A new dac?

Guys, help me out here.

My dac which I've been using for a number of years now is a Mytek Stereo192 DSD.

Came out in 2013, I think and was $1600 retail.

Still think it sounds good, but I've nothing to compare it to.

My question: If you are familiar with this dac or similar, what would I have to spend minimum to better it, and what do you think will better it?

I enthusiastically await the responses of the cognoscenti. (Wanted to use that word in a sentence since I read it in Calvin and Hobbes!)

thecarpathian11-16-2025 7:26pm

thecarpathian OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6,144 posts 11-16-2025 at 07:58pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Should mention dac is hooked up to Belles Aria integrated, an Audiolab 6000cdt, and speakers are LSA20 Signatures.
kennyc Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,910 posts 11-16-2025 at 08:56pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Your system looks well balanced. Yes, you should hear improvements with a better DAC, but then the Sonics of the newer DAC might be held back by the rest of the audio chain. A few notable DACs (prices old): -2.6 Ferrum Wandla - HR competes w 10k DACs +1.2 HYPSOS power supply -2.7 LAiV Harmony DAC 3.0 Musician Aquarius - sounds like a $5k DAC -3.5 Weiss DAC204 - sounds great but digital like 4.3 Denafrips Terminator [BNC in, XLR out](But USB in best per AudioBacon) -4.0 Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC 4.5 Wired4Sound DAC-2v2SE
ozzy62 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,711 posts 11-16-2025 at 11:17pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I recommend whatever Denafrips you can afford. Or investigate other ladder DACs, which to me have more natural and engaging sound.