Been a long time since I've been here but... I've now moved from the M-DAC to the M-DAC+ and this is a clear upgrade in sound in every way! A well deserved 'Editors Choice' in HFC, 2 great reviews in HI-FI World and Hi-Fi News so if anyone is wondering which way to go under £1k I'd say M-DAC+ for sure!
Originally Posted by
mudan
I believe the Bushmaster is able to be priced low due to the limited number of components used, however in Hi-Fi this can work to advantage with a more direct signal path and through careful component selection you can end up with great results as we have here. Audio wise the bushmaster is a fine choice along with plenty of inputs(exc USB!) and an enjoyable headphone amp. Had I not had my disagreements over the sleep feature I'd still have one today. I liked the sound that much(see my earlier review) that I even ordered the Mark Grant psu within a few days!
I now have my m-dac so from memory I'm comparing a Bushmaster at £335(Inc linear psu +extra S-Booster) For those who have not upgraded the psu I think it really is an essential upgrade. The extra S-Booster also helps - once I'd heard it I couldn't be without it. Out of the box the m-dac sounded more neutral and impressive but I had a feeling I was hearing a veil due to all those extra components - there's a lot crammed in there! Have to admit I was a bit worried but after more running in it has really opened out and is a clear upgrade imho over the Bushmaster. I got the mdac at a promo price of £500 so at £165 extra I'm very happy. This was hifi choice's best DAC and best product of the year for 2012 and I can see why. It extracts an amazing amount of detail.
(And yes Hifi choice have heard the Bushmaster)
Source: Sony SCD-XA3000ES,Audiolab M-DAC+,Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Espirit SB(+Ortofon 2M Blue),Aiwa ADF-850, Amp: Pioneer A-400(modified). Speakers: Monitor Audio RX6. Cables: Atlas Elektra/Ascent-CD, Atlas Equator-TT, Atlas Hyper Bi-Wire, Mains:AUDUSA Eupen, RussAndrews+Tacima distribution