MUSETEC Audio hifi components

The Musetec MH-DA006 is an advanced DAC that has been in development for three years, undergoing several revisions. Compared to the DA005, the DA006 offers improvements in all aspects of the listening experience, delivering richer details, more natural and powerful sound, and a wide, stable soundstage.

The internal structure is thoughtfully designed with a two-layer layout. Six high-quality O-type transformers are positioned on the bottom layer, while the main DAC circuit is on the upper layer, separated by a 4mm thick metal plate. This unique setup minimizes cross-talk between functional areas, resulting in purer sound. Additionally, the DA006 features multiple custom low-noise clocks to process digital audio signals and supports both synchronous and asynchronous clock modes.

For USB connectivity, the DAC includes a high-quality interface with a specialized low-noise clock and ADI's ADuM4166 isolator to reduce USB input noise. The device supports high bitrates up to DSD1024 and PCM768. The analog output circuit uses a fully discrete design with 11 groups of component circuits per channel, all operating in Class A mode. This design provides significant listening advantages over integrated op-amp circuits.

Special attention was also given to the choice of high-quality materials, such as Mundorf and Duelund capacitors and 5N pure silver wiring, to ensure optimal performance. Design decisions and material selections were based on listening experiences rather than solely on test data, emphasizing the importance of subjective perception for achieving ultimate sound quality.

Key Features:

• Symmetrically designed left and right channel circuits.
• Fully discrete analog circuit with 22 circuit units for two channels.
• Channels and digital circuits are separated within the chassis.
• 6 custom high-quality transformers for power supply.
• Ultra-high-speed silicon carbide Schottky diodes for analog power.
• 19 ultra-low-noise LDOs in the digital circuit section.
• High-quality metal foil capacitors for power bypass filtering.
• Four custom high-quality clocks.
• FPGA buffers and reorders digital inputs.
• Dual ESS ES9039pro DAC chips.
• USB digital interface supporting PCM768K and DSD1024.

Technical Specifications:

• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: < -120dB, Dynamic Range: > 129dB (A-weighted)
• Digital Inputs: USB, Optical, COAX (2x RCA), AES/EBU, I2S (via HDMI & RJ45)

• Analog Outputs: RCA (2.8V RMS) and XLR (5.6V RMS)

• Dimensions (WHD): 430mm x 122mm x 380mm

• Weight: 13.9kg

The Mustec MH-DA006MINI is the smaller sibling of the MH-DA006, yet a very mature product. Compared to the older DA004mini in a similar price range, the sound performance of the DA006MINI has been improved in all aspects. This DAC features a newly developed fully discrete output circuit, with high-quality custom clocks, Mundorf power filter capacitors, and well-designed power supply circuits.

The sound is very natural and smooth, with excellent texture. When playing music, the soundstage is wide, clear, and transparent, full and powerful. Vocals and acoustic instruments sound neutral and pleasing.

Key Features:

• Two high-quality transformers are used to power the different analog and digital sections.
• Fully discrete analog output circuit.
• A total of three high-quality custom clocks.
• Amanero USB module.
• A specially programmed FPGA buffers and reorders the digital inputs.
• ESS ES9039pro DAC chip.

Technical Specifications:

• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: < 0.00015%, Dynamic Range: > 127dB (A-weighted)
• Digital Inputs: USB, Optical, COAX (2x RCA), AES/EBU, I2S (via HDMI)
• Analog Outputs: RCA (2.5V RMS) and XLR (5.0V RMS)
• Dimensions (WHD): 324mm x 76mm x 245mm
• Weight: 4.9kg

In a HiFi system, the quality of the preamplifier has a crucial impact on sound reproduction. After 8 years of development, Musetec, driven by passion as audiophiles, has created the MH-SA001 analog preamplifier.

A critical component of any preamplifier is the implementation of the volume control. Traditional potentiometers, such as ALPS or even high-end ones like Elma and Seiden, can negatively affect amplifier performance due to their high impedance, among other factors. After countless experiments with various types of potentiometers and electronic volume control chips like NJRC’s MUSE72320 series, Musetec opted for a fully discrete circuit design with a low-impedance current transmission mode. This eliminates the limitations of mechanical potentiometers and volume chips, delivering powerful and clear sound with a wide soundstage, regardless of volume level.

The power supply design is also carefully considered. The SA001 uses three transformers to minimize crosstalk and interference. The power supply for the left and right channels is separated from the control unit via a signal isolator, which completely eliminates crosstalk.

The chassis structure enhances performance. The left and right channel circuits are located on the top layer, separated by thick metal plates. The power supply is on the bottom layer, isolated by metal plates. This design creates enclosed compartments for each channel and the power supply, preventing signal interference.

In selecting decoupling capacitors, dozens of options were tested, ultimately choosing Duelund capacitors for power filtering. These meticulous choices result in a rich, natural sound reproduction with uncompressed high and low frequencies, balanced energy distribution, and exceptional texture. These performances surpass even high-cost tube preamplifiers.

Key Features:

• All circuits of the left and right channels and power supply are fully separated.
• Fully Class A amplification circuit design.
• Fully discrete low-impedance design.
• Fully balanced.
• 256-step volume control.

Technical Specifications:

• Frequency range: -1dB 1.3Hz~900kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: 0.00049% (A-weighted).
• Inputs: 3 x RCA (unbalanced), 2 x XLR (balanced)
• Analog Outputs: RCA (2.8V RMS) and XLR (5.6V RMS)
• Dimensions (WHD): 430mm x 122mm x 380mm
• Weight: 12.2kg