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Audiolab M-DAC

Audiolab M-DAC + add a photo
3 reviews
100% Positive Reviews
Rated #8 in DACs
Pros:
“Sound Quality, Ease of Use, Fantastic Support including firmware requests, Features”
“Great sound”
Cons:
“Requires galvanic isolation on USB input through additional device”
“cannot off display”
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Member Reviews

Posted
By head8k

Pros: Feature packed, great sound, balanced outs, preamp mode

Cons: Parent company (IAG, China) not providing support, weak power connector

I love this DAC - it really sounds fantastic and is packed with features, inputs, outputs and great looks. Designed by arguably the best engineer working in this field - John Westlake (Google him if you're not familiar with his work) - I knew it was going to be good even before hearing it.

 

John provides support over on the Pink Fish Media forums and has released firmware updates and fixed customer's units if faults arise. It's a strange situation where a designer working as a consultant (for Audiolab/IAG in this case) is providing repairs outside of the official warranty. Anyway, the community arising around this DAC is growing all the time and it seems to have a great future ahead of it with John's own company, Lakewest, currently designing matching linear psu, amps, a transport and more.

 

I cannot recommend this DAC highly enough and it really should be auditioned if this is your price bracket.

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Posted
By Ruzhyo

Pros: Great sound

Cons: cannot off display

Works and sounds great.

 

Too bad display cannot be off.  Bright and distracting. 

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Posted
By v3n

Pros: Sound Quality, Ease of Use, Fantastic Support including firmware requests, Features

Cons: Requires galvanic isolation on USB input through additional device

Fantastic half width DAC that features 5 inputs, a remote, an OLED display, a pre-amp and a headphone amp.

 

Based around the transparent ESS Sabre 9018 chip, this box of tricks can transform your listening experience.

 

 

Bit-perfect playback of your music is guaranteed if you pass the units testing procedure as the M-DAC can check your digital audio chain and will report failure when testing via two test files (44khz and 96khz) that have known values.

 

I'm using the USB connection on PC with a Olimex galvanic USB isolator in-between two regular USB cables with 100% pass rate.

 

Constant feedback on the pinkfishmedia.net message board is very insightful and upgrades are planned including unofficial user requests.

 

Couldn't be happier with the sound which is very revealing which gives a very pleasurable listening experience.

 

Highly recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Facts and Details

Audiolab M-DAC
By:
Description:

Features USB input with Asynchronous data processing of 24-bit/96kHz audio for bit-perfect playback, two each of coaxial and optical digital inputs, and one each of coaxial and optical digital outputs. Audio signal is provided via RCA single-ended and XLR balanced audio outputs. The M-DAC is housed in a smart styling aluminium case with solid build and ample connectivity. A wand like remote control handset allows you to switch inputs, select from preset digital filters and alter the display. The large clear screen allows you to see what input is being used and the sample rate being received. High-res 24-bit/192kHz music files can be played on the M-DAC via the coaxial input, while optical and USB inputs support 24-bit/96kHz data. • Asynchronous USB supporting 24-bit/96kHz with remote control of PC / MAC Media Player via HID support • High current, high linearity RCA single-ended & XLR true balanced with fully discrete J-FET CROSS* Class A output stages and built-in headphone amplifier • Selectable DAC mode or Digital Pre-amplifier mode, allowing direct connection to power amplifiers and active speakers in digital only systems • 2.7” high contrast OLED display • "Actual"or"Nominal"Sampling Frequency display – displays the TRUE input sampling frequency with 1Hz resolution • Digital level meters in dB with peak hold • CD / DVD SPDIF subcode embedded Track and Time Display • Advanced de-jittered optical and coaxial SPDIF output, with USB to SPDIF output. • Full remote control + external remote / BUS I/O loop • 26 internal regulated supply rails with 10 ultra low noise, low impedance discrete regulators • 7 user selectable digital filters – fully software upgradeable via the USB port • Organic ultra low ESR capacitors, high tolerance polypropylene film / foil capacitors, ultra stable very low VCR 0.1% MELF SMD resistors, 4 layer PCB • External upgradeable power supply interface for a future upgrade path

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