M1 vs X-DAC v3
The X-DAC v3's signal-to-noise is 121 dB against the M1's 119 dB and its thd 0.002% against 0.003%. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
DigitalDACsDiscontinued
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$500
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the M1
The Musical Fidelity M1 DAC is an audiophile-grade external digital-to-analog converter designed to significantly improve the sound quality of digital sources such as CD players, computers, and streamers. It features a Burr-Brown 24-bit Delta-Sigma DAC chip with dual differential 8x oversampling, delivering extremely low distortion (<0.0025% THD+N) and a high signal-to-noise ratio (>119 dB A-weighted). The M1 DAC supports asynchronous USB input up to 24-bit/96kHz and other digital inputs including coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU, with all inputs upsampled internally to 192kHz to reduce jitter and digital artifacts. Outputs include both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR connectors. The unit is housed in a solid aluminum chassis with a low-noise power supply and choke-regulated design to minimize interference. Dimensions are approximately 220 x 100 x 300 mm, and it weighs about 3.3 kg. The M1 DAC is praised for its open, smooth, and harmonically rich sound signature, making it a timeless classic in audiophile circles.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 24-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 192 kHz
- DAC Chip
- Burr-Brown 24-bit Delta-Sigma dual differential with 8x oversampling
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- THD
- 0.003%
- SNR
- 119 dB
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Digital Inputs
- USB, Coaxial, Optical, AES/EBU
- Analog Outputs
- RCA, XLR
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 220 × 100 × 300 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 3.3 kg (7 lbs)
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions