....it is a very competent piece of gear.  I had the Manhattan I and now Manhattan II.....one thing I haven't had much desire to swap out.  I've actually had VERY good support from Mytek...I just recommend calling them on the phone rather than email etc.

It is a totally different sound from the PS audio you mentioned which will sound very soft compared to Mytek.
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.