Alongside the USB input with Asynchronous data processing, there are two each of coaxial and optical digital inputs, and one each of coaxial and optical digital outputs. Audio signal is provided via RCA single-ended and XLR balanced audio outputs.

High-res 24-bit/192kHz music files can be played on the M-DAC via the coaxial input, while optical and USB inputs support 24-bit/96kHz data. While enjoying the high resolution audio via its digital inputs a wide choice of filters are available to optimise your listening experience for a variety of audio formats and personal preferences.

•Optimal Spectrum

This filter implements sampling theory and is designed for near perfect technical response in the frequency domain.

•Optimal Transient

This filter exhibits no ringing and the transient nature of the music is preserved. Although exhibiting ‘lesser’ performance in technical measurements, sound from this type of filter has a purity and ‘naturalness’ that more than compensates for the lack of technical specifications. There are three optimal transient folders which produce identical frequency and time domain response but the internal structure of the filter varies for subtle sonic nuances.

•Sharp Rolloff

This filter typifies industrial standard characteristics (-6dB at 1/2 Fs with significant time-domain ringing) and is included here for comparison purposes.

•Slow Rolloff

The slow rolloff starts rolling off at a lower frequency than the sharp rolloff but has a gentle rate of attenuation and significantly less ‘time domain ringing’

•Minimum Phase

The minimum phase filter has a gentle attenuation slope similar to the slow rolloff option, however it exhibits no pre-ringing in the time domain. It can be likened to an analogue filter applied in the digital domain.

Audiolab M-DAC digital to analogue converter
M-Dac Specifications
General description Digital-to-analogue converter
DAC ESS Sabre32 9018 chip
Resolution 32 bits
Maximum Sampling Frequency 84.672MHz
Digital input 2 x 24-bit/192kHz coaxial
2 x 24-bit/96kHz Toslink optical, 1 x 24-bit/96kHz USB
Digital output 1 x coaxial
1 x Toslink optical
Output voltage RCA: 2.25V RMS,XLR: 4.5V RMS
Total Harmonic Distortion RCA: <0.002%
XLR: <0.0008%
Frequency response 20Hz - 20kHz (± 0.2dB)
Dynamic range RCA: >115dB
XLR: >122dB
Crosstalk RCA: <-120dB
XLR: <-130dB
Dimensions (H x W x D) 59 x 250 x252mm
Colour Black, Silver
Standard accessories power cord, remote control handset, batteries, user manual