Source: Press Release, Last Accessed: 2016/10/27

Mytek Digital, the second MQA license after Meridian to ship an audiophile DAC with MQA technology, recently introduced their MQA-capable Manhattan II DAC, embodying many enhancements and innovations over the original Manhattan DAC.
The new Manhattan II DAC is a reference USB/Network DAC/Preamplifier with MQA decoder, 384k PCM and DSD256 streaming capabilities, phono and line analog preamplifier and a reference quality headphone amplifier. It can integrate digital streaming and vinyl analog playback for reference listening on headphones and speakers, when used with the optional phono card. An optional "Roon Ready" network card turns the DAC into a streamer.
Designed with the new, world's highest performance 130dB Sabre ES9038 32bit DAC chip-set, the unit handles PCM up to 384k, 32bit, MQA, native DSD up to DSD256, DXD and offers a 130dB dynamic range. According to the press release, a new Mytek Femto Clock incorporated into the design's C777 clocking architecture pushes jitter and the noise floor below measurable levels. Wordclock input and output allows stacking multiple units for multichannel operation, including multichannel DSD and SACD. Two separate, oversized, isolated power supplies, one each for the analog and digital stages, lowers noise and impedance, result in a low, tightly controlled bass and ultra solid sound stage image, the company says. There is also an improved, low distortion 1dB analog attenuator circuit for main out and headphones, with a choice of 1dB step digital 32bit attenuator or purist relay bypass.
The Manhattan II's digital inputs are USB2 Class2 (OSX, Linux driver-less, all formats, up to 32bit integer), AES/EBU, 3X S/PDIF, Toslink/ADAT, (up to 24 bit, PCM up to 192k, up to DSD64 DOP) and SDIF3 DSD up to DSD256. (Its two extra additional SPDIF inputs equals a total of three plus optical.) All front panel functions can be also controlled from a computer via Mytek Control Panel App. New firmware revisions offering additional functions and improved specs will be available for download and installation using the same control panel. The unit also offers an RCA Line In switchable to Phono with the optional phono card, a second pair of Line In (also through RCAs) and one XLR Balanced input. Analog inputs are routed through the minimal path (no caps) analog attenuator directly to analog and headphone outputs.
The headphone section features a reference high current, high transient headphone amp, 500mA, 6 Watts, "0 Ohm" out impedance. Its dual headphone jacks are designed to drive the most demanding headphones with +/-12V swing. Balanced operation is possible with the optional Mytek Balanced Headphone Adapter.
An enhanced front panel menu structure offers easier operation over its predecessor. Mytek's Control Panel App allows full control from computer, the included Apple IR remote and future control via an iPad App (tba in 2017). The Manhattan II's highly attractive, sculpted form factor was the result of Mytek's working with world class industrial designers. The bi-metal fabrication of its inner steel chassis covered in a California-made custom-milled aluminum enclosure helps to reject external electrical interference and lowering noise. The 18lbs mass dampens vibrations, while isolation spikes diminish mechanical vibration, providing a stable, artifact-free listening experience.
The optional Precision Phono Analog Preamp card offers a high end MM/MC phono preamplifier with custom nickel core step up transformers, relay switchable and tunable. Input impedance, transformer ratios, de-emphasis curves and choice of gain can be changed within the menu or using the remote via relay switches.
Shipping in late November, the Manhattan II will be available in three finishes: Silver, Black and Gold. MSRP: $5,995 US/Worldwide or €euro;5,995 (VAT incl.) in EU. The Phono Preamplifier card is optional at $1,495; Roon Ready Network Card is optional at $995. Current Manhattan owners will be offered a full upgrade to Manhattan II for $995, starting December, 2016. Upgrade requires replacement of the motherboard, and can be performed by Mytek's Brooklyn, NY office, Mytek EU Office in Warsaw and importing dealers worldwide. Details of how to obtain the upgrade can be found at the Manhattan II product page. A review for the first generation Mytek Manhattan can be read here.

For more information: https://mytekdigital.com/

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