Rega DAC vs Musical Fidelity M1 DAC vs Audiolab M-DAC

[pete321]

I did a home demo of the Audiolab and Rega DAC's, the Audiolab was definately the more lively of the two. Having said that, the sound became too fatiguing for my ears. By comparison, the Rega's analogue sound brought more bass to the party with good detail levels but in a less clinical fashion. The other factor that swayed me to the Rega was the tank like build quality, the coax RCA socket came out on the Audiolab M-DAC whist I was using it!
I now use the Rega with my PC & J. River 18, linked with a Musical Fidelity V-Link 192 by USB. Hi-res FLAC files of 176.4KHz & 192KHz sound great through the Rega.

 

[Anonymous]

The Arcam rDAC, in its natural form, is very good but limited in terms of bass and soundstage. With a £35 Maplins switch-mode multi-adapter power supply, however, it's absolutely excellent. I fear there are a lot of people 'upgrading' from rDACs who haven't tried this. 8/10

Haven't tried the MF.

Thats very interesting to read, as im looking to change my DAC. Can you point out which product it is you speak of? Ive looked on maplin, is this it - http://www.maplin.co.uk/12vdc-5a-power-supply-with-2.1mm-tip-513519

 

[jerry klinger]

Not that one. Switched mode power supply, Code: L11BQ. http://www.maplin.co.uk/high-power-multi-voltage-desktop-power-supply-48517

Price reduced since I bought it!

May not seem a lot different to the Arcam supllied one but certainly sounds it. There's a much more expensive power supply upgrade from a company selling on ebay too.

BTW is the rWAve dongle only designed for Apple or can you use it with a Windows laptop?

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that, I will try it out! What major difference would say was evident?

Re rWAVE, It has nothing to do with Airplay so will work with a windows PC absolutley fine i think.

 

[jerry klinger]

Thanks for that, I will try it out! What major difference would say was evident?

Sounds better! :cheers: