Mini Is Diminutive Only In Size

FOR Good detail; well balanced; numerous inputs

AGAINST Greater expression required; fl imsy casework

Last year, Audiolab added to the top end of its M-DAC range. The next logical step was to underscore its Award-winning series of digital-to-analogue converters with a smaller, more affordable entry. So now, joining what is a burgeoning market of desktop-friendly products, we welcome the M-DAC Mini into our listening room.

We say desktop-friendly, rather than exclusively table stationed. It’s smaller than its siblings, but shares much of the same technological DNA – importantly, the ES9018 Sabre32 reference DAC at its core. The M-DAC Mini appears to be aimed squarely at being easy to shift between office and listening room, and not necessarily just for serious hi-fi.

Well connected

As you’d expect, there are few devices to which the M-DAC Mini cannot be connected. At its rear are digital inputs for phones, tablets and computers as well as CD players and TVs – via USB – and coaxial and optical; output is via either of the last two, stereo RCA, or from a 6.3mm headphone socket using the in-built headphone amp.

As with the M-DAC Plus, which tops the range, the M-DAC Mini also benefits from wireless connectivity via Bluetooth. And those for whom hi-res music is paramount will be pleased to discover that it has the ability to process PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 via USB.