Audiolab M-DAC+ Black

The new M-DAC+ is a high-performance, multi-purpose DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) for home use, designed to be placed on a desk or table or integrated into a hi-fi system. It contains a high-quality digital preamplifier and Class A output stage for connection to an amplifier or power amplifier and speakers (output can be specified for those who wish to use an existing preamplifier or integrated amplifier, Fixed/Variable). It also has a high-quality headphone output.

Redefining the classic DAC

The new M-DAC+ builds firmly on audiolab's successful M-DAC, with very carefully targeted improvements in key areas - a sensible move given the steady popularity of the original model over the past four years.

The M-DAC has built an unrivaled reputation with both the press and the public since its launch in the autumn of 2011. Winning multiple Product of the Year awards from magazines such as What Hi-Fi?, Hi-Fi Choice and the EISA Awards it has undoubtedly become the The most acclaimed DAC ever made.

The Finest DAC Circuitry

Like the M-DAC, the M-DAC+ incorporates the ES9018 Saber Reference 32-bit DAC chipset, still widely regarded as the best available.

It's surrounded by such excellent and well-defined circuitry that it puts other DACs in the same price range to shame. It is equipped with a discrete master clock made by audiolab to minimize jitter. The JFET Class A output stage ensures that the audio signal, after conversion from the digital to analog domain, is of the highest quality.

High Performance with DSD

Inside it are many improvements for better performance. The M-DAC+ now processes audio data up to 32-bit/384kHz via USB.

This is a much higher specification than required by current hi-res music formats, ensuring that this new high-quality addition to the M-DAC family is fully equipped for future developments in ultra-high definition digital audio.

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 an important addition, as DSD has an important role to play in the growing high-resolution digital capture scene.

Adjustable sound for all sources and tastes

As digital audio technology has advanced, the importance of digital reconstruction filters has become more appreciated.

Like the classic M-DAC, the M-DAC+ features user-selectable filters for optimal listening performance. These filter settings allow the user to adjust the performance to suit their preferences, depending on the system configuration and the quality of the digital file.

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 match the performance of the source file and the bandwidth of the associated equipment, such as amplifiers and Speakers.

Enhanced audio performance

Another major change relates to the power supply, which has been upgraded and is now integrated into the frame of the M-DAC+ (hence its slightly taller and deeper housing compared to the classic M-DAC). A precision toroidal transformer uses multiple windings to separately power the analog and digital rectification stages. From there, multiple power supply sections feed the necessary voltages to each area of the DAC, keeping any crossover interference to a minimum.

The result is the highest power supply efficiency that audiolab engineers have determined for a DAC, and its contribution to the enhanced sonic performance of the M-DAC+ is significant.