General Information

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Description


Function features

The system is simple and easy to use, and its functions are easy to operate.
Mark your favorite songs with one-button and easily check them later.
Solid buttons, knob design, easy blind-operate, select songs in comfortable.
The sound is listenable and cost-effective.
Full material, double V9 output, 300 ohms without pressure
MP3/FLAC/APE/WAV/DFF....More formats are continuously updated
USB decoding can be connect to USB devices such as PCs, mobile phones, and tablets. The player can be used independently.

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Small body, big power

The MF-01's preamplifier is MUSES02, the flagship dual op amp produced by JRC. It is called "the original voice patron" in Japan, and the sound characteristics of MUSES02 are very pure. The background is clean, the resolution is good, the details are rich, there is no burr, the sound field is wide and deep and the layers are distinct, the sound is mellow and transparent, and its texture, density, bandwidth and dynamics are very reference, HiFi, music and both it is a full-range sound effect fever amplifier. The post-amp TPA6120A2 which is the amp that is equipped with DMP-Z1. It is not necessary to explain more. Don't look at the MF-01 small body, but the audio dedicated power chip, dual 9V, 1200mA load capacity, the strength to release the potential of TPA6120A2. The decoder chip is AK4490EQ. This high price chip is used by iRiver AK380 and FiiO M9. MF-01 is one of the cost-effective players equipped with AK4490EQ.

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MF-01 workmanship

MF-01 workmanship is commendable, small body and even small girls can easily hold in the palm, frosted metal feels like the comfort of a lover's palm. The feedback on the buttons is also very addictive, ringing click when pressed. Wheel damping sense is just right, not loose and not tight, accurate response to the operation. The whole machine adopts an asymmetrical design, and the side design is inspired by the traditional Chinese musical instrument Panpipe, adopts three round bottom groove decorate the side. In the Warring States period, the Panpipe has already appeared. It is not arranged according to the rhythm, but it is beyond the scope of the five-tone scale. It represents the pursuit of music exploration. Just as the MF-01 is not limited by the profit of the product, it is daring to create a new ratio of price-to-tone. In addition, the tone of the Panpipe is pure, delicate, ethereal and ethereal, which coincides with the tuning of the MF-01. On system interaction logic, MF-01 is simple and easy to use, the four buttons are clearly defined, the wheel in right can quickly adjust the volume, and also can be used as a menu selection tool, the utility is extremely high, and the blind operation is also convenience.

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Tuning

On the tuning, the MF-01 is a high-resolution that can be felt at the beginning of listening, and can easily to find the singer's breathing sound. The bottom sound purity is like a few kilometers of deep sea, and no murmurs should be allowed. The low frequency is not expending but full of elasticity. It can make you shock. Balanced is nature, the vocals are slightly ahead but not much near to pop, the high-frequency clear and extended comfort, the dolphin sounds enough to get up, and match with the vocal songs and Japanese ACG. At the same time, the MF-01 has the powerful of push with the Sennheiser HD650 can make a good sound. The earphones within 300Ω do not need to be equipped with an amp

MF-01 explore the upper limits of sound and hearing

The advantage of the HiFi player is the sound quality, the operation is mainly enough, and the touch screen does not make much sense. The player manufacturer designed a product with a common sound quality and a bunch of bugs in the system. The parameter configuration has a surprise, but the experience is quite different, completely losing the initial simplicity and touched of the audiophile. There are two types of HiFi players: one that explores the upper limit of sound and hearing, and the other that is generally sound quality but pursues functional perfection. The positioning of the MF-01 is obviously the former, and the whole machine design is a sound service, not a game machine that plays games or a reader that reads novels.

MF-01 provides a shortcut to the majority of audiophiles in order to popularize HiFi.

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Specification

  • Model: MF-01
  • Decode chip: AK4490EQ
  • Pre-amp: MUSES02
  • Post-amp: TPA6120
  • Audio power supply: ±9V(audio dedicated power, can output 1950mAh current)
  • Decoding parameter: 384kHz/32Bit
  • Support impedance: 10-300Ω(no pressure to push high impedance amplifier)
  • Support language :English and Chinese
  • Size: 53mm x 80mm x 21mm
  • Weight: 133g
  • Screen size: 1.3inch
  • Screen material: OLED
  • Screen resolution: 128x64
  • Battery: 2000mAh
  • Playing time: 6-8hours
  • Support formats: MP3/FLAC/APE/WAV/DFF/DSD (update will be lasting)
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Latest reviews

Dobrescu George

Reviewer: AudiophileHeaven
ACMEE MF-01 - Muse For Music
Pros: + Sonic Performance is spectacular
+ Potentiometer, Buttons, Simple GUI
+ Price / Performance ratio
Cons: - Output Impedance is high
- Very Simple OS and concept / Software with very few features
- REALLY THICC
- Using it as a USB DAC still consumes battery
ACMEE MF-01 - Muse For Music

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How about we return to the good old times of retro DAPs, with no touchscreen, and we delve into a review of Acmee MF-01, something still based on the legendary Muses02 OP-AMPs. It is priced at around 100 USD, and we will compare it to Hiby R2, FiiO M6, and HIDIZS AP80PRO. The main pairings will be with Mangrid Tea, IMR Opus Mia, and FiiO FA9.






Introduction

The unit for today's review is provided by a new shop, the kids that are so cool that you want to know more about, but you're too shy to talk to. They are called TTAudio, and they are a new shop, from Canda. They mainly sell Chifi stuff, but priced for the budget-lover, and they provide some of the best warranty out there, with excellent support, and really helpful folks who do love music. I am a fan of them, and I believe that even big companies like Beyerdynamic should learn what customer support and customer satisfaction is, from small time shops like TTAudio.

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It should be noted that I have absolutely no affiliation with TTAudio. I'd like to thank TTAudio for providing the sample for this review. This review reflects my personal experience with TTAudio Acmee MF-01. Every opinion expressed is mine and I stand by it, the purpose of this review is to help those interested in ACMEE MF-01 find their next music companion.



Product Link

You can get ACMEE MF-01 from here: https://ttaudio.ca/products/acmee-mf-01



Packaging

First things first, let's get the packaging out of the way:

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The package of MF-01 won't win any challenges or contests, but it gets the job of protecting the DAP done.

There's not a lot inside, only the DAP, paperwork, and a cable. A case would have been welcome, but we're talking about a DAP so rugged and well built that the ground will need a case to not get damaged from an impact with this old-school tank.



Build Quality/Aesthetics/Functionality

The build is really really simple. Five buttons at the front, a tiny display, and a wheel on the right side. The wheel is guarded by large heatsinks, and at the bottom we have one Type-C USB Port, and one microSD slot.

In actual practice, the buttons are reliable, and navigating the menu is relatively easy. It looks really old-school with no fluff, but it gets the job done, especially if you have a strong folder structure and use folder browsing a lot. I would not recommend using any other type of browsing with this one in particular. Huge playlists will be hard to manage using the small display, but the display has excellent brightness and clarity. The display has a resolution of 128*64 , so it looks really retro.

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The wheel is actually solid, works for selecting stuff too, and the microSD slot was ok up to 400 GB for me. I do not own a larger microSD card at the moment, to test anything larger.

The battery life is really good, and I got up to 7 hours with intensive usage, which is right in between their stated playtime. Most companies overstate their playtime, while Acmee was pretty conservative.

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Only languages available are Eng and Chinese, and it is recommended for IEMs and Headphones between 10 and 300 OHM of impedance. The DAC used is the legendary AK4490EQ, while the PRE-AMP is the Muses02, a really solid combination on paper. MF-01 is able to decide high-resolution files too. The output impedance is huge, around 40 OHM, so it will create really large changes in signature with low-impedance IEMs, and I personally would only use it with stuff that has 64 OHMs of impedance or higher. Anything else will act erratically and may have either a brighter sound or a darker sound than usual. Unpredictable is a good word to use here.

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The device is extremely solid, it weighs 133grams, one of the heaviest ultraportables out there. If this drops on your leg, you'll hurt. It won't feel a thing. It is a tank. A TANK. I dare you try to damage it with normal usage. I trust to double its usage as a self-protection weapon.



Youtube Video





Sound Quality

Despite a really imposing build and look, the sound is actually really deep, rich, musical, with a slightly smooth treble, a lot like FiiO E12A, an amplifier everyone probably forgot about (except me who had it for years in the past).

The bass is deep, complete, reaches the lowest depths of heck without a bother. The bass can be described as natural in speed, full, with tons of body and impact. The textures are slightly edgy / grainy, and it provides a bit of a coloration to the entire sound, to the point where it sounds a bit like a normal DAP with a bass boost turned on. But just a bit.

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The midrange is really quiet in the background, reminding me a bit of how HD800 from Senny is dead silent in the background. This is a good characteristic of Muses02, but it also inherits the other characteristic, which is a smoother, softer presentation of the midrange. It has a thicc midrange, and the sound is always rich, musical, euphonic. It is not the best to enjoy female voices, or a piano song, but for rock, metal and dubstep, it is really nice.

The treble takes the backstage, and it is slightly rolled off, mostly smooth, yet not entirely absent. The lower the impedance of the IEM / Headphone you'll connect to MF-01, the stronger the treble will be and the less bass it will have. The stage is average in width , but has a good depth. As a result, the sound is elegant, rich and deep, but not holographic and not overly deep. Great presentation for jazz, classical and pop, but not ideal for orchestral, progressive and rock.



Comparisons

The main competitors for the MF-01 are Hiby R2, FiiO M6, and HIDIZS AP80 PRO. There are many others out there, especially in this price range, but those are the ones you guys asked me the most about, and the ones that I found most relevant.

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Acmee MF-01 vs Hiby R2 (100 USD vs 100 USD) - R2 is much easier to pair with low impedance IEMs and Headphones. It is also more ergonomic in general, thinner, and easier to carry around. The display is still a bit small, and if we're talking about an ultraportable, I think buttons to a slightly better job for my fingers as thick as sausages, but still R2 is a bit better. MF-01 is better for overall driving power, being able to drive far harder cans. MF-01 has a smoother, thicker, bassier, sound with more emphasis on the low end, more chugg, more low punch, and a bit more dynamics. R2 has far more features, and I can paint more ways to use it, but MF-01 still has that magical Muses02 sound.

Acmee MF-01 vs FiiO M6 (100 USD vs 100 USD) - M6 is slightly more ergonomic, thinner and larger display. The sound is overall better for MF-01 with headphones, where it is smoother, has a blacker background, more depth, and a better bass. With IEMs, MF-01 is a bit inconsistent, and I prefer M6 for its overall clarity, especially when I'm going for entry-level Chifi IEMs, it really helps get it to have just one signature. All in all, if you have headphones, MF-01 should serve a bit better, while if you have IEMs, M6 should be your weapon of choice.

Acmee MF-01 vs HIDIZS AP80PRO (100 USD vs 180 USD) - AP80PRO is in another segment, and it is better in every way, from ergonomics, to detail, to sound. The main thing is that you have to pay almost double for it, but since we're in the entry-level price range, going from 100 USD to 180 USD is not that much of a stretch. Both are good with headphones, but AP80PRO is much better with IEMs and low impedance stuff. I would recommend considering adding the extra money towards AP80 PRO if you can, it should save you effort down the road, and should make up for a really awesome purchase choice. If you're on a tight budget and if you have headphones, rather than earphones, MF-01 will be a thick, warm and bassy experience that won't give you up and won't let you down tho.



Pairing


Finding good pairings for MF-01 was actually hard. It is an entry-level DAP to drive tons of things, but not low-impedance IEMs and not low-impedance headphones.

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This means finding a more expensive high-impedance headphone, or something that still sounds good out of it, which was a bit challenging. The bass is the best part about it, but if you don't match it with the right things, it will be absent, and the sound quite bright, so be careful when picking a pair for it, this is not exactly a universal DAP. IMR Opus Mia, FiiO FA9, and Mangrid Tea

Acmee MF-01 + IMR Opus Mia (100 USD + 700 USD) -
With Opus Mia, the high output impedance of MF-01 actually helps even the sound a bit. They are not low impedance enough for MF-01 to affect their signature heavily, but it actually gives them a snappy sound with tons of impact. There's a certain musicality in the midrange too, and even with the brightest setting, the smooth top end of MF-01 compliments Opus Mia and gives them a clean and crisp sound.

Acmee MF-01 + FiiO FA9 (100 USD + 500 USD) - FA9 is also slightly affected by the high output impedance of MF-01, and you can hear some hiss in the background. You can also hear a nice deep low end, and tons of detail, paired with good dynamics and a smooth top end. The hiss is a bit loud for me, but it is liveable with if you listen medium or loud.

Acmee MF-01 + Mangrid Tea (100 USD + 200 USD) - Mangrid Tea is a nice pair for MF-01 thanks to their price and their overall design. They sound smooth, natural and the hiss is not loud enough to be distracting, although it is there. I noticed a nice deep soundstage with tons of layering and a good overall stereo imaging from this pairing.



Value and Conclusion

Despite all of the hurdles you may experience while using it, Acmee MF-01 has great value. It costs little, does much, has tons of kick, and a really good build quality.

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The package is basic though, and if you don't like pixels, you may dislike the very clean but very pixelated display. The display also has enough space for just a few lines of text, so it is not recommended for huge libraries, and I would mainly use it as a nutcracker that can do random play and a solid ipod shuffle replacement.

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Even more, the sound is rich, elegant, deep, with good layering, but it has a high output impedance so you can't pair it with most entry-level Chifi stuff, so the device itself is quite a specialist. I like the sound a lot, but I have a huge selection of headphones and IEMs to find good friends for it. If you have just one or two IEMs, I would probably go with something a bit more versatile and generalist.

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At the end of today's review, I tried being a bit more funny. I hope you liked. The DAP is good, not ideal. If you have something you need driven well and if you like a rich, deep sound, you'll love it. It is for old-school stuff lovers, and I don't have old-school, it has its charm.



Product Link

You can get ACMEE MF-01 from here: https://ttaudio.ca/products/acmee-mf-01

--- Please remember to stay safe, and always have fun while listening to music!---

Full Playlist used for this review


We listened to more songs than those named in this playlist, but those are excellent for identifying a sonic signature. PRaT, Texturization, Detail, Resolution, Dynamics, Impact, and overall tonality are all revealed by those songs. We recommend trying most of the songs from this playlist, especially if you’re searching for new music!



Youtube Playlist

[embedyt]



Tidal Playlist

https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/64555551-ec3c-4279-ae44-248fdfcf6c4b
ehjie
ehjie
I still have the E12, still working after 6 years!
Excellent review George and thanks for the playlist!
Dobrescu George
Dobrescu George
@ehjie - Thanks a lot, and really happy to help!! Hope the E12 will still bring you many ears of fun!!
S
szmei
RIP my Acmee MF01. If anyone has one lying around that works well, pm me, I'd gladly buy it off you :)

cqtek

1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: Sound.
- Power.
- Ease of use.
- Potentiometer, buttons, construction.
- Reduced size.
- One-click function to add favorite songs.
- OpAmp Pre-Amplifier MUSES02.
Cons: High output impedance.
- Battery life.
- For now only reads one level of folders.
- Limited handling.
- Fatter than other competing DAPs.
- The USB-DAC consumes a lot of battery, it does not charge during this use.
- The back cover is glued with double-sided tape.
Introduction

According to its website, ACMEE is a Chinese brand that has accumulated experience since 2014, in the manufacture and development of audio equipment, specifically amplifiers. The MF-01 is its first HiFi player. Its philosophy is based on sound quality as the top priority, with the simplest and most practical handling possible. And this DAP is really like that. When it comes to sound it's sensational, a product completely finished in this aspect. The design and construction is also quite careful, as it does not give the feeling of being a DIY product. The level of the components used and the electronic design are high and their fruits are reflected in that particular sound it has. The handling is simple, perhaps too much. But a virtue of the brand, is the intention of constant improvement, based on frequent firmware updates, to raise the value of a product, which they know is a winner.

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Specifications

  • Decode chip: AK4490EQ
  • Pre-amp: MUSES02
  • Post-amp: TPA6120
  • Audio power supply: ±9V(audio dedicated power, can output 1950mAh current)
  • Decoding parameter: 384kHz/32Bit
  • Support impedance: 10-300Ω (no pressure to push high impedance amplifier)
  • Support language : English and Chinese
  • Size: 53mm x 80mm x 21mm
  • Weight: 133g
  • Screen size: 1.3inch
  • Screen material: OLED
  • Screen resolution: 128x64
  • Battery: 2000mAh
  • Playing time: 6-8hours
  • Support formats: MP3/FLAC/APE/WAV/DFF/DSD (new formats will be added in future updates)

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Packaging

The packaging of the MF-01 is minimal: they come in a small black box, measuring 110x83x43mm. The letters of the brand and the model are inscribed in silver, in the lid of the box. Once opened, the MF-01 is encased in a black foam mould, covered with velvet simile, at the top. The outside of the box is lime green. Once the mould has been removed, an instruction manual appears in Chinese only. Underneath it, there is a white cover, which only protects the USB connection cable. The connector of the MF-01 is micro USB. Nothing more. The minimum required. It does its job, but there are fewer instructions in English, at least.

Another accessory that is not present, is a custom case to protect a DAP that, because of its thickness, construction material and weight, can be susceptible to shock and scratches.

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Construction, Design and Comfort

The design is truly unique, asymmetrical, three of its corners are rounded and the fourth is bevelled. If held with the right hand, the thumb fits comfortably to this chamfer, providing a very appropriate ergonomics. It has been tried that the size and the design, allows its use with only one hand. The large potentiometer wheel can be moved with the index finger and thumb, while the DAP is held with the rest of the fingers. The reach of all the buttons, by means of the thumb, is not forced, and its handling is possible and adequate.

The construction is metallic, not light, but has a very pleasant micro texture. On the front face there are 5 cross buttons, the middle one is larger and the rest are joined by a groove. Each button produces an audible but pleasant click. The buttons are not in the center of the vertical axis, but more to the left, since to the right there is another groove that gives way to the great potentiometer, located in that face. This wheel has a great rough texture, is almost completely embedded in the body of the DAP. To facilitate access there are two large triangular openings on it. The movement has just the right hardness and precision, its use is very pleasant and almost perfect. Not only does it rotate, but it can also be pressed inwards, as if it were a button. Above and below the potentiometer, there are two small Allen screws, which support its internal circuitry. At the bottom of the right side there are three large slots, which give a radiator look, with some personal air and aggressive.

In the upper side, to the left, there is an oval slit, where are the two audio connections of 3.5mm, the left is the headphone output and the right is the line output.

On the underside there are separate slots for the micro USB port and the micro SD memory card slot. There is nothing on the left side. While on the back side there is a clearly differentiated and superimposed cover. A small slot on the lower left side allows you to lever it out. It is said that this cover is glued with double-sided tape. Personally I haven't tried to open it. If this is so, would not be the best way to close a product, a priori, so well finished.

Finally, there is the screen, a 1.3 inch OLED, whose resolution is 128x64 monochrome pixels. In this way, on the screen you can see 4 lines, which have an adequate size, a smaller font would make it difficult to read.

In my opinion, the distinctive beauty of this DAP is undeniable, intimately linked to its philosophy of offering something simple and extremely functional, where the important thing is quick access and, above all, quality, not only sound. Only the closing system of the back cover lowers the overall score. It would have been much more appropriate to use, 4 screws, Allen, for example, as the ones that are used around the potentiometer.

On the other hand, the size is smaller than it appears a priori, but the thickness is somewhat greater than desirable, as is its weight. Despite everything, the whole is comfortable, very solid and proud-looking, a feeling that is contagious.

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Use and Handling

Ergonomically speaking, DAP can be handled with one hand, although by weight and thickness, it could be easy for it to slip and fall. A cover would have been desirable to prevent undesirable slippage. Each button clicks, audibly but pleasantly. The handling of the potentiometer is totally adequate, one of the best that I have been able to test. In addition, you can click, with the function that add the current song, to a list of favorites. The same process is used to remove it from that list. The potentiometer has the dual use of volume control as well as scrolling in menu lists. Its use is preferable to that of the buttons, in this scrolling task, because these buttons do not allow continuous scrolling, while they are kept pressed. There are five cross buttons, 4 of the same size, around a central, larger. The top button is the menu button, the sides are for forward, backward songs, and during playback, if held, fast forward and backward. In the middle of menus, they are used to move forward or backward in the list. The lower button acts as a backspace function.

All buttons respond when the display light turns off. When the screen is off, the menu button just turns it on, so does the back button.

The menu button accesses the list of options, pressing the central button acts as "Enter".

Music List: accesses the list of folders.

  • Marker List: access the list of favorite songs, which have been added by pressing the potentiometer.
  • Cycle: All, Single, Random
  • Settings:
  • Disp Time: 0s, 15s, 30s, 01m, 02m, 05m, 10m. Time the display remains on.
  • Sleep Time: 0, 15m, 30m, 45m, 60m, 75m, 90m, 120m, 150m, 180m. Timer for Auto Power Off.
  • Brightness: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06. Adjusts the brightness of the screen.
  • Style: default, Slow, SD-Slow, SSLow, Sharp. Filters.
  • Car Mode: No, Yes. If it is set to Yes, when powered on the USB port it automatically turns on.
  • Boot Lock: No, Yes. The DAP is switched on by long pressing the central button. If this option is set to Yes, it requires that you also press the potentiometer at the same time, to avoid accidental start-up.
  • USB ADC: No, Yes. Activation of USB DAC function, no additional driver required.
  • Seek Speed: 01s, 05s, 10s, 30s, 60s, 90s. Allows you to modify the time jump value when the forward or reverse buttons are held down during the playback of a song. Very useful function.
  • Auto Play No, Yes. When it is turned on, when this option is set to Yes, playback starts.
  • Memory Play: No, Yes. When set to Yes, the DAP memorizes the exact point where it was before the shutdown.
  • Language: English, Chinese
  • Update App: Activates the firmware update.
  • Update Font: Activates font update.
  • Info Ver: Allows you to view system information, firmware version (V2.1.5.D at this revision point) and serial number.
  • Scan Music: allows you to scan the memory for new files.
  • Delete File: allows you to delete the current file.
On the playback screen you can see it:

  • Top line, left to right: Playback mode. Status (play, pause). Current track/total songs in folder. Volume Battery status.
  • Line 2: title of the current song
  • Line 3, from left to right: Second current. Playback bar. Duration of the current track
  • Line 4, from left to right: Bit depth. Encoding frequency.

On the playback screen, the lower button accesses the list of tracks in the current folder. A new press returns to the playback screen. When you are in the track list, press the menu button to access the delete menu for the selected song.

The reproduction is not Gapless, although the cut is small. When you start a song, there is a minimum Fade-In of 1 second. The same happens when a song is paused/started by pressing the central button.

To switch it on, press the central button long. If the "Boot Lock" option is activated, a padlock inside a circle will be shown on the screen. To turn it on, hold down the central button and press the potentiometer. The text "ACMEE" will be displayed on the screen during start-up. DAP starts very quickly, it only takes a little more than 5 seconds. Tested with 128GB micro SD in FAT32.

If it is on, when the central button is pressed long, the DAP is turned off, while, on the screen, the text "CLOSED" is shown inside a box. Shutdown is immediate.

As you can see, the operation is ultra simple, without complications, but with some very useful functions.

The negative note is that, sometimes, when you navigate through the list of songs or options, you can hear a click on the music.

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Measurements

  • No load: 3.97V
  • 100Ω: 2.85V

With these measures, the output impedance is 39.2Ω. The manufacturer himself has assured me that the output impedance is that. In addition, it comments that it is the recommended value for the TPS6120A2.

As it can be seen, this value is high, which can generate modifications in the frequency responses of some IEMS with complicated or low impedances.

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Sound

Bass


At last! After having bought several DAPs below 100€ with clear cuts in the lower zone (Ziku HD-10, Zishan T1, F.Audio XS03), the MF-01 has no absence in this range. The lower part is shown complete, without fissures, full, powerful, with a lot of body, nothing is left behind. The texture has some roughness, scratches slightly, is softly rough, so it is perceived with great taste, because it breaks and tears. Everything that a good lover expects and desires, something unequivocally passionate, almost raw, but controlled, specific and very descriptive. Another point in favor of the lower zone, is its color, very dark, elegant and dynamic. All this provides a great depth, perceptible, pleasant and very enjoyable.

ACMEE MF-01 12_resize.jpg

Mids

However, ACMEE possesses a notorious virtue: its expression in the central zone is uncommon, very capable of revealing very distinctive and particular details and sonorities. When the right headphones are chosen, there is a synergy with them, then the mids shine and explode expanding light, details and nuances. And this explosion generates a great opening in the sound; even in the darkest passages, the voices shine with a fully differential colour, where the timbre impresses with its freshness, vivacity and dynamism. It is also worth highlighting the depth they acquire, gaining body and three-dimensionality, achieving a privileged situation within the scene, almost separating themselves from the rest of the instruments. The sound expansion provides a great sensation of instrumental separation, being able to perceive the dark background existing between sounds.

The mid zone of the MF-01 enjoys the true pleasure of rediscovery.

ACMEE MF-01 13_resize.jpg

Treble

The upper part of this DAP has a tendency to narrow the treble slightly, but it does not have a crisp or too crunchy profile. It is clear that the profile is oriented by bringing that luminosity to the mids, giving them the protagonism that attracts the attention of the listener so much. But I don't think it's appropriate to call the MF-01 a mid-centric DAP, because its low zone is also very particular and the highs complement each other remarkably. But it is necessary to emphasize the greatness of the sound in all ranges.

But going back to the highs, as I say, they are very fine but not cut, very well executed, easily isolated and defined. Their timbre does not escape towards the unreal extreme, but is framed in that magical realism, where their perception is extended and the smallest details are distinguished between layers. Although the extension of the high zone is not total, but a slight cut is observed in the audible end. Overall, the highs sound very analogical, not cold at all, although perhaps a certain absence of air is noticeable.

ACMEE MF-01 14_resize.jpg

Soundstage, Separation

The scene is big, the sound is expansive and this expansion begins, as I have commented, from the mid-range. From there, the space is filled with music, advancing towards both extremes, not only horizontally, but also frontally and upwards. The mids possess height, frontality and three-dimensionality. The bass has a halfway plane, which sometimes forces us to be attentive. Trebles bloom in tune with the mids, complementing them at all times. Thus, the scene is generated, rich and ample, accompanied by nuances, details and that distinctive perception, as if it were a different approach: another virtue that deserves to be highlighted, a different point of view.

And, along with big sound, space and separation, they are, too, as much as the recordings and connected headphones allow.

ACMEE MF-01 15_resize.jpg

Comparisons

xDuoo X3II


My direct reference, in this price range, will always be the xDuoo X3II, my preferred DAP in a long time. Although its handling system and the position of the buttons, is not the most appropriate. In that respect, the MF-01 is simpler, with its cross button panel. Although the xDuoo system is almost perfect, and works well in all its aspects, it is even Gapless, something that is rare for other DIY players to have. Both use the AK4490, but the xDuoo uses it in its EN version, that is, reduced, and the MF-01, in its EQ version, which is the "big" version. Although from the AKM website, they hasten to say that both have the same sound and features. For amplification, the X3II uses the combination OPA1652+LMH6643, while the MF-01 uses MUSES02+TPA6120A2.

The size is:

  • xDuoo X3II: 102.5mm x 51.5mm x14.9mm
  • ACMEE MF-01: 80mm x 53mm x 21mm

It is almost impossible to emphasize that the size of the screen of both is totally different, the xDuoo is in color, supports menus and covers and ACMEE is a single color and only supports pixel arrays.

As far as sound is concerned, there are clear differences. Starting with the profile, the xDuoo has a flat, neutral profile, which has a certain inclination towards the cold side of the spectrum. Its upper zone receives special treatment and it is there where the greatest differences occur, between the two DAPs. The MF-01 does not have so much extension in this zone, and the xDuoo is perceived greater amount of air and spatiality, in this band. The sensation is of greater cleanliness and brightness, with a colder light. While the MF-01, provides a different type of light, certainly warmer. The mids projection is completed further down in the ACMEE, while the xDuoo is projected upwards, giving it a more analytical look. The warmth of the MF-01, generates a very analog sound, with more power in the mid and low range. The X3II sounds totally digital, comparatively speaking, a sound with a higher resolution, cooler, more analytical. The MF-01, however, expresses details in a different way and its texture also differs, with that more natural and perceptible roughness, as opposed to a more perfectionist and millimetric execution of the xDuoo. The bass has that difference, more than a greater or lesser emphasis, it is the analogical-digital character of each one, which generates a distinctive sonority. The MF-01 sounds more raw, while the X3II is fully controlled and measured. In the middle zone, the X3II is perceived to be cleaner, and voices benefit from it. But there is a power in the lower-mid zone of the MF-01, which makes another big difference between the two. It's like there's more music in this range, a bigger, more vivid and dynamic mix. It's not a dark warmth or just a funny sound, it's that special face that ACMEE has. It is the life in front of the coldness of the xDuoo, there is a different passion where resides the charm of the MF-01, a sound that invites to the joy of our favorite music, executed in a different way.

In terms of scene and separation there are few differences, the power of the lower zone of the MF-01 provides something more depth, a more rounded scene. But the X3II's cooler profile and greater amount of air provides a higher point of separation and a wider scene.

By way of conclusion, the ACMEE MF-01 is the only DAP of this price that can seriously compete with the xDuoo X3II, even surpass it. There are no big differences and, as always, our sensations will decide which sound we like best.

ACMEE MF-01 16_resize.jpg

Conclusion

All those who have read some of my posts in the forums will know my search for the best DAP below 100€. Is ACMEE MF-01 the end of the search? Every new player I buy I hope it is. On this occasion, in sound is positioned as one of the best DAPS I have tried, because it is unique in its kind, as it offers a distinctive seal that no other has managed to provide. That makes it totally special, different and irreplaceable. But, in my opinion, it has a negative point, something that is characteristic of some DAPS DIY: the high output impedance. It is also true that it has some limitations of use, but in view of the excellent response that is offering its after-sales service, is something that does not worry me at all, because surely they will be able to correct all the errors, even improve the handling. That's why I can say, without fear of making a mistake: Long live ACMEE MF-01!

ACMEE MF-01 17_resize.jpg

Headphones Used During Analysis

  • Moodrop Kanas Pro
  • BGVP ArtMagic DH3
  • Auglamour RT-3
  • TFZ MyLove 3
  • DB Monroe
  • Tansio Mirai TSMR-2

Ratings

  • Packaging: 60
  • Construction, Design and Comfort: 90
  • Use and Handling: 80
  • Sound: 90
  • Quality/Price: 90

Purchase link

https://penonaudio.com/acmee-mf-01.html

You can read the full review in Spanish here:

https://hiendportable.com/2019/10/17/acmee-mf-01-review/
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@bjd1 : I want to have an idea how the line out sounds like when plugged into an amp. Impressions with your Schiit and what drivers you use would be of great help for me since I intend to use the ACMEE as source paired with an amp.

@cqtek : Thanks for the spelling it out.
bjd1
bjd1
Ok, @eyan, I listened to some music through the MF01 headphone port, and through its LO port into Fulla's Analog Input port - mostly with the HD6XX, and a little with the NiceHCK X49 IEM I had within reach. I could not detect any differences, perhaps not surprising since both have the same AKM DAC and both have a TI op amp.

I had to turn the Fulla's volume up to ~ 3/4 to get volume similar to what I had from the MF01's headphone port. The MF01's manual is in Chinese, so I'm not sure if they recommend a volume setting for LO. I had the MF01's volume around 50 for the HD6XX. I left the MF01 knob alone when I switched to LO, and tweaked volume with the Fulla's knob. I don't listen at very high volumes.

As @cqtek points out above, it's likely there's some electrical differences between MF01's headphone and LO ports - e.g. output impedence or voltage. You might try writing to ACMEE and asking them for more info about the LO port. Hope that helps!
4
469615
@bjd1 :Thank you very much for the impressions! I think I'll get one! Yes, LO and PO will have differences. What's important is that comparative sound between LO and PO is comparable. Again, thank you!

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