AUDIOLAB M-DAC

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows minor signs of wear. Comes with original packaging.

The Audiolab M-DAC is a reference digital-to-analog converter, designed to provide music enthusiasts with an uncompromising listening experience. At its core is the renowned ESS Sabre32 9018 chip, capable of handling a wide range of digital formats with extreme precision, supporting PCM files up to 24-bit/192kHz via the coaxial input and up to 24-bit/96kHz through optical and USB inputs. This capability ensures faithful reproduction of every sonic detail, transforming each listening session into an engaging and realistic experience.

The M-DAC also features selectable digital filters, allowing the user to customize frequency response and phase according to personal preference. The optimal spectrum filter applies sampling theory to provide an almost perfect technical response in the frequency domain, while the optimal transient filter preserves the naturalness and purity of music, rendering subtle sonic nuances with superior perceived quality, even if technical measurements appear less pronounced. There are three variants of the transient filter, offering the same frequency and time-domain response but differing internally to provide subtle tonal variations.

Connectivity is highly versatile, with USB, coaxial, and optical digital inputs, balanced RCA and XLR analog outputs, and a high-quality headphone output, allowing seamless integration into any audio system, from a computer to the heart of a sophisticated hi-fi setup. The M-DAC also functions as a headphone amplifier, capable of driving a wide range of models with precision, detail, and excellent dynamics.

Build quality is equally refined: the aluminum chassis provides elegance and modernity while effectively shielding against electromagnetic interference. The OLED display clearly shows key information, such as sampling frequency and volume, while intuitive controls—including a multifunction knob and clearly labeled buttons—ensure simple and immediate operation.

Listening through the Audiolab M-DAC is defined by clarity, detail, and a wide, well-defined soundstage, with precise instrument separation and a balanced frequency response from deep lows to crystalline highs, free from unwanted coloration. These qualities make the M-DAC a benchmark device for anyone looking to elevate their audio system, transforming any digital source into a high-level, faithful, and immersive listening experience.

Technical specifications:

• General description: Digital-to-analog converter
• DAC: ESS Sabre32 9018 chip
• Resolution: 32-bit
• Maximum sampling rate: 84.672 MHz
• Digital inputs: 2 coaxial 24-bit/192 kHz; 2 optical Toslink 24-bit/96 kHz; 1 USB 24-bit/96 kHz
• Digital outputs: 1 coaxial; 1 optical Toslink
• Output voltage: RCA 2.25 V RMS; XLR 4.5 V RMS
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): RCA <0.002%; XLR <0.0008%
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.2 dB)
• Dynamic range: RCA >115 dB; XLR >122 dB
• Crosstalk: RCA <-120 dB; XLR <-130 dB
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 59 x 250 x 252 mm
• Weight: 4.95 kg