Mytek new dac Brooklyn.

[hifial]

Any new Brooklyn DAC owners listening impressions that can be shared would be appreciated.

 

Also anyone that has used an outboard power supply vs the internal one.

[zorntel]

Any new Brooklyn DAC owners listening impressions that can be shared would be appreciated.

 

I've been burning in the unit and onboard power supply for about a week now. I'm using it with my Sonicorbiter SE which allows it to do DSD256 with native DSD. Also works at DSD256 with Windows ASIO drives...but I haven't done anything other than verify that works...my windows machine just acts as a HQplayer server.

 

After three days I put it head to head with an Auralic Vega with a Regen also connected to the Orbiter.

 

I compared the Vega and the Brooklyn with and without a Regen upsampling content to DSD128 using HQplayer. I obviously also ran the Brooklyn at DSD256...but my vega still has the old firmware and maxes out at DSD128.

 

This was an early test...so I just listed to a single well recorded acoustic jazz track (a Modern Jazz Quartet remaster by Andrew Rose). The track is 24/48 and I used poly-sinc/DSD7 in HQplayer for the upsampling to DSD.

 

The Vega with Regen and the Brooklyn without Regen are very similar at DSD128...I'd give a slight edge to the Vega and Regen. BUT WOW! The Brooklyn really comes into its own at DSD256. This may be as much an effect of the medium as the player. I'm curious to pull out the IFI Micro iDSD for a DSD256 reference...but in general I've preferred the Vega at DSD128 to the IFI at DSD256 or 512. I don't hear the Regen bump for the Brooklyn like I do for the Vega...but I need to listen to a much larger variety of music...and music quality to be sure.

 

Also anyone that has used an outboard power supply vs the internal one.

 

I have a HDflex 100 arriving next week and will get it burning in right away...but will likely be a couple of weeks before I'm ready to start making comparisons.

 

The Brooklyn is a fantastic piece of machinery. BUT to get the most from it you will either need to drive it from a Windows computer OR use a linux or windows NAA (e.g., Sonic Orbiter SE) to get to DSD256 which is where you want to be.

 

Robert

[zorntel]

 

The Brooklyn is a fantastic piece of machinery. BUT to get the most from it you will either need to drive it from a Windows computer OR use a linux or windows NAA (e.g., Sonic Orbiter SE) to get to DSD256 which is where you want to be.

 

Robert

 

Sorry if the above statement is misleading....you could also, obviously use a Linux box connected directly once the final native DSD drivers have been released (they are working in the Orbiter already) to get to DSD256. Just the Mac users (like me) will need an NAA...but it is well worth it.

 

Robert

[hifial]

I've been burning in the unit and onboard power supply for about a week now. I'm using it with my Sonicorbiter SE which allows it to do DSD256 with native DSD. Also works at DSD256 with Windows ASIO drives...but I haven't done anything other than verify that works...my windows machine just acts as a HQplayer server.

 

After three days I put it head to head with an Auralic Vega with a Regen also connected to the Orbiter.

 

I compared the Vega and the Brooklyn with and without a Regen upsampling content to DSD128 using HQplayer. I obviously also ran the Brooklyn at DSD256...but my vega still has the old firmware and maxes out at DSD128.

 

This was an early test...so I just listed to a single well recorded acoustic jazz track (a Modern Jazz Quartet remaster by Andrew Rose). The track is 24/48 and I used poly-sinc/DSD7 in HQplayer for the upsampling to DSD.

 

The Vega with Regen and the Brooklyn without Regen are very similar at DSD128...I'd give a slight edge to the Vega and Regen. BUT WOW! The Brooklyn really comes into its own at DSD256. This may be as much an effect of the medium as the player. I'm curious to pull out the IFI Micro iDSD for a DSD256 reference...but in general I've preferred the Vega at DSD128 to the IFI at DSD256 or 512. I don't hear the Regen bump for the Brooklyn like I do for the Vega...but I need to listen to a much larger variety of music...and music quality to be sure.

 

 

 

I have a HDflex 100 arriving next week and will get it burning in right away...but will likely be a couple of weeks before I'm ready to start making comparisons.

 

The Brooklyn is a fantastic piece of machinery. BUT to get the most from it you will either need to drive it from a Windows computer OR use a linux or windows NAA (e.g., Sonic Orbiter SE) to get to DSD256 which is where you want to be.

 

Robert

 

 

Thanks Robert and I look foreword to your report of the outboard PS.

[Octavius]

My first impressions are very positive but I'd rather write a mini review after the initial burn in period.

 

I also considered ordering an HDplex100 PSU but decided for a lower noise albeit more expensive Qualiaphysic one.

It is supposed to be delivered early April...

[Totsipaki]

Any new Brooklyn DAC owners listening impressions that can be shared would be appreciated.

 

Also anyone that has used an outboard power supply vs the internal one.

 

Here's a video of mine with the brand new PSU I got today.

Overall the most substantial upgrade to this dac is the PSU it makes the Brooklyn really "take off"..

[mumsoft]

The PSU, is that that black thing at the left? And what is "take off"? Was your Brooklyn catapulted through the roof?

For now, what I have learned about the external power supplies, is that they enhance the music experience, so to say. More 3D, more 'dasein', more dynamics. Just what I like and have thought after (and found, in abundance)

[Octavius]

@Totsipaki

 

What PSU did you buy exactly?

 

I wonder if you could be more specific about its SQ positive impact.

 

Cheers

[Totsipaki]

@Totsipaki

 

What PSU did you buy exactly?

 

I wonder if you could be more specific about its SQ positive impact.

 

Cheers

 

The psu is custom made by a trusty local audio electronics specialist made according to the specs sent to me by Mytek support (12v - 5amp) It cost about 200,eur and the sonical benefits are as described by mumsoft's previous post.

[Octavius]

That's a great price IMO.

 

BTW couldn't help noticing the Luxman...that's a real looker!

[kennyb123]

The psu is custom made by a trusty local audio electronics specialist made according to the specs sent to me by Mytek support (12v - 5amp) It cost about 200,eur and the sonical benefits are as described by mumsoft's previous post.

 

Nice move - thanks for sharing.

[Totsipaki]

That's a great price IMO.

 

BTW couldn't help noticing the Luxman...that's a real looker!

 

YUP... It also is great performer by the way http://hifiexpert.ro/shop/luxman-l-590aii/

[Totsipaki]

Nice move - thanks for sharing.

 

Overall additionally to "more o a dac" in the sense of better dynamics, sound stage, focus and detail (as described by mumsoft) there is also a of "less of a dac" in the way It performs with the addition of the PSU in the sense of lack of any character and naturalness as if you are in the studio where the recording takes place or in the place where the performance is happening.

 

it is somewhat uncanny considering how very good the brooklyn already is standalone, the way It improves by completely getting out of the way and leaving the listener with the sense of the original musical performance taking place, naturally, effortlessly and in a totally non fatiguing and entertaining way no matter the recording, just as real music sounds like.

 

Please note those impressions have been made with listening to 44/16 only for the time being.. I have tried other "upgrades" that were available as well including an Ifi usb 3.0. as well as an Ifi gemini USB cable. All had an apparent effect but overall the best and more balanced and coherent improvement was the PSU which is what i preferred in the end.

 

I believe that despite already being uncannily good for it's price the brooklyn dac reaches it's true potential with the addition of a good quality linear regulated external PSU which potential by far exceeds Its asking price with the value of the New PSU added..

 

Also some hum issues I had with my low output ZYX R-100 cartridge attached to the mc phono of the Brooklyn's analog input when using the internal psu have completely vanished and now the mc input of the dac is dead quiet (There was already more than enough gain but not without some audible issues when low output mc carts were used) Now I can use the brooklyn's exceptional phono section with my cart with no reservations at all..

 

Overall the PSU upgrade as far as I am concerned is greatly recommended..

[anroj]

Overall additionally to "more o a dac" in the sense of better dynamics, sound stage, focus and detail (as described by mumsoft) there is also a of "less of a dac" in the way It performs with the addition of the PSU in the sense of lack of any character and naturalness as if you are in the studio where the recording takes place or in the place where the performance is happening.

 

it is somewhat uncanny considering how very good the brooklyn already is standalone, the way It improves by completely getting out of the way and leaving the listener with the sense of the original musical performance taking place, naturally, effortlessly and in a totally non fatiguing and entertaining way no matter the recording, just as real music sounds like.

 

Please note those impressions have been made with listening to 44/16 only for the time being.. I have tried other "upgrades" that were available as well including an Ifi usb 3.0. as well as an Ifi gemini USB cable. All had an apparent effect but overall the best and more balanced and coherent improvement was the PSU which is what i preferred in the end.

 

I believe that despite already being uncannily good for it's price the brooklyn dac reaches it's true potential with the addition of a good quality linear regulated external PSU which potential by far exceeds Its asking price with the value of the New PSU added..

 

Also some hum issues I had with my low output ZYX R-100 cartridge attached to the mc phono of the Brooklyn's analog input when using the internal psu have completely vanished and now the mc input of the dac is dead quiet (There was already more than enough gain but not without some audible issues when low output mc carts were used) Now I can use the brooklyn's exceptional phono section with my cart with no reservations at all..

 

Overall the PSU upgrade as far as I am concerned is greatly recommended..

 

so are you saying that the hum went away with the LPS/External Power Supply, or was there something else that made the hum disappear? If it was the PSU, can you tell me what you're using?

[Totsipaki]

so are you saying that the hum went away with the LPS/External Power Supply, or was there something else that made the hum disappear? If it was the PSU, can you tell me what you're using?

 

What disappeared was the noise from the internal switching PSU which was very audible when using my Low output MC Cart as rather annoying HUM clearly listenable between tracks*.

 

As I have already said the PSU is custom made according to the specs sent to me by Mytek Support which were 12Volts - 5ampere and it is a linear regulated PSU. It cost me 200eur but would cost me at least twice as much If i bought a factory branded one with those specs. Yes.. the Brooklyn Is rather Power hungry for a dac... It nearly "killed" a Kingrex 13V 2,5 amp PSU I have previously tested It with by sucking It dry constantly and overheating it in the end..

 

 

*With High output mm carts there is absolutely no issue at all when using the DAC's internal switching PSU.

[Octavius]

YUP... It also is great performer by the way Luxman L-590AII - HiFi Expert

 

I believe you. I never listened to the 590AII but I like the E470 a lot.

[anroj]

Thank you. That's the information I needed. I'm researching PSU's now. Anyone else out there using the Brooklyn with a low output Moving Coil cartridge with PSU recommendations?

[mumsoft]

With my DacMagic I got an external power supply and was advised to keep it as far away from the dac as possible. I think that's the reason for the hum with low output elements.

Luckely I don't own that kind of elements, but I'll be attentive when I try my MD element.

 

Marc

[RJ Kamsma]

Is there à place in the menu to manipulate the filter setting of the Mytek Brooklyn? I haven't seen it.

[anroj]

Thank you. I'll report back once I have found a good PSU.

[lmitche]

No there are no filter settings on the Brooklyn. Maybe in later firmware or use hqplayer.

[RJ Kamsma]

No there are no filter settings on the Brooklyn. Maybe in later firmware or use hqplayer.

Thanks. I hope that a later firmware update will make this available. Right now I don't quite like the difference in loudness with PCM and dsd.

i use the Auralic Aries so no hqplayer.

[zorntel]

No there are no filter settings on the Brooklyn. Maybe in later firmware or use hqplayer.

 

I guess the question is what filter if any is being used? At least Auralic is relatively transparent about this. It would be ideal to at least be able to turn them off so that one could select what you want in HQplayer or other filtering products...I believe some other products due this.

 

Robert

[muski]

My Brooklyn arrived today—five weeks to the day since I ordered it. I've only had a few hours with it, but I can already tell we're going to be friends for the long-term.

 

I've also recently upgraded my mobile headphone system to a Chord Mojo. It arrived last week, so I thought it would be fun to compare the two rigs. It's not 100% an apples to apples comparison, but it's pretty close.

 

Here are the setups I compared:

 

The Brooklyn is connected balanced by DiMarzio XLR cables to a Headroom Max Balanced Headphone Amp (an old but still a goody). I'm using some well-worn AKG K701s, wired balanced with a Cardas cable. I used the Mytek-provided USB cable and power cables. I also use the Brooklyn + Max Balanced Amp as a pre-amp to feed/control a pair of nearfield Dynaudio Acoustics BM5a MkII paired with a BM9s sub, but haven't listened much that way.

 

The Mojo is connected unbalanced 2.5mm to 2.5mm to an ALO Audio Rx MK3-B driving another pair of AKG-K701s, wired balanced with a Zynsonix cable. The Mojo is connected by a Curious USB cable. I don't have a pair of unbalanced 701s, so I use the Rx MK3-B to get from unbalanced to balanced. I know it's a little weird, but somehow it sounds great.

 

Both systems are being fed simultaneously from a MacBook Pro running Roon. (Alas, no multi-zone Roon sync for USB, so I had to manually sync the two zones for comparison.) I was mostly listening to DSD64 and 192/24 material.

 

First, the Mojo. The reviews are right—it's nothing short of superb. Incredibly musical, nicely detailed, un-biased and flat. It's just does it all with an ease and musicality that took my breath away. And it seems it can drive absolutely anything: I borrowed a friend's Abyss AB-1266s and the Mojo drove them (unbalanced) without even breaking a sweat. (Not my taste, but Mojo+Abyss=metalhead's dream).

 

At the risk of being over-precise, I found the Brooklyn to be 97% as good as the MQA. I'd say it revealed even more detail than the MQA, but at the expense of being a hint more grainy—a tiny bit more digital and a tiny bit less musical. It was most evident when listening to a tenor sax (Coltrane) or some female vocals. But really, there's very little in it, and if you weren't listening to them side by side, most people who have a penchant for detail and transparency would enjoy the Brooklyn immensely.

 

And a few things could easily help the Brooklyn close the gap on the Mojo, including a fair amount of burn-in time, a better USB cable (probably another Curious) and a better/linear PSU, all of which I think I'll try. Also, I noticed some high-level recordings (Adele's Skyfall) were overloading my amp, so I'm going to install the -6db Gain Jumpers.

 

Given I want something with balanced outs, I gave the Chord Hugo TT a quick look, but it doesn't do DSD256 nor MQA and it's nearly $5k. So I'll happily stay with the Brooklyn for my desktop and the Mojo for true mobile joy.

 

Cheers,

muski

[matthias]

My Brooklyn arrived today—five weeks to the day since I ordered it. I've only had a few hours with it, but I can already tell we're going to be friends for the long-term.

 

At the risk of being over-precise, I found the Brooklyn to be 97% as good as the MQA. I'd say it revealed even more detail than the MQA, but at the expense of being a hint more grainy—a tiny bit more digital and a tiny bit less musical. It was most evident when listening to a tenor sax (Coltrane) or some female vocals. But really, there's very little in it, and if you weren't listening to them side by side, most people who have a penchant for detail and transparency would enjoy the Brooklyn immensely.

 

Do you think you will get valid results with a complete new, out-of-the-box Brooklyn and what do you mean with MQA?

 

Matt