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

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. 

 

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!

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

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.