I own an Audiolab MDAC, which I have had for over 10 years!
I have tried many other DACs over the years but have always gone back to the MDAC. I tried a Chord mojo, MDAC+ (no discernable difference in sound), and many others over the years. I know the sound is subjective, but I am wondering if there is an upgrade worth making. It is purely from a listening perspective, not functionality. I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts, as it still seems the best sounding DAC I have had. Does anyone else have an MDAC and think it still has relevance as one of the better DACs out there?
PC - MDAC - Arcam A29 amp - Kef LS50 speakers + Kef Q400B sub
If you like the sound, does anything else really matter?
Objectively speaking, MDAC is rather noisy and inaccurate compared to today’s DACs, and doesn’t support DSD or higher-resolution formats. MDAC+, using the same chip, is really more of the same, adding support for higher res and DSD, so it is unlikely that you’d hear any difference using same sources.
If you are happy with the sound, I’d probably not bother replacing it until it gives up the ghost, but if you want to try something new there are quite a few DACs out there in the same price range that have better technical specs. You’ll have to decide whether those translate into sound you like better.
I like the sound, but as you know, we are all always looking for improvement. You are right, adding MQA or DSD support would be helpful. I know the speakers are great, maybe I should look at a new amp instead. You are right, even my Dragonfly Cobalt in my office is more accurate.
Well, it never stops. You could always go for LS50 Metas, or a better subwoofer.
If you haven’t done that yet, I’d go for measuring in-room response first, adding whatever correction might be needed for that most likely will have far more audible effect than a DAC.
I can tell you that the biggest improvement was getting Roon, everything sounds better through RAAT - IMHO. Thank you I’ll look into measuring response
Looking at your connections description, not sure where RAAT even comes into play, it’s only for network-attached devices, and for at least CD-quality tracks it should not make much difference either.
Since Roon does let you apply room correction internally, I would start with that though.
Every device I use runs through Roon Advanced Audio Transport (RAAT). USB connection to DAC, wireless connections to Kef LSX, remote PC in my bedroom via a Dragonfly Cobalt. They are all Network attached devices. Below is a list from Roon’s website:
I’ve always felt that way. I’ve kept this system for years. However I have just moved house. My new living room, where my main system lives, is 600sq ft. I find I am now dissatisfied with the sound much of the time. I’m not sure new kit will fix the issue, as also has 20ft ceilings. So I do like the previous suggestion of measuring room response, maybe a few well place rugs and wall art. It’s tricky!!
But I think you’re right, as I suspect I could end up 10k + in and no happier lol
I retired my 10 yr old M-DAC 6 months or so ago. A few reasons
The USB input limits at 24/96
There is a known compatibility issue with Linux and the USB input. This manifested itself with Ropieee(big thread somewhere). Buzzing sound bottom line USB was unusable with Linux , certainly RoPieee.
I overcame both by fitting a Allo DigiOne HAT to provide 24/192 coax
The M-DAC spec is rather showing it’s age eg the USB sampling rate limit
I have used my M-DAC as my primary headphone amp with Sennheiser HD800 for around 10 years with no complaints until I started auditioning new headphones. I listened the Sennheiser HDV800 amp with my HD800 and wow . I would expect the 2 items to match.
Long story short I finally settled on a Naim Uniti Atom HE as a 100% headphone listener I liked the one box Roon Ready approach I haven’t been able to do real comparisons but I feel there was a significant improvement . I can also used balanced connectors, if that makes any difference.
If I couldn’t have afforded an upgrade , I am sure I would still be using the M-DAC even now with no complaints.
It is still a sturdy , good performing DAC. If you are happy then stick with it. You may have to lash out a few $ to better it
I picked up a used Martin Logan Depth i subwoofer, and the difference is night and day! The bass is far more precise and musical. The user manual is very helpful, and setting it up was a breeze!
I am now considering buying a Wiim Pro streamer and connect it to my M-DAC using the coaxial digital output on Wiim Pro. But the Wiim Pro Plus has a better DAC than Wiim Pro and has got really good reviews. But would you say that the DAC in Wiim Pro Plus (AKM 4493SEQ) is better than the M-DAC?
