Thoughts on MF DAC / Leema Precision

[Friendly Ghost]

I have been contemplating if adding a budget DAC to my system would be a logical next step (I now use the internal DAC of my Google Chromecast).
I would use the optical out from the CC into the DAC.
Up for sale near to me a Musical Fidelity M1DAC for 200€.

I've not listened to any DAC's before, so cannot compare.
Worth a shot? Or hold out and look for other options...

 

[simon g]

Well regarded lower cost DAC in its day. Could be 10+ years old.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/musical-fidelity-m1-dac

 

[Hifimad1]

I had one and thought it was very poor sounding.My previous Benchmark DAC 1 easily bettered it. It was a much better engineered DAC too ! I quickly sold the M1.

 

[Lurch]

The CCA definitely benefits from an external DAC, I have a CCA in my 2nd system and feed it into a FiiO Taishan matchbox DAC. There was a definitely nite uplift in SQ, which increased further when I added in a Chfi 5v LPS (+ 5.5/2.1 to USB & 2:1 USB hub) to run both units. There are various DACs both used & new at circa €200, and they're pretty much the same, so yes grab the MF, you won't regret it or the resultant SQ uplift.

 

[naka]

I have been contemplating if adding a budget DAC to my system would be a logical next step (I now use the internal DAC of my Google Chromecast).
I would use the optical out from the CC into the DAC.
Up for sale near to me a Musical Fidelity M1DAC for 200€.

I've not listened to any DAC's before, so cannot compare.
Worth a shot? Or hold out and look for other options...

I had one and like it very much

 

[Rockchild]

Not a bad DAC, question is, other than connectivity, what new £200 DAC could better it today

 

[Tony T]

Does the amplifier you use have an extra expansion slot for the optional DAC module available from Creek?

 

[Friendly Ghost]

Not a bad DAC, question is, other than connectivity, what new £200 DAC could better it today

That would be an excellent way of rephrasing my intended question!

 

[Friendly Ghost]

Does the amplifier you use have an extra expansion slot for the optional DAC module available from Creek?

No, I have the phono stage fitted

 

[Friendly Ghost]

Another option has presented itself: Leema Precision, second hand. Good, great or pass?