Dead MDAC - ideas for replacement?

[bbbiker800]

Hi all - looks like my audiolab MDAC (original) may be uneconomical to repair (just waiting for confirmation). So, I may need to replace it with a better one. My usage is 90%CD and 10% Chromecast/Spotify. I will at some point stream properly. Budget is around £800 and I'd consider used. Ideas please!!!
Thanks Richard

[CageyH]

Loads to choose from at £800

RME ADI-2
Topping D90
SMSL
Gustard

[Sherwood]

Just out, this already has some very favourable reviews

www.eversolo.com/Product/index/model/DMP-A6/target/7abWHw%2B%2BoHhKKmVViAFMcQ%3D%3D.html

see this review

www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/eversolo-dmp-a6-streamer-review.44198/

[Macca]

if you don't want/ need balanced output or any special features https://www.amazon.co.uk/Topping-AK4493S-Amplifier-Decoder-Digital-Black/dp/B0B7JH1NN4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?

save yourself £650

[mikeyb]

Edit: I've just noticed that Sherwood posted the same info, sorry, I only read the OP.

Why not have a look at this streamer, built in Dac seems decent, and does a helluva lot more for under £800 and will trounce your Chromecast.

Zidoo Eversolo DMP-A6

https://youtu.be/vniWmD-HAoU

https://www.zidoo.tv/Product/index/model/DMP-A6/target/WJvLnP0Bu7FKKmVViAFMcQ%3D%3D.html

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/eversolo-dmp-a6-streamer-review.44198/

[ianlenco]

If you are going to take up streaming seriously then it's worth considering the app you will use to access services such as Tidal, Qobuz etc. It makes a difference to your enjoyment. As it happens I'm in a contraction phase with my system so will likely be selling my Auralic Altair which is sonically a superb DAC/streamer and uses Auralic's proprietary Lightning DS interface which is superb. I stream with Qobuz from Lightning DS where you can create the usual playlists and favourites but also look up artist's biographies and more.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Have you tried Alan (Firebottle) he might be able to do a repair. I think he's still taking repairs on.

[mikeyb]

MDACS are known for failing unexpectedly, when I got back into HiFi a few years ago there were threads about it on several forums

[killie99]

Yep, usually strewn with burst caps, think I replaced about 30 in the MDAC I owned. Not a job for the faint hearted.

[Jerry B]

Gustard R26 has many satisfied owners

[Lawrence001]

I think you can get better sound for well under 800 notes. I always recommend Audio Gd WM8741 based DACs, they have a nice natural sound even if ASR say they measure badly and place them at the bottom of their ratings.

[Lawrence001]

There's a Dac19 on eBay now £279 or best offer.

[bbbiker800]

Big thanks to everyone for replying and the advice. Lots to research I think !!!
Cheers Richard

[RockAddict]

Denafrips Enyo (prev known as the Ares II - not to be confused with the following version...). Currently available from UK stockist £865.

If budget can be pushed, the Denafrips Ares 12th will set you back roughly £200 more.

[Lawrence001]

Just get the Audio Gd [emoji1]

[bbbiker800]

Hi all - looks like my audiolab MDAC (original) may be uneconomical to repair (just waiting for confirmation). So, I may need to replace it with a better one. My usage is 90%CD and 10% Chromecast/Spotify. I will at some point stream properly. Budget is around £800 and I'd consider used. Ideas please!!!
Thanks Richard

Hi All - I thought I'd update you and ask for your views ....

Audiolab have confirmed there are 'power-supply and comms issues that need replacement parts' and that the cost would be more than the resale worth. I don't have details from them on the actual failed parts...

They have offered a replacement MDAC+ for £549 which includes post&packing, the inspection cost (£50 ish) and the trade-in of my old MDAC. It gets a 3yr warranty.

This kind of sounds OK especially as I'd had the old MDAC some 6years and I'm used to its sound presentation.

Thinking about the DAC's suggested below, I'm now thinking that I'd be better off getting an MDAC+ which should be an upgrade on what I have rather than lobbing out another £300/400 and taking the risk a different sound presentation.

Does this sound like an OK deal ????

Thoughts ?

thanks richard

[struth]

is it new?? if so then yes its a decent deal. they cost about 800 and your getting it for 500..


ps also you seem to like the old one so like the presentation style

[bbbiker800]

Thanks Grant.

Yes its brand new and is the newer model the '+' with 3yrs warranty. You can get them for around £650 elsewhere.

[Lawrence001]

I'd have to advise against as I really didn't like the original MDAC. I used it for headphones for a few months but as soon as I put it in my main system next to my Audio Gd dac, the MDAC sounded horrible and synthetic.

But given that you said you did like it, or at least got used to it, that advice is probably not relevant to you.

[CageyH]

Is the issue fixed in the MDAC+? If not it is just more money down the drain in a few years.

[bbbiker800]

I'm not confident that audiolab would admit to that

They would say it's a different design and the chances are they would be more careful in choosing their suppliers this time.

Regards Richard