M-DAC+

Digital to analog converter

The new M-DAC+ is a high-performance, multi-purpose audio DAC (digital to analog converter) for home use, designed to be placed on a desk or table or integrated into a hi-fi system. It incorporates a highly specified audiophile-quality digital preamplifier and Class A output stage for connection to a power amplifier and speakers (the output can be fixed for those who wish to use an existing preamplifier or integrated amplifier), plus a quality high-output amplifier for headphone use.

Overview

Redefining a Classic

The new M-DAC+ is based firmly on the classic M-DAC, with carefully targeted improvements in key areas - a logical move given the sustained popularity of the original model over the past four years. The M-DAC has built an unparalleled reputation with the press and public since its launch in the fall of 2011, winning multiple Product of the Year awards from companies such as What Hi-Fi?, Hi-Fi Choice and EISA to make it arguably the most acclaimed DAC component of all time. “The audiolab M-DAC+ gets a lot right – so much so, in fact, that it comfortably justifies its '+' designation.” ~ What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, June 2016.

Technology

The best DAC circuit

Like the M-DAC, the M-DAC+ incorporates the 32-bit ES9018 Saber Reference DAC chipset, still widely considered to be the best available. This is surrounded by exceptionally well-specified circuitry that puts other similarly priced DACs to shame, including a proprietary discrete master clock to minimize jitter, along with extensive time-domain isolation. A Class A JFET output stage ensures that the audio signal, after conversion from the digital to analog domain, is of the highest quality.

Technology

High performance with DSD

Under the hood are several performance-related improvements. M-DAC+ now processes up to 32-bit/384 kHz audio data via USB; This is a much higher specification than that required by current high-resolution music formats, ensuring that this new premium quality addition to the M-DAC family is fully equipped for future advancements in ultra-high definition digital sound.

Pictured with 8300A integrated amplifier.

The USB input now also accepts DSD files (the digital audio system originally developed for Super Audio CD), offering compatibility with DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256. This is a significant addition as DSD has an important role to play in the development of the high-resolution digital download scene.

Technology

Adjustable sound for all sources and tastes

As digital audio technology has progressed, the importance of the characteristics of digital reconstruction filters has become more appreciated. Like the classic M-DAC, the M-DAC+ has user-selectable filters for the best listening and measuring modes, as well as more conventional types for easy comparison. These filter settings allow the user to adjust performance to their preferences, depending on system configuration, digital file quality, and musical taste. The M-DAC+ inherits seven filter settings from the M-DAC for PCM files and adds four more for DSD playback, allowing the user to optimize the noise level to suit the performance of the source file and the bandwidth of associated equipment such as amplifiers and speakers.

Improved Sonic performance

Another important change concerns the power supply, which has been updated and is now incorporated into the M-DAC+ chassis (which is why its case is a little taller and deeper compared to the classic M-DAC). A precision-wound toroidal transformer uses multiple windings to power separate analog and digital rectification stages. From there, multiple power supply sections feed the necessary voltages to each area of ​​the DAC, keeping any cross-interference to a minimum. The result is the highest-performance power supply Audiolab engineers have ever specified for a DAC, and its contribution to the M-DAC+'s improved sonic performance is significant.

M-Dac+ Specifications

General description	Digital to analog converter
DAC	ESS Sabre32 9018 Chip
Sampling rate	24-bit / 192 kHz (optical, coaxial, AES)
	32-bit / 384 kHz (USB)
	2.8 MHz (DSD64), 5.6 MHz (DSD128), 11.2 MHz (DSD256)
Digital input	2 x Coaxial, 2 x Optical Toslink, 1 x AES/EBU, 1 x USB to PC USB, 1 x USB to iPod/iPhone/iPad
Digital output	1x coaxial, 1x optical Toslink
Output voltage	Balanced: 4.5 V RMS
	Unbalanced: 2.25 V RMS
Output impedance	Balanced: 20Ω
	Unbalanced: 10Ω
THD (1kHz 0dB 20Hz - 20kHz A wtd)	<0.002%
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz (± 0.2dB)
The signal-to-noise ratio	RCA:> -115dB, XLR: > -120dB
Dynamic Range	RCA:> 115dB, XLR: > 120dB
Crosstalk	RCA:> 120dB, XLR: > 130dB
Dimensions (mm)	114mm x 247mm x 292mm
Net weight	3.7 kg