Audiolab M-DAC mini

The Audiolab M-DAC mini blurs the lines between home hi-fi DACs and their pocket-sized cousins. It's the perfect size to sit discreetly on your desk, plus easy-to-use controls and a traditional analog volume control.

Inside, it has ample room to allow key circuits to be implemented with discrete audiophile components, avoiding many of the tradeoffs often inherent in portable DAC designs. The compact form factor makes the M-DAC mini easy to carry and self-contained (not tied to a power outlet) thanks to its built-in rechargeable battery.

Like the M-DAC +, the M-DAC Mini DAC can receive and process PCM audio data up to 32-bit / 384 kHz from the USB input, ensuring compatibility with today's and future high-definition music formats. The USB input also supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 files - a significant addition as DSD plays an important role in the development of high-res file downloads today.

Sound quality is of paramount importance to the entire circuitry of this device. For example, while most portable DACs use volume controls that are implemented in the digital domain, which results in bit loss and therefore degrades signal quality, the M-DAC Mini uses a high-quality analog potentiometer - like those often found in full-size stereos. components.

The M-DAC Mini, like the previously released M-DAC and M-DAC +, combines advanced D / A conversion techniques with high sound quality - thanks to a Class A JFET output stage and a dedicated headphone amplifier section. It delivers superior sound quality when connected to an amplifier and speakers, to a pair of powered speakers, or to headphones.

Battery powered DACs are being used for the first time for more than just portability. It also delivers sound quality benefits - thanks to a clean and stable DC power supply - free from the distortion inherent in switching power supplies, and without bulky and expensive audiophile power supplies. A charger is included and when plugged in, all iOS and Android devices can be charged directly from the M-DAC Mini

Audiolab M-DAC mini Features

This model is the most compact in the M-DAC family (its dimensions are 34 × 136 × 178 mm) and can be used not only with computers and laptops, but also with mobile devices based on iOS and Android.

To work with the latest M-DAC Mini is equipped with a built-in 5000 mAh lithium-ion battery, providing up to seven hours of battery life.

Note also that when powered by the supplied adapter, the M-DAC Mini is capable of recharging a smartphone / tablet connected to it.

The Audiolab M-DAC Mini is based on the modern 32-bit ES9018K2M DAC manufactured by ESS Technology.

Thanks to this chip, the device is capable of playing PCM formats up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, as well as DSD streams with a sampling rate of up to 11.2 MHz (that is, up to DSD256).

Other design features of the M-DAC Mini include the use of discrete audiophile-grade components and a high-quality analog potentiometer for volume control.

Using an analog potentiometer and a Class A field-effect transistor (JFET) output stage, just like a dedicated headphone amplifier.

Audiolab M-DAC mini Specifications

DAC: ESS Saber32 Reference ES9018K2M

Sampling rates: 24 bit / 192 kHz (Optical, Coaxial), 32 bit / 384 kHz (USB), 2.8MHz (DSD64), 5.6MHz (DSD128), 11.2MHz (DSD256)

Digital Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB micro-B for PC / Android, USB-A for iOS, Bluetooth

Digital Outputs: Coaxial, Optical

Output voltage: 5V rms, ± 0.1

Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 0.2dB)

Signal to noise ratio: 115 dB

Battery: 5000 mAh, Li-ion Type DC 3.7V

Dimensions: 34 x136x178mm

Weight: 3.7 kg

Equipment

Amplifier with DAC

Power Supply

OTG cable

Warranty card