The Audiolab M-DAC+ sits at the top of Audiolab's M-DAC series, building on the reputation of the original M-DAC that became one of the most acclaimed DACs in the hi-fi industry. Where the standard M-DAC established the template, the M-DAC+ refines it with an upgraded analogue output stage and expanded digital input array, positioning it as a high-performance desktop DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier in a single compact chassis.
ESS Sabre DAC and Digital Processing
At its core, the M-DAC+ employs the ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018 DAC chipset. Via USB, the M-DAC+ accepts PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports native DSD playback at DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256 (2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, and 11.2MHz respectively). The two coaxial and two optical digital inputs handle PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, and an AES/EBU balanced digital input provides a professional-grade connection also supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The M-DAC+ offers eleven user-selectable digital filter options — seven for PCM files and four for DSD playback — allowing fine-tuning of the noise floor and frequency response to suit the source material and the bandwidth of associated equipment.
J-FET Class A Output Stage
The analogue output stage uses a J-FET Class A topology, designed to deliver the low-distortion, low-noise performance expected of an audiophile-quality preamplifier. Both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs are provided, with the XLR delivering 4.5V RMS into 20Ω and the RCA delivering 2.25V RMS into 10Ω. The output can be switched between variable mode (for direct connection to a power amplifier) and fixed mode (for use with an existing preamplifier or integrated amplifier).
Headphone Amplifier
A dedicated headphone amplifier section drives a front-panel 6.35mm socket, providing a high-quality output for critical headphone listening. The M-DAC+ is designed to work with a wide range of headphone impedances.
Design and Connectivity
The front panel features a central OLED display flanked by two rotary controls for input selection and volume. The compact desktop-friendly enclosure measures 247 × 114 × 292mm and weighs 3.7kg, available in Black or Silver finishes. Digital outputs (one coaxial, one optical) allow the M-DAC+ to serve as a digital hub, passing the selected digital source through to a recorder or secondary DAC.
What the Press Says
- "Lavishly detailed, fastidiously organised and elegantly straight-edged in its sound." — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★★
| DAC | ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018 |
|---|
| USB Audio | PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz; DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 |
|---|
| Digital Inputs | 1× USB-B, 1× USB-A, 2× coaxial (24-bit/192kHz), 2× optical (24-bit/192kHz), 1× AES/EBU (24-bit/192kHz) |
|---|
| Digital Outputs | 1× coaxial, 1× optical |
|---|
| Analogue Outputs | Balanced XLR (4.5V RMS, 20Ω), RCA (2.25V RMS, 10Ω) |
|---|
| Headphone Output | 6.35mm |
|---|
| Output Mode | Variable (preamplifier) or fixed |
|---|
| Digital Filters | 7 PCM filters, 4 DSD filters |
|---|
| Output Stage | J-FET Class A |
|---|
| Display | OLED |
|---|
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 247 × 114 × 292mm |
|---|
| Weight | 3.7kg |
|---|
| Finishes | Black, Silver |
|---|
| Also Available As | Black |
|---|
