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!)

 

thecarpathian
Post removed 

Op if you like something different go tube Dac. Or even tube cdp. Your mytek DAC will sound close to other ss DAC below 2k.

My Harmony, Denafris, Schitt DACs are all dusting off paper weights now. Replaced with Rpi4(wired network) + InnoMaker HiFi DAC Pro Hat with ES9038Q2M + InnoMaker Aluminum Case for Raspberry Pi + InnoMaker 2-Pack 5ft 3.5mm Stereo to XLR cables (XLR(3.5) -to-XLR) + Solupeak DC Linear Power Supply Low Noise DC 5V 1.2A External PSU Adapter (powering hat only). It plays PCM 384KHz/32bit & DSD64/DSD128 with LMS server/players. I do not use streaming, casting or BT. This low $$$ setup beats low $$$$. I would never even consider replacing it with anything else. this setup has neutral sound signature. Note:  I prefer bright signature, so when somebody refers to gear with warm signature - I would steer clear of it.

I’ve had “warm” sounding DACs.  No thanks!   I don’t want my digital source device to be adding flavor to my sound. 

@audphile1 ...For now I’m done (famous last words).

I seem to remember someone (not sure if you) saying that. smiley

Some DACs are indeed sensitive to the streamer they’re paired with, and some are not. I recall someone mentioning that the MSB Discrete (?) DAC is relatively insensitive—whether it’s paired with a streamer over $10k or one around $1k, it will still sound good. The Harmony DAC, on the other hand, is somewhat sensitive. I find this interestingly related to the situation.