Muse HiFi M1 Portable DAC/AMP
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Muse HiFi is a fairly new name in the market. I got to know about them with the release of their debut IEMs, the Muse HiFi Power. I had reviewed them before and personally, liked them for their smooth, inoffensive sound and impressive build quality. You can check out my review on the Power by clicking here(head-fi link). Today, I am bringing a review of one of their recent USB DAC/AMPs, the Muse HiFi M1.
M1 is a basic entry-level USB DAC/AMP that houses a Realtek ALC5686 DAC chip. It’s super compact in build and houses a single 3.5mm headphone output port. It supports 32-Bit/384kHz PCM signals. No DSD Support. M1 has a fixed Type-C USB interface. I used it primarily with my Reddit Note 10 Pro for the purpose of this review. Let’s begin with the review without wasting any more time.
Short Disclaimer:-
I received the Muse HiFi M1 from HiFIGo as a part of a review tour in my country. I assure you all the thoughts and impressions in this blog are completely my own based on my own experience with the M1. You can check out more information on the HiFiGo store from the link below.
https://hifigo.com/products/muse-hifi-m1
Design & Build Quality:-
M1 is a super compact USB Type-C DAC/AMP with a metallic outer shell. The shell has a glossy finish with the Muse HiFI logo printed on the back. On one side, the M1 has a fixed Type-C connector to connect with the source device and on the other, it has a 3.5mm headphone output port. It looks pretty well built with its glossy metallic chassis and is also quite sturdy to hold.
Driving Power:-
M1 is a pretty good device for IEMs on the go. It produces a decent amount of output to drive IEMs. It won’t suffice for headphones. For IEMs, I have tested the Muse HiFi M1 with Kinera IDUN Golden, LETSHUOER Z12, Softears RSV, etc. M1 easily drives most IEMs, for planers like Z12, I had to increase the volume a bit, but the rest of everything was good enough. There was no noticeable noise floor with any of the IEMs that I tested the M1 with, everything sounded pretty clean and smooth.
Sound Performance:-
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from the Muse HiFi M1. To my surprise, the M1 actually sounds pretty good. It has a slightly warmish tonality and a clean noise-free output. IDUN sounded quite smooth with the M1. IMO the Muse HiFi M1 adds a little bit of smoothness to the connected earphones. M1 was also a good combination with the Letshuoer Z12, the combination sounded clean and M1 allowed enough room for the Z12 to breathe properly and present a rich sound. I can say the same for the combination with Softears RSV. The presentation was pretty good for any given IEM that I tested the M1 with.
Muse HiFi actually provides ample power to the connected IEMs to deliver a rich, tight bass response, clean & balanced midrange with a smoothen treble performance. Soundstage-wise, all my IEMs performed decently. Don’t have much of complaints about the M1 in terms of its sound performance. In fact, I find myself impressed by the capabilities of presenting a clean and rich sound with Most of the IEMs that I tested it with.
Don’t expect the M1 to drive full-sized headphones. Even with my Senn HD560S, it kinda struggled a bit. It was able to make it loud enough, but the dynamics were a little wonky. For IEMs, are super good and easy on the pocket.
Some things that can be improved:-
>Some extra power wouldn’t have hurt the M1.
>no physical volume keys.
>Can’t adjust gain mode. Is there any gain mode on this device?
>Glossy finish, I personally don’t like glossy finish for my gear. They are fingerprint magnets.
Final Words:-
Muse HiFi M1 is a pretty nicely built portable USB DAC/AMP with a super-compact structure and it has pretty good sound performance as well. TBH I was not expecting much but it delivers quite a clean sound performance with enough power to drive most IEMs on the go. Its compact size allows me to carry it around easily. Even at the gym, I can use the M1 simply with my smartphone.
M1 is a basic entry-level USB DAC/AMP that houses a Realtek ALC5686 DAC chip. It’s super compact in build and houses a single 3.5mm headphone output port. It supports 32-Bit/384kHz PCM signals. No DSD Support. M1 has a fixed Type-C USB interface. I used it primarily with my Reddit Note 10 Pro for the purpose of this review. Let’s begin with the review without wasting any more time.
Short Disclaimer:-
I received the Muse HiFi M1 from HiFIGo as a part of a review tour in my country. I assure you all the thoughts and impressions in this blog are completely my own based on my own experience with the M1. You can check out more information on the HiFiGo store from the link below.
https://hifigo.com/products/muse-hifi-m1
Design & Build Quality:-
M1 is a super compact USB Type-C DAC/AMP with a metallic outer shell. The shell has a glossy finish with the Muse HiFI logo printed on the back. On one side, the M1 has a fixed Type-C connector to connect with the source device and on the other, it has a 3.5mm headphone output port. It looks pretty well built with its glossy metallic chassis and is also quite sturdy to hold.
Driving Power:-
M1 is a pretty good device for IEMs on the go. It produces a decent amount of output to drive IEMs. It won’t suffice for headphones. For IEMs, I have tested the Muse HiFi M1 with Kinera IDUN Golden, LETSHUOER Z12, Softears RSV, etc. M1 easily drives most IEMs, for planers like Z12, I had to increase the volume a bit, but the rest of everything was good enough. There was no noticeable noise floor with any of the IEMs that I tested the M1 with, everything sounded pretty clean and smooth.
Sound Performance:-
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from the Muse HiFi M1. To my surprise, the M1 actually sounds pretty good. It has a slightly warmish tonality and a clean noise-free output. IDUN sounded quite smooth with the M1. IMO the Muse HiFi M1 adds a little bit of smoothness to the connected earphones. M1 was also a good combination with the Letshuoer Z12, the combination sounded clean and M1 allowed enough room for the Z12 to breathe properly and present a rich sound. I can say the same for the combination with Softears RSV. The presentation was pretty good for any given IEM that I tested the M1 with.
Muse HiFi actually provides ample power to the connected IEMs to deliver a rich, tight bass response, clean & balanced midrange with a smoothen treble performance. Soundstage-wise, all my IEMs performed decently. Don’t have much of complaints about the M1 in terms of its sound performance. In fact, I find myself impressed by the capabilities of presenting a clean and rich sound with Most of the IEMs that I tested it with.
Don’t expect the M1 to drive full-sized headphones. Even with my Senn HD560S, it kinda struggled a bit. It was able to make it loud enough, but the dynamics were a little wonky. For IEMs, are super good and easy on the pocket.
Some things that can be improved:-
>Some extra power wouldn’t have hurt the M1.
>no physical volume keys.
>Can’t adjust gain mode. Is there any gain mode on this device?
>Glossy finish, I personally don’t like glossy finish for my gear. They are fingerprint magnets.
Final Words:-
Muse HiFi M1 is a pretty nicely built portable USB DAC/AMP with a super-compact structure and it has pretty good sound performance as well. TBH I was not expecting much but it delivers quite a clean sound performance with enough power to drive most IEMs on the go. Its compact size allows me to carry it around easily. Even at the gym, I can use the M1 simply with my smartphone.
gadgetgod
@ILuvAudio No bro this one has a fixed Type-C port. There's a separate Lightning connector plug one that will be compatible with iOS devices.
MUSE HiFi M1
Build:
DAC Chip: Realtek ALC5686
PCM 32bit – 384kHz, DNR: -110db, Power: 1 Vrms, USB Type-C Male, 3.5mm SE, Metal Chassis, Cable-Less
Foreword
PROS
MUSE HiFi M1 is simply another great small DAC/Amp that can satisfy for most casual audio indulgence. The usage of Realtek ALC5686 proved to be the right choice. M1 reminds me a lot to Avani and JCally JM04Pro – both of which I personally like and both running identical chips to M1.
While not exactly a powerhouse, M1 proved to be powerful enough for pairing even with my stubborn magnetic planar of Fostex T40RP MK3 (running on HiBy Music App in USB Exclusive mode, bypassing Android SRC). The output was satisfyingly good – but of course not as dense with overall texture and depth as how it would be sounding when partnered with more powerful dongles. But then what’s more important, M1 does not buckle or distort even when the volume were cranked almost to the max at 90/100.
When paired sensibly with more power efficient partners, especially with the likes of Kinera Idun Golden or LETSHUOER D13, I find M1 to be thoroughly sufficient for quality listening on the go. The dynamics being vibrant yet organically neutral – never attempting to emit any unsavory metallic sound or pinna glare. Perhaps for those preferring brighter signature would consider M1 being subdued, but to me being organic is what I prefer more and for this reasons I regard M1 as a great unit. The resolution does not get impacted by the “warmer” presentation, the transparency as good as can be expected of an ultra-compact DAC/Amp
Last but not least, perhaps the most endearing feature of M1, the super compact build which feels premium and thoughtful. While most dongles will have dangling cables attached, M1 proved to be quite usable with the form factor of providing 3.5mm SE port directly.
All things considered, for the segment of ultra-compact DAC/Amp, MUSE HiFi M1 offers great value for features and sound quality. Not many in this segment would be comparable to M1.
Build:
DAC Chip: Realtek ALC5686
PCM 32bit – 384kHz, DNR: -110db, Power: 1 Vrms, USB Type-C Male, 3.5mm SE, Metal Chassis, Cable-Less
Foreword
- This unit was sent to me by HiFiGo for review purposes. Check it out at https://hifigo.com/products/muse-hifi-m1
- I don't do measurements, I just describe what I hear, from my own POV
- I don't use EQ
- Ultimately, my reviews are purely subjective and biased to my personal preference in sound
- Xiaomi Mi 9T (USB 2.0 Port)
- Sony Xperia X Compact (USB 2.0 Port)
- Windows 10 with Native USB Drivers
- HiBy Audio Player USB Exclusive Mode with FLAC files
- Kinera Idun Golden (Triple BA)
- FOSTEX T40RP MK3
- Etymotic ER4SR (Single BA)
- VE Monk GO SPC
- LETSHUOER D13
- LETSHUOER Z12
PROS
- Crisp balanced neutral and natural timbre, mild vibrancy
- Coherent dynamics, full bodied with smooth presentation
- Well nuanced Micro and Macro details, good transparency
- Balanced Mids with detailed textures and definition, naturally toned Male/Female vocals
- Sparkly Treble with crisp smooth decays, good extensions
- Smooth impactful Mid-Bass, tight, fast with crisp decays
- Sub-Bass with good seismic responses, natural decays.
- Crisp and vivid guitars, piano, percussions (chimes, bells) and drums and taps
- Holographic spatial imaging with sharp precise placement/layers
- Good speed and dexterity for complex passages and transients
- Silent background, zero floor noises
- Clean layers and well-defined separation lines
- Drives Magnetic Planars and BA at 80/100 volume, great fidelity
- Excellent synergy with many type of IEMs/HPs
- Forgiving on Lo-Fi and lower quality sources
- Low battery drain on the host
- Does not heat up easily
- Very compact cable-less form factor (really nice!)
- Driving power for great fidelity maxed out below 100Ω and with no less than 90db sensitivity.
- No volume adjuster
MUSE HiFi M1 is simply another great small DAC/Amp that can satisfy for most casual audio indulgence. The usage of Realtek ALC5686 proved to be the right choice. M1 reminds me a lot to Avani and JCally JM04Pro – both of which I personally like and both running identical chips to M1.
While not exactly a powerhouse, M1 proved to be powerful enough for pairing even with my stubborn magnetic planar of Fostex T40RP MK3 (running on HiBy Music App in USB Exclusive mode, bypassing Android SRC). The output was satisfyingly good – but of course not as dense with overall texture and depth as how it would be sounding when partnered with more powerful dongles. But then what’s more important, M1 does not buckle or distort even when the volume were cranked almost to the max at 90/100.
When paired sensibly with more power efficient partners, especially with the likes of Kinera Idun Golden or LETSHUOER D13, I find M1 to be thoroughly sufficient for quality listening on the go. The dynamics being vibrant yet organically neutral – never attempting to emit any unsavory metallic sound or pinna glare. Perhaps for those preferring brighter signature would consider M1 being subdued, but to me being organic is what I prefer more and for this reasons I regard M1 as a great unit. The resolution does not get impacted by the “warmer” presentation, the transparency as good as can be expected of an ultra-compact DAC/Amp
Last but not least, perhaps the most endearing feature of M1, the super compact build which feels premium and thoughtful. While most dongles will have dangling cables attached, M1 proved to be quite usable with the form factor of providing 3.5mm SE port directly.
All things considered, for the segment of ultra-compact DAC/Amp, MUSE HiFi M1 offers great value for features and sound quality. Not many in this segment would be comparable to M1.
C4PPY
Does the MIC input work on Windows? Was wondering if it could be used for conference calls.
OspreyAndy
@C4PPY Yes the MIC works on Windows
C4PPY
Thank you sir!
Disclaimer : The unit was sent by hifigo but all thoughts and opinions are my own. You can purchase it here.
Build Quality & Usability
The build quality of the dongle is solid, it is all metal and has nice heft to it. But unfortunately the surface is all glossy so it is a fingerprint magnet, which makes it smudgy looking after some time. The M1 worked flawlessly with Android and Windows in my usage. The unit is very power efficient and draws very less power, and neither does it heat up much. It supports OMTP and CTIA protocols and in line mics as well.
Performance
The sound quality through this tiny dongle has decent drive and very much suitable for most earphones, save the power hungry ones. It sounds thick in the low end and nicely balanced although a bit smooth on the top end and transients seemed to be a bit smoothed out in general. Presentation is very slightly on the laid back and veiled side, but just a bit and nothing to worry about. It performs substantially better than a regular phone and at 39 USD it is a good addition. Do note that one mustn't use power hungry planar earphones or hard to drive headphones in general with this as it will not be able to drive it. In those situations there is just not enough oomph in the sound and the sound-field kind of collapses and sounds limp. I would recommend sticking to high sensitivity and low impedance earphones/headphones to get the best out of it.
Conclusion
The M1 has nice performance but the market for small form factor type c dongles is saturated and some of them have even better laid out design for less protrusion during usage. The M1 although a decent performer, fails to stand out from the competition.
Build Quality & Usability
The build quality of the dongle is solid, it is all metal and has nice heft to it. But unfortunately the surface is all glossy so it is a fingerprint magnet, which makes it smudgy looking after some time. The M1 worked flawlessly with Android and Windows in my usage. The unit is very power efficient and draws very less power, and neither does it heat up much. It supports OMTP and CTIA protocols and in line mics as well.
Performance
The sound quality through this tiny dongle has decent drive and very much suitable for most earphones, save the power hungry ones. It sounds thick in the low end and nicely balanced although a bit smooth on the top end and transients seemed to be a bit smoothed out in general. Presentation is very slightly on the laid back and veiled side, but just a bit and nothing to worry about. It performs substantially better than a regular phone and at 39 USD it is a good addition. Do note that one mustn't use power hungry planar earphones or hard to drive headphones in general with this as it will not be able to drive it. In those situations there is just not enough oomph in the sound and the sound-field kind of collapses and sounds limp. I would recommend sticking to high sensitivity and low impedance earphones/headphones to get the best out of it.
Conclusion
The M1 has nice performance but the market for small form factor type c dongles is saturated and some of them have even better laid out design for less protrusion during usage. The M1 although a decent performer, fails to stand out from the competition.
The Review Of Muse HiFi M1
Introduction
The MUSE HiFi is a new established company, which started their journey with a planar magnetic IEM known as Power, which got quite attention as well. Now they have released two budget Dac/Amp known as M1 and M1 Smart. And today I’ll be reviewing the Muse HiFi M1
Disclaimer
*Thanks to HiFiGo team as this unit tour has been arranged by HiFiGo, lovely people. And as mentioned in all of my reviews, same goes with this one too and that is, each and every thoughts below mentioned are my personal own thoughts and they are not fiddled with any outside influences. The following link is where you can go and own one for yourself :-
https://hifigo.com/products/muse-hifi-m1
*I will be referring these to as 'M1' for the rest of the review.
*And at last I will only be reviewing the M1 on the basis of their performance, I do not care what these are made of or packaged with when newly purchased unless it affects the sound in any sense what so ever. Though will take form factor in some consideration.
Specification
The M1 has an independent ALC5686 DAC chip which supports Hi-Res PCM 32-bit/384kHz decoding. The output power is 30mW at 32ohms and load is 16 ohms -200 ohms. Frequency response is from 20Hz - 20kHz with dynamic range of >110dB and SNR >120dB. The distortion os <-92dB.It only has a 3.5mm SE jack which also supports earphones with in-line control and mic and It only weighs 10g. The dimensions of this Dac/Amp is 19.05x11.2x14.12mm.
Sound & Technical Performance
Coming to the sound, The M1 is very fascinating in performance. Although the response is average yet I still feel it is lacking something behind. So the treble is a little pushed in the mix, the mid range is smoothen and the bass becomes a little bit more punchy. All characteristics of the tonality are very great, but the technical side is a little weird to me personally. I am used to wide soundstage whether the Dac/Amp takes the hit on details or not. But the M1 is average staged with good imaging and okay separation, though the detail retrieval and resolution is great and speed performing quite good for the price.
Conclusion
To conclude this review, The M1 is really up for the competition and I believe it is okay for the price. I would like to recommend this not only for the sound and features, but also because of the form factor as it is very small, tiny and weighs only 10g.
Sources And Tracks Used
Sources
Apple iPhone XS Max (using iphone adapter)
LG G8X
iPad (4th generation)
Apple Lossless
UAPP
Localy stored Flac and Wav Files
Tracks
Curtis Mayfield - Pusherman
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Earth, Wind & Fire - Let's Groove
Boston - More Than A Feeling
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere(Remastered)
Toto - Africa
The Police - Every Breath You Take
George Benson - Affirmation
Daft Punk - Doin' It Right
Daft Punk - Derezzed
Daft Punk - Tron Legacy (End Titles)
GOJIRA - Amazonia
The Mars Volta - Inertiatic ESP
Fergie - Glamorous
50 Cent - In Da Club
Jay Z - Holy Grail
Erbes - Lies
Nitti Gritti - The Loud
Juelz - Inferno
