When I tested the Mytek, it clipped on 0 dB non-MQA content. Explanation was that the pipeline to handle MQA was causing that problem. I don't know if it has since been fixed.MQA filters are only applied on MQA files/music. It does not apply MQA filter on standard hi resolution material or regular 16 bit. It gives you the option of using 7 different filters though...
When I tested the Mytek, it clipped on 0 dB non-MQA content. Explanation was that the pipeline to handle MQA was causing that problem. I don't know if it has since been fixed.
It may have been. It has been a while.Amir, was the MQA filter disabled in the menu when you tested it? If not, it does not matter if you are playing mqa content or not. It is always on and will ruin everything.
I should have been more specific, I was speaking of the Matrix Audio X-SABRE PRO MQA, not the Mytek.When I tested the Mytek, it clipped on 0 dB non-MQA content. Explanation was that the pipeline to handle MQA was causing that problem. I don't know if it has since been fixed.
Ok, so I sent the Matrix DAC back. But before doing so, I tried a few more blind tests, one being switching between the Mytek’s digital vs analog volume. Long story short, I was not able to discern the differences. Results: 9/20 correct, 12/20 correct, 11/20 correct.
Here is the wrinkle. My 11 year old boy switching the cables was kind of surprised. He told me going from Mytek to Matrix he could here the voices played through Mytek more bold and louder, kind of what my initial subjective impression.
So I am a little skeptical now. Can going through an intentional blind listening test, trying very hard to hear differences, make things harder to hear the real difference? I mean you want to be correct in your choice so much so that you stop hearing the difference? As a scientist, I am truly amazed what my son said. I think the stress and pressure of the blind test alone can skew things around. Anyway, I wish now that I did the blind test with my sons listening to the music, they would have lacked the stress and my kind of subjective bias.
Here is the wrinkle. My 11 year old boy switching the cables was kind of surprised. He told me going from Mytek to Matrix he could here the voices played through Mytek more bold and louder, kind of what my initial subjective impression.
Could you and your boy hear/see each other?
@gags11 have you had occasion to compare the optical in on your DAC+ to other inputs like USB? I owned a Brooklyn DAC+ for about 6 months using at my work desk with a multiple monitor setup, of which one of the monitors is a Samsung 28" TV with optical out.
I had a problem with the optical in sound quality of my DAC+ using the TV as source. It was not equal to the USB in. Sound on optical in was thin with a glare to the highs that made it unlistenable. At that time the only other DAC I had to compare was a Bifrost Multibit. Sound quality on the Bifrost was just as good on optical in as on USB. I sent my DAC+ back to Mytek for a bench test and they claimed there was no defect. I doubt they even listened to the unit. I just wound up using the Bifrost at my desk because I could enjoy the TV. I could not with the Brooklyn DAC+.
Listening to MQA on Tidal was never satisfying at that time because of repeated, intermittent drop outs. I would up leaving Tidal for Qobuz and selling the DAC+. Just wondering if Mytek ever fixed the DAC+ so that sound quality is equal on all inputs.
The dac and the wires were not visible from my listening position. But I also intentionally blindfolded miself and had headphones on during the change period.
I know it's a bit off-topic @gags11 but do you have a write up on your modifications to the RF-7II's? It's not that I don't find the DAC testing interesting, I definitely do... but no matter how hard I try, I keep coming back to that side note in your OP. I am seeking professional help, but I'm a total speaker-slut at heart - and that concept has me salivating.
Very nice! What are you using for the active crossovers? I've always found the Klipsch towers to do little other than the low end well... and this appears to be a best of both worlds scenario. Cheers!