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


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

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

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

kraftwerkturbo

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

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. 

 

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. 

…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.

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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/)