New M DAC by AudioLab..

[sleepysurf]

Looks like the Invicta will soon be getting DSD playback as well, via an upcoming firmware update... http://resonessencelabs.com/news-updates/

 

[amey01]

After doing some additional research, this may be at the top of my list.

Me too. I was close to getting a Naim DAC (and I haven't heard the Audiolab), but I'm going to get out and hear one soon. I might save some money

 

[amey01]

Hey Roberto. So I went out this weekend and heard a M-DAC. Very surprised. It is almost as good as the Naim DAC (in some ways better - smoother but with less absolute detail) but at half the cost! Very impressed. I might just have go grab one.

 

[roberto]

Hola amey01...the unit is not perfect, but it is playing music very nicely. It needs some time to break-in, or I am getting more used to it. The unit has seven different types of filtering. The one that I find myself listening more is called "Optimal Transient DD", but still amaze with the possibilities of changing digital filters for different recordings. Specially, old digital recordings are more evident of how good the unit is for them. Just listen DMP recording Trycycle, This recording was made on November 1982 and a Mitsubishi X-80 digital recorder was used. Now I can say, been sure, that the digital to analogue process is the one that it is so important mostly. Listening to the dynamic of the drummer with the well clear but not so deep 5 string electric Alembic Bass, and the piano notes are not too exaggerated on its size and the right stage. Before, with my old digital gear, (Sonic Frontiers SFD-2) I played the recording, but it lack the natural balance between instruments. Yes, I know, a very old gear, but the recording that is so old, it is playing very nice and well balanced. I did use a lot of digital gear, starting with Theta Digital, Levinson, PS Audio, and always ( with all respect ) felt that something was missing and always I was making a complaint regarding digital sound. I start to not listen carefully to digital sound since some time ago, until new DACs arise. About four years ago, when I apologize of what I heard about the new CLX at the CES in Las Vegas, what I said was a top secret at the Martin Logan Team, so I said that my comment was not true, I listened to a new DACs there. Boy, I got the bug again!!! Digital was better than ever!, but the DACs were very expensive, and right now are not! http://schiit.com and 6moons review it: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/schiit2/1.html and also Jeff Dorey: http://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-schiit-bifrost-dac/ The unit costs less than $ 500.00 and for what I am reading, it is that good! So, digital is coming strong and well done. Getting back to the M DAC, I am having a lot fun, and also I am finding myself tapping my foot, with the rhythm of the music. I had only this with analogue gear...not with digital. I though that I'll never was going to say this: On these days, digital is that good!!! Happy listening.

 

[Bernard]

Haven't heard it, but let us know your comparisons with the Benchmark. Bernard and I were just discussing the Naim DAC too, in the Australian audio show thread - you should also get that in for audition...

Adam, did you read the review of the ARC DAC8 in TAS? They were unimpressed.

 

[amey01]

Adam, did you read the review of the ARC DAC8 in TAS? They were unimpressed.

No - haven't read it Bernard. Any links? I'm guessing I won't find it on ARC's site if that's the outcome?

 

[roberto]

Amey, the ARC DAC costs $ 5000.00. I have a customer who owns one, and the sound is nice, but nothing to die for. This is my liking. Perhaps the review came good, and the unit is well built. But again, this M Dac is driven me nuts! The strings are the best that I had ever listened through a DAC. I do like it very much.

 

[Bernard]

No - haven't read it Bernard. Any links? I'm guessing I won't find it on ARC's site if that's the outcome?

No, I don't have any links, and yes, it's not on ARC's web site. However, there is a link to a review by HiFi+, the British magazine associated with TAS, who liked it.

 

[amey01]

I reckon the air between instruments heard on analogue is simply the poor noise floor acting as dither.

You could be on to something there Justin!

Given that virtually every "analogue" release in the last 20 years has been recorded and/or mastered digitally (sometimes in very poor 16/44.1 digital), an aspect many analogue-holics conveniently overlook...

 

[Peter_Klim]

Hola Roberto! ?Como estas?

Did you end up keeping the M-DAC? Lo siento, but did you already tell us what you are feeding as a source to this unit? And did you notice a difference in sound quality when you used the built in (pre-amp) volume control versus off?

Thanks in advance Roberto!

 

[roberto]

Hola Peter, I am using a Bel Canto CD2 as a transport, interconnect via coax with a transparent digital cable. I do like it better than my Benchmark DAC1. I have connected both to my system, and I can make comparisons. Both are great dacs, but now I am really enjoying my new sound. It has better resolution overall. Besides, you have 7 digital filters to play with, and choose the one that you liked most for that particular cd. On the other hand, I am getting soon a Mac Mini, and will use it to play the music only. If I want to be an audiophile, then I have the Bel Canto, to listen carefully. The M DAC is that good. I love it. It is the very first time that I am enjoying digital this much!