How does 10+ year old technology compare to modern: Musical Fidelity M1 DAC

Level-matched blind listening test. C'mon fellows try it! 

@ghdprentice 

”a real audiophile DAC”. 
Please describe what that sounds like, Sir.  It’s all subjective.  
 

How much has DAC technology advanced in the last decade or more?

A lot of significant sonic improvements over the last 8yrs especially in the ~3-8k price range.  

Is my Schiit Modi 3+ better than the Musical Fidelity M1 DAC?

Not familiar with this DAC’s performance 

And secondly: how much can be 'gained' by spending 3-4x times the value of those 2?

It is much harder to sonically differentiate better DACs below 2k as better parts and engineering, in high-end limited niche market, drive up costs.  Whether it’s worth the sonic change/improvement depends on the transparency of the audio chain and the OP’s subjective preferences.

@simao Schiit just released a new version Gungnir 2, at $1599 ...I've liked Schiit and Denafrips in that price range, haven't heard the older Gungnir...

Tangential/hijack question: I’m using an Oppo 105 as a transport/streamer into a Schiit Gungnir. What’s a good DAC upgrade from the Schitt in the $1K range?

My M1-CLIC is still operating perfectly within it's feature limitations (for example internet radio is limited). 

Sound quality is fine: smooth, no digital harshness, applause sounds real, cymbals have tone not just hiss, vocals are sweet and full where appropriate, blah, blah, blah :).

Prior to that I'd say a great deal.  In the last 10 years though?  Not in my mind.

The advent of cheap femto clocks and DACs which do much better with Redbook (44.1kHz/16 bit stereo) than the previous generation happened around 2000 or so. 

After that I think it's all taste making rather than actual improvements in tech.

Prove me wrong by sending me the latest dCS stack to listen to for a couple of years.

Musical Fidelity will probably outlast a Modi.

Now I need to find a cheap yet MASSIVE vintage transport. Wish I had kept the 80 lb monster MSB Technology Laser Disc Transport LS1 Gold. That would have gone well with the M1.

I use the current Modi+ for my desktop, and it’s terrific...never heard the older Modi3+ ...

Sounds like a plan.👍

FWIW I have a similar older vintage mhdt Constantine DAC that I still like very much. Currently used in a smaller desktop system. It’s a NOS design which is pretty unique. It’s a very smooth and analog sounding DAC and very musical. Also very cool and unique looking with smoked plexiglass enclosure that allow you to see all the very high quality components used. Hand made in Taiwan. A keeper!

mapman that is GREAT information. Thank you VERY much. I think I will KEEP the Modi 3+ (where it is now, in my 2nd 'office' system, connected via LONG usb C to my laptop) for practical reasons (small, USB C), and will ADD the M1 (bought for under $200) to my main system for 'heft and looks' (physical size) or the 'basement' system (bunch of equipment, lot of vintage receivers (no DAC), speakers, CD players (with AWFUL built in DAC) also for 'looks and heft'. The M1 does not seem to be terrible in the 'under $200' category. 

Feature wise newer DACs tend to provide hi res digital to various degrees while older DACs less so. That’s important if high res streaming from say qobuz or Tidal is something you might be interested in.

If it were me if the Schitt is newer and supports hi res and costs less it’s a no brainer to choose it unless there is some unique feature of the MF that you value.

Most likely neither will sound “bad”. 

…but I did some research and here is the summary:  

When comparing the Schiit Modi 3+ and the Musical Fidelity M1 DAC, several factors come into play, including sound quality, features, and user preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the two DACs based on available information:

### Sound Quality
- **Musical Fidelity M1**: This DAC is well-regarded for its sound quality, particularly in enhancing the clarity and detail of audio playback. Users have noted improvements in the highs and a more liberated sound in genres like Pop, Rock, and Jazz, although classical music may not show as much improvement [[2]](https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-mini-and-musical-fidelity-m1-dac.1516985/).
- **Schiit Modi 3+**: While specific comparisons to the M1 are less documented, the Modi series is known for delivering excellent sound quality at its price point. It is often praised for its transparency and ability to handle high-resolution audio effectively.

### Features
- **Musical Fidelity M1**: The M1 DAC offers a variety of inputs, including USB, which makes it versatile for different setups. It is designed with audiophiles in mind, providing a range of connectivity options that can cater to various audio sources [[2]](https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-mini-and-musical-fidelity-m1-dac.1516985/).
- **Schiit Modi 3+**: The Modi 3+ also features multiple inputs, including USB, optical, and coaxial, making it a flexible choice for users looking to connect different devices. It is compact and user-friendly, appealing to those who prefer simplicity in their audio setup.

### Price and Value
- The pricing for both DACs can vary, especially if considering used options. The Musical Fidelity M1 is often found in the used market at competitive prices, which can make it an attractive option for those looking for high-quality sound without breaking the bank [[3]](https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/musical-fidelity-m1-upgrade-vs-topping-e30ii.1065771/). The Modi 3+ is generally priced lower than the M1, making it a great entry-level DAC for those new to high-fidelity audio.

### User Experience
- Users have expressed satisfaction with both DACs, but personal preference plays a significant role. The M1 may appeal more to those who prioritize sound quality and have a more extensive audio setup, while the Modi 3+ is ideal for those seeking a straightforward, high-quality DAC without the need for extensive features.

### Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Modi 3+ and the Musical Fidelity M1 will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a more robust feature set and potentially superior sound quality, the M1 might be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a reliable and cost-effective DAC, the Modi 3+ is an excellent option.

---
Learn more:
1. [Schiit Modius or used Musical Fidelity M1 DAC? | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org](https://www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-modius-or-used-musical-fidelity-m1-dac.964097/)
2. [Mac Mini and Musical Fidelity M1 DAC | MacRumors Forums](https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-mini-and-musical-fidelity-m1-dac.1516985/)
3. [Musical fidelity m1 (upgrade) VS Topping E30II | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums](https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/musical-fidelity-m1-upgrade-vs-topping-e30ii.1065771/)

 

So if Modi 3+ and Musical Fidelity M1 duke it out, who wins?
 

No clue.  Have not heard either. Maybe someone else has and can offer an opinion. 

There has been a lot of improvement. And to some degree, progress has stabilized... as you can now get far more DACs that perform at the level as analog. However, build quality and detailed design still separate very good sounding from great sounding. As is often used as examples, Schiit makes some great budget DACs... I own one, some of my friends own them. They sound great for the money... but they don't sound anything like a real audiophile DAC... even one produced nearly ten years ago. While it is in the details, the natural sound of an individual instrument, how fully fleshed out the human voice is, how proportionally represented are all the sounds.

Audiophile stuff tends to weigh a ton... because of massive power supplies providing quiet, highly regulated power, highly isolated internal subcomponents, massive enclosures to dampen vibration. All these things, you still don't get on budget gear. Which is why real audiophile gear costs a lot and sounds great for very long periods of time. 

Not a clue…some here prefer the sound of older DACs…I much prefer the Bifrost to the M1 

So if Modi 3+ and Musical Fidelity M1 duke it out, who wins?

In general technology has advanced a lot.

That’s not to say all new DACs are better than all old DACs. Each case is different.

But in general the cost of a very good DAC is much lower now than 10 years ago. Never use price alone to judge and this is a very good example why.

it has improved significantly ...Schiit Modi+ incredible for $129 ... and their newest Bifrost is definitely, for most, worth the 6X price...$799 today can buy so much compared to 10 years ago...