Audiolab M-DAC Mini Portable DAC

Description

Since the launch of the original M-DAC in 2011, Audiolab’s range of standalone DACs has earned widespread acclaim and a host of awards from respected audio journals around the world. Last year’s arrival of the range-topping M-DAC+ and an all-in-one DAC/amp called the M-ONE extended the family by building upon the same award-winning technology.

Now another contender has entered the ring, the fourth model in the M-DAC range: The M-DAC mini. As the name suggests, the M-DAC Mini is the smallest hi-res DAC/headphone amp in the range.

Like the Audiolab M-DAC+, Audiolab’s M-DAC Mini is equipped to process PCM audio data up to 32-bit/384kHz via USB, ensuring it is primed to take full advantage of hi-res digital sound both now and in the future. The USB input also supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 – a significant inclusion, as DSD has an important role to play in the developing hi-res audio scene.

Sonic performance is paramount throughout Audiolab’s M-DAC Mini’s circuit design. For example, while most portable DACs control volume in the digital domain, which results in lost ‘bits’ and therefore reduced signal quality, the Audiolab M-DAC Mini uses a high-quality analogue potentiometer like those more commonly found in full-size hi-fi separates.

Technical Specifications 

General description: Digital-to-Analogue Converter
DAC ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M
Sampling Rate Optical,Coaxial: 192kHz;
USB: 384kHz
DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Digital Input: Coaxial, Optical, USB micro-B for PC/Android,
USB-A for iOS, Bluetooth
Digital Output: Coaxial, Optical
Output Voltage: 5Vrms ±0.1
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz (± 0.2dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 115dB （A Weighted）
Battery: Li-ion Type DC 3.7V 5000mAh
Playback Time: Up to 7 hours
Dimensions (mm): 34mm x 136mm x 178mm