AUDIOLAB M-DAC NANO PORTABLE DAC/AMP CUTS ALL CHORDS

The original M-DAC put Audiolab on the map back in 2011. Since then, the Cambridgeshire-based company has been renowned for its ability to give a substantial sonic boost to all manner of digital devices. The latest addition to the M-DAC range continues this tradition but does so in the smallest, most affordable and most convenient mobile form yet.

The diminutive M-DAC Nano is a brilliantly simple way to transform headphone sound quality when you’re on the go. It connects wirelessly to Android phones, iPhones, tablets and more via Bluetooth. Doing so, the Nano untethers your headphones from the playback device – much more convenient for mobile use than DAC/headphone amps that require cables to connect.

And that’s not the only thing that’s wireless. The M-DAC Nano’s built-in battery supports Qi wireless charging. So, all you have to do is pop the Nano on the supplied charging pad and get up to eight hours of playing time.

Of course, all this convenience would mean nothing if the M-DAC Nano’s sound quality was subpar. Thankfully, Audiolab has squeezed in plenty of tech to ensure it sounds excellent!

Tiny but terrific

The M-DAC Nano’s circuitry packs a mighty punch. Hi-res 32-bit/384kHz-capable DAC technology lies at its heart, with upsampling of data received over Bluetooth to enhance sound quality. The integrated Bluetooth v4.2 receiver supports aptX and AAC codecs, as well as the standard Bluetooth SBC format. All the advanced digital processing is coupled with a powerful Class H analogue amplification. Finally, the amp also packs auto-sensing to adapt the output to suit the load.

A choice of ‘Standard’ and ‘Enhanced’ audio modes are available. Standard offers extended battery life while Enhanced optimises sound quality. Pressing the ‘function’ button engages enhanced mode. This mode uses sophisticated digital filtering with upscaling to give an impressive sonic boost to whatever you’re playing.

Volume is adjusted using a side-mounted, 64-step rotary control. Also, as well as using the dial for loudness, you can press it to pause content and skip forward or back. A built-in MEMS microphone enables hands-free calls when paired with a smartphone and may also be used to engage Siri or Google Assistant on iOS or Android devices respectively.

Other useful features include auto-pause when headphones are disconnected and auto-power-off to conserve battery charge after 10 minutes of inactivity.

Measuring 44x44x14mm and weighing just 28g, the M-DAC Nano is easy to slip into a pocket, while the playback device it’s paired with maybe stashed up to 10m away. It also comes with a protective faux leather pouch, with a clip to attach to a shirt, belt or bag, while keeping the controls accessible.

The M-DAC Nano mobile DAC/headphone amp is available from late October at an RRP of £149.

For more information, go to Audiolab.