One of the biggest pleasures of “getting into digital” is that I can now go back and explore some of the companies that intrigued me years ago and figure out what the heck they are actually doing. Mytek is a prime example–I’ve always thought their products were absolutely gorgeous in every way, but I had no idea what function they performed. At the 2024 Florida International Audio Expo, I found the Mytek room hiding amongst the headphone exhibits on the 14th floor, and it was almost like seeing this brand for the very first time.
Words and Photos by Marc Phillips
Brian Hunter and I met with Michal Jurewicz of Mytek, who explained that his company is slightly different than most in digital audio because of its long history with pro audio. In fact, as I was arranging a review of the Brooklyn Bridge II ROON CORE 4TB ($4,995) for PTA’s Alex Smolinski–who happens to be in the recording industry–he was excited because he’s been using Mytek products for years.
You might have noticed that the Mytek BBII has “Roon” right in the name–Mytek is the first company to put Roon into their products. In fact, the website reveals that many Mytek products include a free one-year subscription to Roon with purchase. In the Mytek room at FLAX, I immediately gravitated toward the new flagship Empire DAC/streamer ($25,000), which is Mytek’s “cost-no-object” product seen at the top of this page. It’s gorgeous.
Brian, meanwhile, was intrigued with the new Empire Monoblocks ($9,995) which are a cosmetic match to the DAC/streamer. The Mytek Empire Monoblocks feature Ganfet technology (Gallium Nitride transistors are employed, which are super fast and are pushing digital amplifiers to new levels of performance.) The Monoblocks are made in a partnership with AGD, hence the tube-like structure on top. AGD is sort of famous for using glass tubes for other functions than power output, and Michal likes them because they suggest a smooth and rich sound, like tubes.
Needless to say, PTA will finally be testing some of these brilliant products from Mytek, which happens to be based in both New York and Poland, in the coming months.
