Purchased Audiolab M-DAC....

I wish I could contribute something useful, but really I was just lurking and this Audiolab M-DAC looks pretty legit. I am looking to replace my DAC/HeadAmp/Pre-amp unit, and I was considering the Cambridge DacMagic Plus, but this looks like a good competitor. Can the L/R analog outputs be controlled by the volume knob (i.e. digital pre-amp)? I need this feature to consolidate my powered speaker volume. If nothing else metsat, let me know how it works out lol.

I think it will sound great! It might be too clinical for my warm & bassy tastes, but if that's what you like then you'll probably love it.

As long as the M-DAC can drive your Shures to good volumes, I don't forsee any problems. I'm starting to think that DAC/amps should be as neutral as possible, and any coloration should come from EQ or headphones. In other words, what I *personally* would change with your setup is swap the Shure SRH-1840's for some Denon D5/7000's or Fostex TH900. 

That said, Audiolab looks like they know how to design a transparent piece of kit; waiting on your feedback to confirm it. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by seekadds 

I think it will sound great! It might be too clinical for my warm & bassy tastes, but if that's what you like then you'll probably love it.

 

As long as the M-DAC can drive your Shures to good volumes, I don't forsee any problems. I'm starting to think that DAC/amps should be as neutral as possible, and any coloration should come from EQ or headphones. In other words, what I *personally* would change with your setup is swap the Shure SRH-1840's for some Denon D5/7000's or Fostex TH900. 

 

That said, Audiolab looks like they know how to design a transparent piece of kit; waiting on your feedback to confirm it. 

Do you have an M-DAC?

Quote:

Originally Posted by elnero 

Do you have an M-DAC?

No, I wish lol. Basically I am subbed to this thread because I want one. 

I owned one for almost 8 months, I would never characterize it as clinical. Detailed yet smooth would be how I'd describe it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by elnero 

I owned one for almost 8 months, I would never characterize it as clinical. Detailed yet smooth would be how I'd describe it.

Right, and if you read carefully, I am saying what would make the combo too clinical for me is the OP's headphones. The DAC I know nothing about and want to know more! Since you have one, could you share more for the rest of us? In particular, I am interested in the usability of the M-DAC. For instance, can you control whether output goes to the headamp or the analog outputs? Or does it just switch automatically when you plug your cans in?

Quote:

Originally Posted by metsat 

 

I think the D5000 is a great phone, it's too bad it got replaced. But, it's a little to bass heavy and a bit to warm sounding for the kind of music I listen to sometimes. Never tried the Fostex TH900. And I'm not trying to warm up the sound of the Shure 1840, I just want a good piece of equipment to see how these headphones can deliver the music with their "maximum" potential.   

Yea that's the problem with other people commenting on the combo as a whole. Like I said, I don't think the M-DAC will have no problem to bring out the best in your headphones. I wish I could give more useful input, but I don't own one. Warming the sound up is just something I would do, a personal preference, nothing to do with the DAC. I apologize if I derailed your thread with my interest in the M-DAC specifically lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by metsat 

Hi all,

 

I was tempted and just hit the buy button blindly without testing the M-DAC personally, I do have 30-days money back guarantee though. I will hook it up with my Shure SRH-1840, using Furutech Formula 2 cable and Sonic Studio Amarra. What do you guys think of that combo? Feedback and suggestions are appreciated.

Lol..basically just did the same thing.  Can't wait to try it out.  My setup is a bit different as I am using this in a computer speaker setup.  I will be running it through Paradigm Signature S1s which are already very neutral sounding.

The fact that it can function as a headphone amp is just icing on the cake for me.

Let me know how it works out. I am just waiting for some funds, then I will probably jump on the blindly buy boat too. This DAC is just too exciting. My setup will be MediaMonkey wasapi -> Optical SPDIF -> M-DAC-> Denon D5000/Genelec 8030a monitors. I hope the amp pairs well with the Denon's as I can't afford a headphone upgrade any time soon lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by seekadds 

Let me know how it works out. I am just waiting for some funds, then I will probably jump on the blindly buy boat too. This DAC is just too exciting. My setup will be MediaMonkey wasapi -> Optical SPDIF -> M-DAC-> Denon D5000/Genelec 8030a monitors. I hope the amp pairs well with the Denon's as I can't afford a headphone upgrade any time soon lol.

Hey man, I got the M-DAC setup this weekend.  So far so good.  It is a very good DAC.  Clearly better then the Asus Essence STX.  Biggest thing that stood out right away was the enhanced detail and musicality.  I didn't really think I could pull out more detail as I thought the STX was very good in that regard but the M-DAC basically extracts that last bit of detail.  The sound is pristine and holographic.  Really makes those Beryllium tweeters in the S1s sing.  Well recorded music sounds pretty incredible. 

I haven't tried the headphone output yet though.  I am thinking of getting the HD800s a bit down the line if budget allows. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewTT 

Hey man, I got the M-DAC setup this weekend.  So far so good.  It is a very good DAC.  Clearly better then the Asus Essence STX.  Biggest thing that stood out right away was the enhanced detail and musicality.  I didn't really think I could pull out more detail as I thought the STX was very good in that regard but the M-DAC basically extracts that last bit of detail.  The sound is pristine and holographic.  Really makes those Beryllium tweeters in the S1s sing.  Well recorded music sounds pretty incredible. 

 

I haven't tried the headphone output yet though.  I am thinking of getting the HD800s a bit down the line if budget allows. 

 

Nice! Thanks for the update. I am still saving up funds for this bad-boy, but I'm pretty dead-set on it. What speakers are those?

Quote:

Originally Posted by seekadds 

 

Nice! Thanks for the update. I am still saving up funds for this bad-boy, but I'm pretty dead-set on it. What speakers are those?

Paradigm S1.

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewTT 

Hey man, I got the M-DAC setup this weekend.  So far so good.  It is a very good DAC.  Clearly better then the Asus Essence STX.  Biggest thing that stood out right away was the enhanced detail and musicality.  I didn't really think I could pull out more detail as I thought the STX was very good in that regard but the M-DAC basically extracts that last bit of detail.  The sound is pristine and holographic.  Really makes those Beryllium tweeters in the S1s sing.  Well recorded music sounds pretty incredible. 

 

I haven't tried the headphone output yet though.  I am thinking of getting the HD800s a bit down the line if budget allows. 

 

how did you connect the mdac to your computer?  toslink?

how does the mdac sound so far?  burning in nice?