Audiolab M-DAC Goes Mini

The Audiolab M-DAC range gets a smaller option-- the M-DAC Mini is, as the name might suggest, the smallest high-resolution DAC/headphone amp from the company yet.

M-DAC MiniThe M-DAC Mini carries the same technology as its larger siblings, namely the ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC. It handles 32-bit/384kHz PCM audio, as well as DSD64-128 and -256, via USB, and includes optical and coax inputs and outputs, USB type-A and mini-B ports (both asynchronous with discrete master clocks), stereo RCA outputs and a 6.3mm headphone socket. Wireless is included via aptX Bluetooth.

Audiolab says the high quality components extend to a low pass filter design featuring EVOX and Panasonic low-ESR capacitors for more stable performance and improved noise isolation. Meanwhile the analogue output stage incorporates discrete JFET amplification using individually measured and matched transistors.

The DAC is the first M-DAC product to be portable, with a built-in battery promising clean, stable DC power. Users can also mains-charge the M-DAC Mini, and it can charge iOS devices when using either mains or battery power.

The M-DAC Mini is available from June 2016.

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