ЦАПы — MoFi Electronics STUDIODAC

The StudioDAC is the first digital-to-analogue converter from MoFi Electronics of Ann Arbor, Michigan, the equipment brand linked to Mobile Fidelity, which had until then built turntables, phono stages and loudspeakers. It was designed together with Michal Jurewicz, an engineer at Mytek Audio, and is made in the USA. The list price is USD 599 and GBP 749, and the UK warranty runs five years. Its compact housing is about as large as a paperback book and follows the look of the StudioPhono phono stage, with lights on the top panel.

Key specs that matter

An ESS ES9038Q2M chip performs the conversion. Three digital inputs are fitted - USB-B, coaxial S/PDIF and optical Toslink. Over USB the unit takes 16 to 32 bit PCM at every rate from 32 kHz to 384 kHz, plus DSD64 and DSD128, while the coaxial and optical inputs stop at 24 bit. It also decodes and renders MQA in hardware. Output is one fixed-level RCA pair giving 2.5 V RMS at 0 dBFS from a 75 ohm source. MoFi quotes a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.2 dB, THD+N below 0.002% across that band, an A-weighted dynamic range of 115 dB, SNR above 114 dB on the same weighting, and crosstalk of -110 dB at 10 kHz.

Engineering and use context

A low-noise precision clock generator sets the timing for the converter to keep jitter low. The digital filter is an apodizing type, which the maker chose to reduce pre-ringing ahead of transients. The analogue output stage is a custom design for this model. Front LEDs show the incoming format and sample rate, so the owner can confirm that a stream arrives at its native resolution. Power comes from an external supply rated for 100-240 V AC mains and delivering 12 V DC at 3.3 A through a 5.5/2.5 mm centre-positive barrel plug. Keeping the transformer outside the case means the supply can be swapped for a better one later. MoFi aimed the compact unit at computer-based desktop systems as much as at full hi-fi racks.

Pairing

Because the RCA output has no volume control, the StudioDAC needs a preamplifier, integrated amplifier or powered speakers with their own level adjustment. A computer or streamer connects over USB for DSD and the highest PCM rates, and a CD transport or TV can use the coaxial or optical input. It shares the Studio naming with the StudioDeck turntable and StudioPhono phono stage, so a mixed digital and vinyl system can be assembled from one range.

Alternatives

MoFi Electronics has no other standalone DAC, so the StudioDAC stands alone in its category.