The Article
Audiolab M-DAC Mini DAC/head amp: Compact & Curvy
17th May 2017
The Audiolab M-DAC Mini incorporates an array of inputs and outputs. There are optical and coaxial digital inputs and outputs, Type-A and Mini-B USB inputs (these are asynchronous with two dedicated master clocks), stereo RCA hi-fi outputs and a 6.3mm headphone socket. Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, with support for the aptX codec, is also included
It also features a Class A JFET output stage and dedicated headphone amp section while the circuitry shares much with its big brother, the £800 M-DAC+ such as the ESS Technology patented 32bit HyperStream DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, unique to the Sabre32 Reference family.
The M-DAC Mini is equipped to process PCM audio data up to 32bit/384kHz via USB plus DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256. You’ll also find an analogue volume control incorporating an ALPS potentiometer.
Meanwhile, the low pass filter design on the DAC output stage uses EVOX and Panasonic low-ESR capacitors. An included mains charger is included in the package to charge the battery supply and iOS devices can be charged from the M-DAC Mini whether the unit is connected to the mains or not.
The chassis is injection-moulded polypropylene and machined aluminium front panel and controls. Price is £300.
To learn more, click www.audiolab.co.uk
Very elegant indeed
Hmmm… Very interesting indeed. This has plenty of features and bagging the same territory as the Arcam irDAC II and Schiit Modi Multibit which i am still debating whether to give a trial to. The Schiit doesn’t have Bluetooth or headphone socket, useful features but not my primary reason for purchasing.