Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Spacious and well-balanced sound with a decent amount of detail
- Numerous inputs, including Bluetooth, optical, digital coaxial inputs, as well as two USB inputs
- The first M-DAC with a built-in battery, offering up to seven hours of mains-free use
- Delivers a cohesive and precise performance that engages on an emotional and technical level
- Upgrades the sound quality significantly from standard Bluetooth connections
Product Considerations
- Casework/chassis feels a bit lightweight and underwhelming—made almost entirely from plastic
- Falls short of expression and dynamic impetus, a little too reserved
- Compared to other portable DACs, the M-DAC Mini feels rather large and cumbersome
- Not a suitable choice for smartphone users looking for an ever-present companion, due to its size
- 3.5mm headphone jack is not included
Takeaway: The M-DAC Mini is a versatile and functional device with a balanced and detailed sound, offering a step up in audio quality, especially via Bluetooth. It could be worth buying if you value having a portable DAC with comprehensive connectivity for both home and on-the-go use.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
M-DAC Mini
reviews
[{"title":"Audiolab M-DAC Mini review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/audiolab/m-dac-mini/review","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Audiolab M-DAC Mini Review: Audiolab shrinks the box but keeps the quality","link":"https://www.avforums.com/reviews/audiolab-m-dac-mini-digital-to-analogue-converter-review.14412","source":"AVForums","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Product Review: Audiolab M-DAC MINI","link":"https://blog.richersounds.com/product-review-audiolab-m-dac-mini","source":"Richer Sounds","datePublished":"2017"}]
An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- DAC: ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M
- Sampling Rate Optical/Coaxial: 192kHz
- Sampling Rate USB: 384kHz
- Digital Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB micro-B for PC/Android, USB-A for iOS, Bluetooth
- Digital Outputs: Coaxial, Optical
- Output Voltage: 5Vrms ±0.1
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (± 0.2dB)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 115dB (A Weighted)
- Battery: Li-ion Type DC 3.7V 5000mAh
- Playback Time: Up to 7 hours
- Dimensions: 34mm x 136mm x 178mm
Description
Since the launch of the original M-DAC in 2011, Audiolab's range of standalone DACs has earned widespread acclaim and a host of awards from respected audio journals around the world. Last year's arrival of the range-topping M-DAC+ and an all-in-one DAC/amp called the M-ONE extended the family by building upon the same award-winning technology. Now another contender has entered the ring, the fourth model in the M-DAC range: The M-DAC MINI.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Audiolab components strike a balance between detailed, punchy sound and refinement, avoiding harshness.
- Audiolab consistently aims for high value for money, offering impressive functionality and sonic performance relative to its price point, sometimes outperforming more expensive competitors.
Select products
Select product comparisons
6000 Series
- Position: Entry-level series providing high-quality performance with essential features.
- Description: Includes components like the 6000A integrated amplifier, delivering 50W per channel into 8 ohms and features an ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC for digital inputs. It offers Bluetooth connectivity and a moving magnet phono stage, distinguishing it from higher-tier models that may provide more advanced DACs and additional connectivity options.
6000A Play
- Position: Enhanced version of the 6000A with integrated streaming capabilities.
- Description: Building upon the 6000A, includes DTS Play-Fi technology for wireless streaming, allowing access to services like Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz. This integration offers greater convenience compared to the standard 6000A, which lacks built-in streaming functionality.
7000 Series
- Position: Mid-tier series offering improved performance and additional features over the 6000 Series.
- Description: The 7000A integrated amplifier provides 70W per channel into 8 ohms, featuring an upgraded ESS Sabre32 9038Q2M DAC and HDMI ARC connectivity. This series bridges the gap between the 6000 and 9000 Series.
Omnia
- Position: All-in-one system combining amplification, DAC, CD playback, and streaming capabilities.
- Description: Features a built-in CD player, network streaming via DTS Play-Fi, and a high-quality DAC, providing a comprehensive solution for various audio sources. Its all-in-one design offers convenience over separate components found in other series.
9000 Series
- Position: Flagship series delivering top-tier performance and advanced features.
- Description: The 9000A integrated amplifier outputs 100W per channel into 8 ohms, using a high-end ESS Sabre32 9038 Pro DAC and offering balanced XLR inputs for superior connectivity. The 9000N streamer uses a Lumin-based platform, providing extensive file compatibility and Roon Ready certification, setting it apart from the 7000 Series with its premium streaming capabilities.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
54
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
57
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
25
Founding Year
1983
Our take on the brand
Audiolab is a hifi brand known for its unique streaming platform from Pixel Magic, which enables over-the-air updates and wide audio format compatibility including DSD. Their amplifiers and components feature distinctive capabilities like HDMI ARC inputs, user-selectable digital filters for sound customization, and advanced filtering technology in their pre/power amps.
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