Grace Designx Massdrop m9XX DAC/AmpusedGrace Design x Massdrop m9XX DAC/Amp Massdrop Exclusive, Gently UsedMassdrop x Grace Design In January of 2015, we contacted Grace Design about the prospect of working together to create a new product. Something that would take all the audiophile components from t...375.00

Grace Design x Massdrop m9XX DAC/Amp Massdrop Exclusive, Gently Used

Listing ID: lis7eicb Classified 
 Listed  · 169 Views

2 Watchers

Items from this seller

Time Left: Listing Sold

This listing has ended.

Condition
9/10
Payment methods
Ships fromPittsburgh, PA, 15238
Ships toUnited States
Package dimensionsunspecified
Shipping carriersUSPS or UPS
Shipping cost$15.00
Original accessoriesManual
AverageResearch Pricing

Massdrop x Grace Design

In January of 2015, we contacted Grace Design about the prospect of working together to create a new product. Something that would take all the audiophile components from their m920 (flagship headphone mastering system, ~$1500), improve them where possible, and bring the product into an accessible price range. The m920 is a world-class DAC/Amp, but it has tons of hardware that’s only useful for Pro Audio applications. Even still, the m920 sold exceptionally well among audiophiles looking for the highest resolution DAC implementation and cleanest solid state amplification. With the m9XX, we’ve achieved our goal, bringing the price down to $499 shipped in the United States, while maintaining the m920’s performance level for Audiophile applications, as evidenced by measurements and subjective impressions alike..

D/A Magic

The digital section of the m9XX utilizes a top-of-the-line AKM chip. Part of the newest generation of converters from AKM, the AK4490 features 256x oversampling, 32-bit processing, and sample rate compatibility from 44.1kHz all the way to DSD128. The m9XX even offers a variety of anti-aliasing filters to choose from, something that is rarely included in this price range or physical size. The digital USB controller is an 8-core XMOS processor that operates in asynchronous mode and is immune to USB buss jitter, which can adversely affect sound quality in the transfer. The m9XX is also capable of receiving a digital signal up to 96kHz/24 bit via Toslink.

High Quality Head Amp

Drawing on the technical know-how earned by creating headphone amplifiers usually priced in the thousands, the Grace m9XX is a direct-coupled design with no capacitors in the signal path. The output amplifier is DC servo controlled which ensures zero phase shift for the ultimate in clarity and resolution. High-quality resistors in the circuit path help the m9XX deliver a low-noise, low-distortion signal as well as dynamic accuracy and excellent channel matching to the headphones. The amplifier section is built around the TI THS6012 current feedback chipset, but has been modified with a proprietary circuit topology to zero output impedance for a maximized damping factor, even with sensitive IEMs. This allows the m9XX to deliver all of the ultra-high resolution and clarity of a current feedback amp with all of the control and dynamics of a zero-output impedance headphone amplifier. The compact m9XX even includes new crossfeed circuitry that sonically distributes the stereo image across a headphone’s soundstage and in turn helps reduce listening fatigue over time (toggle on or off from the device menu).

Power Supply Reimagined

The power supply design of the m9XX is unique. In total there are five separate power supplies at work delivering clean, isolated power to the digital and headphone amplification sections. The back panel features two Micro-B USB connectors, one for connecting to a wall charger and one for connection to a USB source. The m9XX can independently operate from its USB buss supply up to 100mW of power into 32Ω load (per channel with two channels driven). Plug the device into the wall for additional amplification power up to 1000mW into 32Ω (per channel with two channels driven)! The power supply in this compact device is carefully filtered with multi-tiered noise suppression for artifact-free playback from the sensitive DAC circuits and amplification unrestricted by any annoying buzz or background hiss. All that’s left is your music ripe with dynamic response, crystal clear detail, and musicality unheard of in this cost range.

Specs

Headphone Output Power - Low Power Mode (2 channels driven)

22 mW @ 4 Ω
45 mW @ 8 Ω
90 mW @ 16 Ω
100 mW @ 20 Ω
175 mW @ 32 Ω
280 mW @ 50 Ω
83 mW @ 300 Ω
40 mW @ 600 Ω
Headphone Output Power - High Power Mode (2 channels driven)

240 mW @ 4 Ω
490 mW @ 8 Ω
940 mW @ 16 Ω
1030 mW @ 20 Ω
950 mW @ 32 Ω
650 mW @ 50 Ω
115 mW @ 300 Ω
57 mW @ 600 Ω
Impedances

Headphone Output: 0.08 Ω
Line Output: 47.5 Ω
THD+N at Maximum Volume

1kHz, 22Hz-22kHz BW
0dBFS In, +14dBV Out: k

No questions have been asked about this item.

Ask the seller a public question

You must log in to ask a question.

Return Policy

Return Window

Item can be returned within 7 days of receipt.

General Terms

Items must be returned in their original condition, with all included packing materials and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all shipping return costs unless the item was not received as described.

Refunds

Buyer will receive a full refund in the original payment method less any shipping charges.