AUDIOLAB M-DAC

[admin_exported]

Does the Audiolab M-Dac sound any different from the DAC in the CDQ or are they identical DAC devices in different boxes? If the sound is different, in what way?

 

[Clare Newsome]

I'll get the test team to give you a detailed reply...

 

[Ketan Bharadia]

Hello,

The two DAC sections have the same sonic character. They're highly detailed, fast and taut. Both image well too. However, the M-DAC has a better quality output stage and this gives it extra transparency and fluidity over and above that the CDQ manages. That said, as a DAC, the CDQ will outperform most sub-£1000 alternatives we've heard

 

[domenn]

This M-Dac looks very good . how would You compare it to Rega dac ? I could wait couple of weeks :? I have already bought

rega Dac plus V link , more boxes ,no remote , no headphones

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the explanation. I seem to be spoilt for choice at present, the main problem being the dealers (understandably) tend to have one or the other of the various DACs I am interested in, at least with the Audiolab I should be able to get a listen to both at the same dealer

 

[oldric_naubhoff]

However, the M-DAC has a better quality output stage

may I ask in what way "a better quality output stage"?

 

[sortof]

To my knowledge the "JFET CROSS" output stage of the MDAC is not the same as in the CDQ.

 

[Anonymous]

I was planning on replacing my 8000CDX/DAX with an 8200CD as the DAX has developed an intermittent fault, now that this M-DAC is available I am wondering if it's the right thing to do? perhaps it would be better to replace it with this new DAC, I could also then get rid of my DACMagic which I use for PC Audio duties. Does anyone have any thoughts on how this will perform with a 8000CDX Transport and if it will be a better combo than the 8200CD?

rgds

Marty

 

[sortof]

The M-DAC should serve you well and would save you actually some money over the 8200CD. And you could sell your DacMagic.... The only potential downside I see is that at some stage you may need to replace your ageing CD transport as well unless you decide to switch entirely to PC-based audio. Anyhow, if necessary it should be easy and not overly costly to find a CD spinner to feed the M-DAC.

 

[Anonymous]

sortof, thanks for your thoughts on this, that is exactly what I hoped to do, sell on the CA DAC and replace my CDX as and when needed. What I didn't want to do was partner my old CDX with the M-DAC if the 8200CD would of sounded better, I guess only a Demo will reveal all!

rgds

Marty

 

[sortof]

What I didn't want to do was partner my old CDX with the M-DAC if the 8200CD would of sounded better, I guess only a Demo will reveal all!

That´s right, my money would be right on the M-DAC though - assuming the transport transmits reasonably clean data.

 

[nopiano]

As well as his observations above, look at the video of the M-DAC in the Awards. Ketan answers your question, as if you'd asked him directly!