Has the external DAC category run out of steam? With the exception of the Dongle DACs that keep landing on our doorstep each month to review, it definitely feels as if the high-end DAC category is out of favor with consumers. And for good reason.
With so many network amplifiers, wireless speakers, streamers, and integrated amplifiers coming with 24-bit/192kHz or higher DACs — why does one even require a separate DAC anymore?
There are some in the Head-Fi space who would argue that combining your milk and meat is non kosher (that actually came from my Rabbi) behavior if you want to maximize your headphone listening experience; enthusiasts would point to the success of Schiit Audio, Topping, and FiiO that offer high-performance, affordable separates as a source of validation.
Food for thought.
StudioDAC
One thing that really interests us about the new MoFi Electronics StudioDAC, is that it was designed in collaboration with Mytek Audio engineer, Michal Jurewicz.
Jurewicz has some impressive design skills and a relatively strong track record of success with his own products at Mytek Audio. The Polish engineer had a few issues with suppliers back in his native homeland, which took some steam out of his success, but there is no question that he knows how to build a great sounding DAC.
The StudioDAC claims to offer an exceptional listening experience at a very attainable price point. Owners may also appreciate its versatility with hi-res audio support for DSD, DXD, and MQA audio formats.
The StudioDAC is proudly manufactured in the United States, embodying MoFi Electronics’ unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality audio components.
Features
- Designed and Manufactured in the USA, the StudioDAC represents meticulous craftsmanship and quality.
- Multiple input options including USB 2.0, S/PDIF and Toslink to provide seamless integration with various audio sources.
- Full MQA decoding and rendering, delivering an authentic listening experience for MQA-encoded music.
- Low-noise precision clock generator, the StudioDAC minimizes jitter, resulting in an unadulterated audio experience.
- Apodizing Filter that eliminates sharp edged high-frequencies and mitigates pre-ringing artifacts to create a more natural sound which accurately reflects the original analog signal.
- LED indicators intuitively display the incoming audio format and resolution for easy confirmation of bit-perfect playback.
- Outboard power supply is included for low-noise playback and allows for future upgrades.
“Our goal was to create a high-performance DAC that surpasses the sound quality one expects from an affordable design. Working with an experienced and respected engineer like Michal Jurewicz of Mytek Audio, combined with countless hours of listening for careful voicing and fine-tuning, resulted in the MoFi StudioDAC having a transparent, engaging and pure sound that we’re very proud to put the MoFi Electronics name on,” said John Schaffer, President MoFi Electronics.
Specifications
- Digital Inputs: 1x Coax (S/PDIF), 1x Optical (TOSlink), USB B
- D/A Converter: ESS9038Q2M
- Sampling Rates: 32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.2/192/352.8/384 kHz
- DSD Support (USB): DSD64, DSD128
- MQA Support: Full MQA decode + render by hardware
- Bit Depth (USB): 16-32 bits
- Bit Depth (COAX, Toslink): 16-24 bits
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2db
- Analog Out: 1x Fixed Level Out (RCA)
- Output Voltage: 2.5 VRMS @ 0dbfs
- THD+N: <0.002% 20-20Khz
- Dynamic Range: 115dB (A-weighted)
- SNR: >114dB (A-weighted)
- Crosstalk @ 10KHZ: -110dB
- Output Impedance: 75 Ohms (unbalanced)
- Linearity: <+/-0.25db @ -110db
- Power Supply (external 100-240VAC): +12 Vdc 3.3 Amp center positive
- Output Connector (external 100-240VAC): 5.5/2.5mm barrel connector
Price & Availability
The MoFi Electronics StudioDAC is available now for $599 USD at mofielectronics.com.
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Asa
February 1, 2024 at 9:36 pm
Seems a little pricey for the offering albeit a bit less intrusive form factor (no headphone out?). I love my DACMAGIC200M hooked up to my PC via AE HD6+Sub, and is available for $499. I did pick up a new portable DAC last month based on an older E-C review (https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon/), and love it for my needs.
I listen to a lot of techno/ambient/dubspace/electronic music while working and notice most of these artists encode their music in pretty average sampling rates (44.1 kHz via Tidal). There’s an occasional bump here/there, but less so than various rock/popular music. It still sounds decent, but wondering if it’s due to production equipment, cost, or some other reason?
Thanks again for all your sound exposure!
ORT
February 1, 2024 at 11:39 pm
“You sendin’ the ORT?”
“You feel betta moflovious?”
“Schiit, MoFi! That’s all you had to say!” – Thules Wynnfield, “Pud Friction” – 1994
In truth I cannot discern a bit o’ difference between any DAC. If I wanted a dedicated DAC I would pic the best looking one (to ME) that I could afford. That is most often then one built into the CD, DVD, 4K UHD player because I am a frugal frog.
It’s similar to how some people leave their audio equipment on all the time because doing so “makes it all better”.
Would you do so with a BluRay or 4K disc player? Turntable? Howsabout a TV? Totally personal and totally not needed or warranted except to soothe the savage breast of the frAudiophile, i.e., their ego.
“Damn mORTFo! That’s all you had to say!”
My older brother is gonna rag me for this one…So let it be written. So let it be fun.
ORT
Zack
February 2, 2024 at 4:07 am
“…The StudioDAC offers an exceptional listening experience at a very attainable price point…”
How do you know it offers an exceptional listening experience, have you tried/reviewed this DAC? or just copying the marketing language?
Thank you
Brian Mitchell
February 2, 2024 at 7:39 am
Corrected.