MYTEK Empire Streamer DAC Owner’s Manual

Empire Streamer DAC

2 Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core

Owner’s Manual Ver. 1.0

© Mytek Audio 2023

For news, driver updates, technical support, tips and further product information please visit our website:

www.mytek.audio

To obtain the tech support please write or call the US office for all US  and World support and EU office for the European support.

MYTEK.AUDIO MAIN NEW YORK OFFICE

148 India St.

Brooklyn, NY 11222

tel. +1 (347) 384-2687

email: techsupport@mytek.audio

MYTEK.AUDIO E.U. BRANCH OFFICE

Slominskiego 15/509

00-195 Warsaw, Poland

tel. +48 22 869 29 06

email: techsupport@mytek.audio

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core, a revolutionary digital audio streamer that  combines cutting-edge technology and exceptional sound quality. We are proud to introduce a product  that elevates your audio experience to new heights, delivering pristine sound quality and setting a new  standard for digital-to-analog conversion.

At Mytek, we understand that music is an essential part of your life, and we are committed to delivering  a product that allows you to enjoy it to the fullest. The Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core is the result  of our passion for audio and our commitment to delivering the highest-quality audio experience.

Superiority

The Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core features a powerful state-of-the-art DAC (digital-to-analog  converter) that sets a new standard for digital-to-analog conversion. We believe that this is the best  DAC ever made, delivering exceptional sound quality that rivals even the most expensive converters.

Pristine Sound Quality

The Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core is designed to deliver pristine sound quality, with a focus on  detail, precision, and accuracy. Our team of engineers has worked tirelessly to develop a digital audio  streamer that exceeds the expectations of even the most discerning audiophiles.

Best DAC Ever Made

The Mytek Empire Streamer DAC is the result of relentless innovation and dedication to audio excellence  by Mytek’s R&D Team, headed by Michal Jurewicz, Chief Design Engineer. Designed in Brooklyn,  this marvel of engineering is mounted on a custom-milled aluminum chassis, featuring the finest  components available, and providing easy access to all its components.

With no moving parts, no fans, and no spinning drives, the Empire Streamer DAC operates silently,  relying on custom aluminum heat pipes to cool its I7 CPU. Galvanic isolation of the computer from the  DAC analog board eliminates computer/EMI noise through a Faraday cage design, ensuring the highest possible performance and sound quality.

Running on the latest Roon OS engine and Mytek OS, the Empire Streamer Roon Core is the most  technologically advanced and best-sounding high-resolution music streamer available today. And with  its upgradeable design, it will continue to provide the ultimate audio experience for years to come.

Experience the new Empire Streamer Roon Core!

The Mytek Audio Team

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2. Package’s Content

• The Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core
• Wifi Antennas
• Ipad
• USB 2.0 Cable
• Aluminum remote (Apple)
• Power cord
• Owner’s manual

3. Device Main Features and Technical  Specification

Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core – Premium Audio Experience

3.1 Features

• Roon Ready certified for the ultimate audio experience
• Powerful DAC (digital-to-analog converter) for exceptional sound quality
• MQA decoder for high-resolution audio playback
• Easy to use software for seamless integration with your existing audio system
• Ethernet and USB connectivity for versatile playback options

3.2 Technical Specs

• Cost-no-object Dual Mono Architecture: Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core is designed with a  cost-no-object dual mono all-balanced audio path that provides a premium audio experience.
• Power Supply: The device is equipped with three oversized linear power supplies for digital, left  and right DAC/analog circuitry, ensuring optimal performance and pristine sound quality. The  shielded low-noise toroidal transformer adjusts automatically to 100-240VAC.
• Analog Inputs: With 9 analog preamplifier inputs, including a state-of-the-art M/M, M/C nickel  transformer-based phono pre and two analog pre-balanced inputs, each with adjustable input  sensitivity, you have the flexibility to connect a wide range of analog devices. Additionally, two  independently selectable outputs, both balanced and RCA, ensure that you can get the sound  you desire.
• Digital DAC Inputs: The device supports streamer, SPDIF, OPTICAL , USB2, HDMI (2-channel),  and Roon End Point inputs, all with PCM, DSD, and MQA capabilities. This range of inputs  provides the versatility to connect a wide range of digital devices and enjoy premium audio  quality.
• Internal Storage: The Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core features an internal 8TB SSD storage,  and it accepts all external USB3, USBC, and network drives, providing ample storage for your  audio collection.
• Future-Ready Platform: The device features a built-in Mytek OS DAC/preamplifier platform  that allows for future functional upgrades and new DSP features of the DAC/preamplifier to be  released throughout the life of the product. With three stages of development and functionality,  the Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core is designed to provide a premium audio experience for  years to come.

4. Quick Setup Guide and Operation

The Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core is designed to be easy to set up and use. Simply connect the  unit to your network, follow the steps outlined in the quick start guide, and enjoy premium sound  quality with seamless integration into your existing audio system.

To set up the Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core, follow these steps:

• Connect the Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core to your home network using an Ethernet cable.
• Open Roon Remote application on the Ipad
• Launch the Roon software and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Roon account with  credentials provided by Mytek.
• In the Roon software go to Settings —> Extensions and enable “Mytek Extension”
• Select the Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core as your audio output device.
• Start streaming your music using the Roon software.

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4.1 Operation

The Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core features a powerful DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that  delivers exceptional sound quality. Simply connect your Empire Streamer to the internet via Ethernet  / WiFi and enjoy high-quality audio playback.

The DAC operation is controlled by the Roon software, and there are no additional settings or  configurations required.

The Empire Streamer DAC features a user-friendly main menu with intuitive icons to access all your  music and settings. Here’s a brief overview of the main menu icons:

My Library: This icon provides easy access to your  entire music library, including all your favorite albums   and songs, stored either locally or in the cloud.

Playlists: Keep all your playlists organized and at your fingertips with this icon. Simply tap to play your go-to songs and albums.s.

Queue: Quickly add songs to your playback queue with this icon, ensuring that your music never stops.

Settings: Fine-tune your Empire Streamer DAC experience. Adjust various settings, such as screen brightness  and audio quality, to your personal preferences.

Zones: Take control of your music across multiple rooms with  this icon. With Zones, you can easily set up multi-room audio and play music in different rooms, all controlled from your  Empire Streamer DAC.

Shut Down: Use this icon to power off your Empire Streamer  DAC and ensure it’s properly protected when not in use.

With these icons, you can easily navigate and control your Empire Streamer DAC and enjoy pristine audio quality, seamlessly integrated with your Roon account.

8 Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core

4.2 SETTINGS

NETWORK SETTINGS

The Empire Streamer DAC provides two options for connecting to your network: Ethernet and Wi-Fi.  We highly recommend utilizing Ethernet for the best performance and stability, as it provides a fast  and reliable connection for streaming high-quality audio. But we understand that in some cases, Wi Fi may be necessary.

Ethernet: The Optimal Connection

By connecting your Empire Streamer DAC to your network via Ethernet, you will enjoy the most  stable and fast connection possible, delivering pristine audio quality without interruption. With  Ethernet, you’ll have a wired connection that ensures stable data transmission and eliminates the  risk of Wi-Fi interference.

Wi-Fi: Convenient and Accessible

If Ethernet is not an option for your setup, the Empire Streamer DAC also offers Wi-Fi connectivity.  Simply connect to your home Wi-Fi network and enjoy your music from anywhere in the room.  The Empire Streamer DAC is equipped with advanced Wi-Fi technology that provides a strong and  reliable connection, so you can stream your music with confidence.

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DAC SETTINGS

Analog Output Topology: The Ultimate in Customization

The Mytek Empire Streamer DAC offers you the ultimate in customization when it comes to your  analog output topology. Choose between two options to achieve your desired sound – nickel  transformer or electronic buffer.

Option 1: Nickel Transformer

Our nickel transformer option provides a rich and warm analog output, perfect for those who crave  a classic, analog sound. The nickel transformer is a highly sought-after component in high-end  audio systems, and with its inclusion in the Mytek Empire Streamer DAC, you can experience its  timeless appeal for yourself.

Option 2: Electronic Buffer

For those seeking a more modern, precise sound, our electronic buffer option is the perfect choice.  The electronic buffer delivers a clean and accurate analog output, making it ideal for fans of  digital audio. Whether you’re listening to high-res audio files or streaming your favorite songs, the electronic buffer ensures that every detail is delivered with stunning clarity.

Mytek HAT ™ Harmonic Audio Tuning Function

Bringing precision and warmth to your audio experience, the Mytek HAT ™ Harmonic Audio  Tuning function allows you to adjust the amount of even harmonics in the analog stage of the DAC  to your desired level. With four settings to choose from – „precise”,”neutral”, „warm”, „warm+”, and  „warm++” – you have the power to customize your audio to suit your personal preferences.

Easily accessible from the menu, the Mytek HAT ™ function is your key to unlocking the full  potential of your audio system. Whether you prefer the crisp and accurate sound of „precise”, the  perfect balance of “neutral”, the comforting warmth of „warm”, the rich and enveloping sound  of „warm+”, or the ultimate level of accuracy and warmth with „warm++”, the Mytek HAT ™  function has you covered.

With its advanced engineering and innovative design, the Mytek Empire Streamer DAC delivers the  ultimate audio experience, and the Mytek HAT ™ Harmonic Audio Tuning function is just one of  the many ways it exceeds expectations. Embrace the power of harmonic audio tuning and elevate  your audio to new heights with the Mytek HAT ™ function.

10 Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core

PREFERENCES

Screen Brightness:

The Empire Streamer DAC offers you the flexibility to customize the brightness of its display to your  preferred level. With a simple adjustment in the settings menu, you can control the brightness of the  screen to your desired level to easily view the information and settings on the display.

Factory Restore:

If you need to restore the Empire Streamer DAC to its original factory settings, you  can easily do so with the Factory Restore option in the settings menu. This featu re returns all settings to their original state, allowing you to start fresh with a new  configuration. Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue or simply want to return to  the original setup, the Factory Restore option makes it quick and simple to get back  to square one.

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STORAGE

The Empire Streamer DAC features 2TB of internal SSD storage, with the option to add an additional  drive for even more storage capacity. The internal SSD drive is formatted as NTFS and easily acces sible via your home network, allowing you to seamlessly copy your music library to the streamer.  The back of the device also includes a USB port for connecting external hard drives, offering even  more storage options for your music collection. This versatile storage system allows you to store all  your favorite albums, playlists, and songs in one convenient place, so you can enjoy your music in  the best possible sound quality.

5. Software Upgrade

It is important to regularly upgrade the software on your Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core to  ensure optimal performance and security. To perform a software upgrade, follow these steps:

1. Connect your Empire Streamer to the internet. 
2. Empire Streamer will automatically check for the updates. If there is update available you will  see the upgrade icon on the display.
3. Press the upgrade icon and install the upgrade by following the on-screen instructions.

6. Backup

It is important to regularly backup the data on your Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core to prevent  loss of data in the event of a failure or malfunction. To perform a backup, follow these steps:

1. Connect a USB drive to the Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core.
2. In the Roon software, select the Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core as your audio output device.
3. Go to the Backup section in the Roon software and select „Create Backup.” 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the backup process.

12 Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core

7. Remote

The Mytek Empire is equipped with infrared technology and includes an aluminum Apple Remote. To  establish the connection, simply press and hold the [Menu] and [Select] or [Menu] and [Next] buttons  on the remote control for a minimum of 5 seconds.

8. MQA – Master Quality Authenticated

Discover the sound of the original master recording with MQA technology, an award-winning British  innovation. With advanced scientific research into the human hearing experience, MQA delivers a  master-quality audio experience that’s both convenient and uncompromising.

The Empire Streamer is equipped with MQA technology, allowing you to enjoy MQA audio files and  streams in their purest form. The MQA logo on the device features an illuminating spot, which indicates  the type of MQA stream being played. The green or blue glow ensures authenticity and confirms that  the sound is true to the source material.

Experience a new level of sound quality, visit mqa.co.uk for more information. Upgrade your audio  experience with MQA technology and the Empire Streamer Roon Core

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9. Warranty

With a commitment to delivering exceptional quality, each Empire Streamer DAC undergoes thorough  quality control and comprehensive testing before it leaves our facility. Our team takes pride in crafting  products that stand the test of time and deliver unparalleled performance, which is why we offer a  limited warranty of two years from the date of purchase.

Please be advised that any defects or issues resulting from customer misuse, unauthorized modifications,  or accidental damage will not be covered under this warranty. Rest assured, in the unlikely event that  you encounter a problem with your Empire Streamer DAC, our dedicated support team is here to help. Simply reach out to us and we’ll assist you in obtaining an RMA number, which is required for all  warranty services.

At Mytek, we understand the importance of having reliable and long-lasting technology. That’s why we  offer affordable repair services for all of our units, no matter when they were manufactured. Our repair  centers are located in both Brooklyn, New York and Warsaw, Poland, ensuring that you have access to  the best possible support no matter where you are.

Conclusion

We hope that this manual has provided you with the information you need to get the most out  of your Mytek Empire Streamer Roon Core. At Mytek, we are dedicated to providing you with the  ultimate audio experience, and we are confident that you will be thrilled with the exceptional sound  quality of this product.

Important Safety Information

• Read, understand, and follow these instructions carefully.
• Connect all your devices before turning on the unit.
• Keep the unit away from moisture, rain, and any form of liquids.
• Clean the unit with a dry cloth only.
• If any liquid or foreign object enters the unit, immediately turn it off and unplug it from the power  source. Do not use the unit until the object is removed or the liquid has completely dried. If you  have any doubts, please contact Mytek Audio.
• Do not block any ventilation openings and install the unit according to the manufacturer’s  instructions.
• Keep the unit away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, and other devices  that produce heat.
• Make sure the power cord is protected from being walked on, pinched, particularly at the plugs,  convenience outlets, and where it exits from the unit.
• Only use attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• When using a cart, be cautious when moving the cart and the unit to avoid tipping over. • Unplug the unit during lightning storms or when it is not in use for long periods of time.
• All servicing should be done by qualified service personnel only. Servicing is required if the unit  has been damaged in any way, such as power cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled,  objects have fallen into the unit, the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture, it doesn’t operate  normally, or it has been dropped.

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Warning

Sound exposure from speakers and headphones at high levels can lead to hearing loss. To ensure safe  usage, we advise avoiding extended listening at high volume levels.

For Customers in the U.S.A.

Our equipment has undergone testing and meets the standards set by the FCC for Class A digital  devices, according to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These standards aim to provide reasonable protection  against potential interference when the equipment is used in a commercial setting. Our equipment  generates, uses, and may emit radio frequency energy, and failure to follow the instructions in the  manual may result in harmful interference to radio communications.

We strongly advise against making any changes or modifications to the equipment without proper  approval, as this may invalidate your authorization to operate it.

To comply with the FCC Rules, all cables used to connect peripheral devices must be shielded. This  device is in compliance with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and operates subject to the following conditions:

It may not cause harmful interference. It must accept any interference received, including interference  that may cause undesired operation.

CE Marking Compliance:

This product, marked with the CE symbol, is in compliance with the EMC Directive set by the European  Community. This implies conformance to the following European standards:

• EN55103-1: Electromagnetic Interference (Emission)

• EN55103-2: Electromagnetic Susceptibility (Immunity)

Intended for use in the following Electromagnetic Environments: E1 (residential), E2 (commercial and  light industrial), E3 (urban outdoors), E4 (controlled EMC environment, ex. TV studio).

Information on Disposal for Users of Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment(private households)

The Wheelie Bin symbol on our products and documentation signifies that discarded electrical and electronic equipment should not be disposed of with regular household waste. Proper disposal of this product is essential to conserve valuable resources and protect human health and the environment.

To properly dispose of hazardous materials and recycle the device, it is the user’s responsibility to return it to a designated collection point for electrical and electronic waste. For additional information, please reach out to your local authorities, waste management facilities, or authorized retailer.

References

• Homepage | Experience the best sound with MQA | MQA

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