Musical Fidelity M1 DAC Upgrade

Almost any Hi-Fi component can be upgraded to higher performance using our techniques and components. The two things go together – the know-how and the right component. Over the last 30 years, we have developed our knowledge of where the biggest problems lie and how to overcome them to unleash better performance from a given piece of equipment.


Launched back in 2010, together with the matching sized M1 CDT Transport (Click here to see that upgrade), the M1DAC has four inputs selectable from the front panel -Optical, coaxial and USB inputs are standard but of note is the AES balanced input hinting at its high end capability.




Combined with the matching balanced analogue output, allows the M1 DAC to operate in a balanced mode. The DAC is a Burr-Brown DSD1796 DAC chip (supported by a SRC4392 chip). The S/PDIF input supports 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz or 192kHz. The DAC can also upsample any material to 24-bit/192kHz although USB only goes upto 24-bit/92kHz.




Paired with the M1 CDT Transport, the resultant compact pairing will take up the same space as a conventional-sized CD player and yet deliver so much more in terms of flexibility and performance. This provides a great platform to upgrade! Our upgrades build on the strengths of the amplifier. Everything you love about the sound remains – it just gets so much better.


34 significant component upgrades/changes are made across the power supply, digital inputs and DAC. Upgrades include Kimber Kap capacitors and Russ's favoured audio grade Panasonic capacitors which give a smooth and detailed sound. The unit is completely disassembled to gain access to key areas of upgrade.




For the majority of the capacitor changes, we use Russ's favoured Panasonic Audio Grade caps. Where possible, we will endeavour to use the superb Kimber Kaps. Post upgrade, the unit is then soak tested for 24 hours.


To clean up and give the power supply an upgrade SuperFuses™, Silencer™ mains filter, ClarityMains™ conditioner can be fitted. You can also see that the customer opted for the additional ClarityMains and Mains Zapperator options. Panasonic caps and Schottky diodes.




If you don't have exactly the same model as listed above, but a very similar unit, then it's highly likely that the same or similar upgrades will apply. But we can't guarantee that until we have the unit here for inspection. Get in touch and let us know what you have.




Equipment upgrades are proving hugely popular. During peak times there may be a wait of several weeks before we can carry out the upgrade. So before we get your equipment here, it must be booked in so we can ensure a speedy turnaround of the upgrade. Once you have placed your order, we will contact you to arrange a suitable week and getting the equipment here.

In Person
For those of you who are local enough or if you fancy a trip to the lakes, you can drop off your equipment personally and then collect it when it’s complete or we can ship it back to you.

By Courier
We can arrange a courier collection of your equipment for an additional cost. We currently use UPS.
To make things easier, we can offer several collection options.

1. We can arrange a specific day for the courier to call and collect your equipment. Someone will need to be available all day at the collection address as we’re unable to arrange a time slot for collections.

2. Dropping off at a UPS Access Point. UPS use a network of local shops to deliver and collect parcels from and to. We can either post you a collection label or email you the label (you will need to print the label at home/work). Securely box up your equipment, affix the collection label to the outside of the box and take it to your preferred Access Point where you will be issued a receipt. UPS Access Points can be found here (link opens in a new window), simply enter your postcode to find your nearest one.

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Please note this is an upgrade modification, it does not include the Musical Fidelity DAC.