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Tizman
11
Feb 2, 2018
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I received the M8A on the last drop, and have had the opportunity to compare it to my Musical Fidelity V90-DAC over the last few months. The V90-DAC sounds better than the M8A in every case, no matter what the source file is. The M8A plays pretty much everything I put into it natively. The V90-DAC requires that JRiver convert many high resolution files, and all DSD files, to something it will recognize but it always sounds better than the M8A. By better, I mean more realistic. The V90-DAC makes it seem like your listening to an actual person singing and playing a guitar in front of you, while the M8A lacks this realism. I believe that there is far too much emphasis placed on the particular DAC chip used in units, and not enough on the quality of the output stage. Of course, your mileage may vary, but I have used both DACs with numerous tube preamps and tube amplifiers, and a variety of loudspeakers, and the V90-DAC always sounds better. I will probably be selling the M8A soon.
Feb 2, 2018
Gernapious
56
Feb 10, 2018
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TizmanWell considering this is $179.99 (at lowest price) and the Musical Fidelity V90-DAC is 66% more expensive on Amazon, I would hope it is better.
Feb 10, 2018
Tizman
11
Feb 10, 2018
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GernapiousWhen I bought the M8A it was with the expectation that the higher specifications of its DAC, and it’s ability to play DSD files natively would result in improved audio quality. That did not end up being the case. I bought the V90-DAC for the equivalent of $240 USD as a store demo. They are available used on and off for $200 or so. Also, they are a Stereophile Class A rated product. The point of my post is that the DAC chip used is not really the only defining feature when it comes to sound quality, and that it‘s also important how the output stage sounds. My desire to improve sound quality by buying a DAC with a more modern and capable chip did not work out. As always, YMMV, as everyone has a different setup with different synergy and resolution abilities, but in my case, the 66% savings amounted to false economy, as I now have a product that I don’t use. My recommendation is that a well reviewed used DAC with better sonics would be a better choice for $20-40 more.
Feb 10, 2018
Tizman
11
Feb 10, 2018
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TizmanAlso, the M8A is $250 USD plus shipping on AliExpress. Massdrop is so great, isn’t it? I love my Hifiman HE4XX headphones. Now that was a fantastic buy.
Feb 10, 2018
Gernapious
56
Feb 10, 2018
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TizmanYeah, sounds like you learn a little bit of a pricy lesson, newer and cheaper doesn’t mean better just because it has a good chip! Still this is an outstanding value for what you get.
the argument that you can get something used for only a modest price increase it true and valid. It is true about anything you buy. There are reason people chose to buy new, like warrenty and condition, but your right, for the best bang for the buck one can always buy the next model better used!
Feb 10, 2018
typericey
24
Feb 11, 2018
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TizmanThanks, I've been looking for a review of the Musical Fidelity V-90 versus Chinese brand DACs (SMSL, Topping, Etc.). Still in the hunt for a DAC to play music from a PC (Foobar) to my hi-fi. My biggest hesitation on the V-90 is it can't go beyond 24/96 and no DSD, but then again 80% of my music are 24/96 or lower.
Feb 11, 2018
Tizman
11
Feb 11, 2018
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typericeyI use JRiver, and it converts the files to something the V90-DAC can use. Perhaps if you have a system of very high resolution, you might be able to hear a difference between DAC chips assuming an identical output stage. My feeling is that output stage is largely ignored with DACs, with all the emphasis being put on specific DAC chips. For an interesting perspective on this, check out the Lampizator site. As it is, I’d rather listen to 24/96 or CD on the V90 than DSD 256 on the M8A. By a wide margin....
Feb 11, 2018
coolerking
164
Mar 25, 2018
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TizmanTizman - Kudos, I appreciate the feedback.
I do not even look at what chip is being used, and I have 25 years experience as an engineer in the Semicon industry (digital and analog).
Its an analog world folks, all that I really want and appreciate in these discussions is feedback on the sound, and you did a very good job speaking to that, and comparing it to a known DAC is all the more helpful.
I do know that the older M8 (ie not not m8A) is an amazing unit, but that is after I spent $70 on a linear power supply. still at $250 total i am happy.
This is something else people ignore , some circuits require cleaner power. I stress circuits, it is the chip and everything else.
This thing, m8A has a 5v power i believe, and i think people are using an external USB charger battery. I am opening up a can of worms here, but DC (battery) is always going to be cleaner.
I am curious if you were to try that, what it would sound like?
BTW i am using the M8 through a Roksan Kandy Amp and Kestral speakers. Very precise, very articulate, and a slightly forward sound. I like it. (As a source I use my laptop or a CA audio labs CD player. I am not going to say which one sounds better, there are too many other variables involved, sorry)
Thanks again
Mar 25, 2018
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