Audiolab MDAC Plus DAC Preamplifier with Headphone Amp
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Audiolab MDAC Plus DAC Preamplifier with Headphone Amp
Overview
A dedicated DAC lets the music from your computer, TV, streamer, or CD transport play through the system you already own with a converter built for the job. The Audiolab M-DAC+ is a compact DAC, digital preamplifier, and headphone output that accepts nearly any digital source and drives an amplifier, active speakers, or headphones.
It is built around the ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC chipset, paired with a proprietary discrete master clock to minimize jitter and extensive time domain isolation. A JFET Class A output stage feeds balanced XLR (4.5V RMS) and unbalanced RCA (2.25V RMS) outputs.
Inputs cover two coaxial, two optical, and one AES/EBU at up to 24-bit/192kHz, plus a PC USB input that handles up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256, and a second USB input for iPod, iPhone, and iPad. The output can be variable for use as a preamp or fixed for an existing amplifier.
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The M-DAC+ fits two kinds of systems well: a desktop setup where it drives headphones and powered speakers directly, and a hi-fi rack where it sits in front of an amplifier as a dedicated DAC. Note that Audiolab now lists the M-DAC+ as discontinued, so availability may be limited.
More Info
Why the Audiolab M-DAC+ Stands Out
ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC
Paired with a proprietary discrete master clock and extensive time domain isolation to minimize jitter.
Hi-Res USB and DSD
The PC USB input handles PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256.
Balanced and RCA Outputs
XLR outputs at 4.5V RMS and RCA at 2.25V RMS, fed by a JFET Class A output stage.
Digital Preamplifier
Variable output for driving a power amp or active speakers, or fixed output for an existing amplifier.
Wide Input Selection
Two coaxial, two optical, one AES/EBU, PC USB, and a USB input for iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
Headphone Output
A high-quality output for headphone listening.
Buyer's Guide
Who It's For
- The Desktop Listener: Wants a DAC, preamp, and headphone output for computer audio and powered speakers.
- The Hi-Fi Owner: Wants a dedicated DAC with balanced outputs in front of an amplifier.
- The Hi-Res Collector: Plays PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256 from a computer.
How It Compares
Audiolab lists the M-DAC+ as discontinued. Compared with the Audiolab 8300CDQ, which uses the same Sabre32 9018 chip family, the M-DAC+ is a compact standalone DAC with an AES/EBU input and digital outputs but no CD transport or analog inputs.
Audiolab MDAC Plus DAC Preamplifier with Headphone Amp Specifications
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Model | Audiolab M-DAC+ |
| Brand | Audiolab |
| Product Type | DAC, Digital Preamplifier, and Headphone Output |
| Output Modes | Variable or fixed |
| Audio Performance | |
| DAC | ESS Sabre32 9018 |
| Sampling Rate (Optical, Coaxial, AES) | 24-bit / 192kHz |
| Sampling Rate (USB) | 32-bit / 384kHz; DSD64 (2.8MHz), DSD128 (5.6MHz), DSD256 (11.2MHz) |
| Output Voltage | 4.5V RMS (balanced), 2.25V RMS (unbalanced) |
| Output Impedance | 20Ω (balanced), 10Ω (unbalanced) |
| THD | <0.002% (1kHz 0dB, 20Hz - 20kHz, A-weighted) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.2dB) |
| Dynamic Range | >115dB (RCA), >120dB (XLR) |
| Crosstalk | >120dB (RCA), >130dB (XLR) |
| Connectivity | |
| Digital Inputs | 2 x Coaxial, 2 x Toslink Optical, 1 x AES/EBU, 1 x USB (PC), 1 x USB (iPod/iPhone/iPad) |
| Digital Outputs | 1 x Coaxial, 1 x Toslink Optical |
| Analog Outputs | Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 114 x 247 x 292 mm |
| Weight | 3.7 kg |
| Colours Available | Black, Silver |
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