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View Full Version : m2Tech Young DAC. More Bass, but not in the way I would expect



ReggieB
29-01-2016, 14:04
I've recently bought a m2Tech Young DAC from @Daws0n via this site. It has replaced a Peachtree DAC-IT. I have finally had a chance to sit down and spend some time with the new system.

Overall everything feels more solid with the m2Tech. Instruments seem more solidly placed with better differentiation between them, and with more solid edges. This manifests most in a way that I wasn't at all expecting. More bass:

However, "More bass" usually means deeper or more commonly just louder bass. In this case "More bass" means more bass instruments.

For examples, one of my favourite tracks at the moment is The Budapest Cafe Orchestra (http://budapestcafeorchestra.co.uk/)'s "The Boatman" from their album "Gaelic Chronicles". I've always enjoyed the interplay between the violinist and accordionist on this track. Via the m2Tech, the double bass has stepped out from the mix. When I listen to this track now, I find myself no longer just listening to the violin and accordion, but also double bass (and the guitarist who also has more clarity).

Listening to Genesis' Wind and Wuthering, Mike Rutherford's Bass Guitar has also stepped out of the rest of the mix. I'm finding myself following base lines I'd not noticed before.

I'm enjoying listening via the m2Tech so much that I've stopped listening to my Raspberry Pi/Audiophonics DAC in favour of my Marantz NA7001, as I route the digital output to the m2Tech.

My next step is to get the power supply I used with the DAC-IT back up to David at MCRU so he can reconfigure it for the m2Tech. I'll also get him to make me up a BNC to RCA digital cable so that I can connect three digital sources (CD, NA7001, Google Audio ChromeCast) feeding into the m2tech.

brian2957
29-01-2016, 14:15
Nice one Rob , this is a very fine DAC indeed . I've heard it at Garys place many times . Glad it's going the business for you :)

ReggieB
29-01-2016, 14:54
Thanks Brian.

It's going to be hard getting rid of the Peachtree DAC. It never been anything but thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.

Of course it could just be added to the "collection" of old hi-fi components I have around the place, but I'm trying to be good. My wife says it's good for me.

brian2957
29-01-2016, 14:59
And wifies are always right Rob innit :D :sofa:

Gazjam
29-01-2016, 17:58
Hey Rob,

One of the areas I think the Young excels is in its bass control.
Know what you mean about following bass lines with the Dac.

The linear PSU goves a worthwhile boost in quality, it tightens up the bass even more and removes any trace of digital ear from the treble.
If your going down this route cant reccomend enough swapping out the stock chinese coupling cap an replacing it with something better.
Cheap as chips upgrade and it opens the Dac up even more.

Theres info here on the forum about it and I think one of the guys might have a spare cap kicking around?

ReggieB
29-01-2016, 23:30
cant reccomend enough swapping out the stock chinese coupling cap an replacing it with something better.
Cheap as chips upgrade and it opens the Dac up even more.

Theres info here on the forum about it and I think one of the guys might have a spare cap kicking around?

That sounds interesting. I'll have to have a dig.

Thanks

Stratmangler
30-01-2016, 12:03
That sounds interesting. I'll have to have a dig.

Thanks

This thread covers the mod http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?39955-m2tech-young-dac-observations&highlight=young+dac
I did the same to my M2Tech Evo DAC with similar results

ReggieB
30-01-2016, 13:03
Thank you Chris.