FX-Audio's DAC-M1 is a compact, affordable and powerful digital-to-analog converter. It is based on the use of an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip, associated with an XMOS XU208 USB interface, allowing for the support of high-resolution audio streams, up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD512, while offering great sound transparency. The DAC-M1 is also equipped with a headphone amplifier stage, based on a Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 chip. In terms of connectivity, the DAC-M1 is versatile, with USB-C, Coaxial, Optical and Bluetooth 5.0 inputs, using a Qualcomm CSR8675 receiver chip and supporting the aptX, aptX HD and aptX LL transmission codecs. For its outputs, the DAC-M1 offers a stereo RCA output, as well as a headphone output on the front panel on 6.35mm jack.

Test of FX-AUDIO DAC-M1 by Audio Science Review

"It is easy to see that the company has aimed high with this combination DAC and headphone high. The transparency is provided almost across the board with plenty of power to drive a range of headphones. It is nice to have different options in this class of product. "