Musical Fidelity M1 DAC DAC
It is also notable for being the only model in the test to truly have a matching CD transportation, and extremely nice it is too...
The specification is still completely competitive however. In addition to a USB input able to manage files up to 24-bit/192kHz, the Musical Fidelity M1 DAC has a coaxial and optical input signal (selectable separately) and - unique - an AES digital input signal. It is the ideal match for the M1 CDT transportation, but could come in handy depending on which your sources are. All these are joined by unbalanced and balanced analogue connections, making it a very adaptive bit of kit considering its (in the context of the group) quite modest retail cost.
Like the Cyrus, the M1 DAC has no external power supply to accommodate, that is another bonus, although unlike the DAC X+, it is not upgradable with an external carton. It's also not consummately difficult to use, having a sensible control layout and easy LED input and sampling rate signs to tell you exactly what it's doing, and where!
Sound quality
The Musical Fidelity attracted quite favorable opinion from the panel that was listening and revealed numerous appealing traits. Like the Heed Dactilus 3, the M1 DAC was felt to be a musical and dynamic performer throughout the four evaluation pieces, and the listeners were especially fulsome in their praise of the management of voices and instruments. The Musical Fidelity manages to locate texture and detail that most of the other DACs didn't, while managing to keep them a cohesive section of the performance. The piano's treatment was also felt to be among the finest here. Although a little brighter and lighter than the M-DAC for example, the silky tonal balance was not difficult to listen to for long periods.
The soundstage was also felt to be extremely cohesive and convincing. The entire size of the performance that the M1 DAC created was not the biggest here but it was loaded, in-depth and had commendable front to back depth. This proved particularly good for the Mozart piece, where the Musical Fidelty put in one of the most powerful performances in the test - the mix of the ability with instruments and voices and the cohesive soundstage used to great effect.
Time was perceived to be competent, but much less energetic as the Heed or the Audiolab. The impression it gives is enough agile to keep pace with rapid music, but less inclined than some here to get feet tapping. This could link to the M1's bass response, that was believed to be good rather than excellent. Bass such as there's was well defined and high in detail, but it doesn't go as loud as some of the models here.
The M1 DAC of musical Fidelity gets an awful lot right and contemplating that it is among the least expensive DACs in the test, this can be a genuine accomplishment. Factor in fine build and functionality, and it's an important audition.
