Page 57 - Hi-Fi World (January 2020)

REVIEW

At left, two gold plated BNC digital inputs, two optical inputs and a USB for computer connection
(centre). Then optical and BNC outputs, and right twin DBNC outputs for Chord Electronics products
with matching DBNC inputs.

powerful, as if images had gained muddle from the sound of M- was unspectacular, but a compli-
physical weight. There was more DAC+, separating images and events, cating factor was I had to use the
internal detail too. The only slight retrieving more atmosphere from Arcam’s unbalanced outputs to feed
alteration, rather than amplification, recordings and also broadening the Creek’s line input and volume
was a subtle smoothing of the sheen the sound stage with firmer and control; neither Arcam or Creek have
on strings, from Nigel Kennedy more strongly embodied images. volume adjustment on their balanced
playing Massenet’s Meditation. Even better, the full bodied sound lines. So perhaps some muddle crept
in as a result. Whatever, whilst this
"the sound stage became larger combo worked at a functional level, it
did not convey the sonic benefits of
and more densely powerful, as M Scaler.
The warning here then is M

if images had gained physical Scaler has problems interfacing with
DACs other than Hugo TT2. Yet at
weight" the same time I thought its coupling
with M-DAC+ was sublime and, for
me at least, I would rate this pairing
worth hearing. The extraordinary
However, with Marianne Thorsen of M-DAC+, with its on-board high cleanliness, composure and timing of
playing Mozart’s Violin Concerto in current, low noise linear power M Scaler, as well as its sound staging
G Major (24/96) her violin was still supply was retained, even slightly properties were all passed to M-
sheeny, but this recording has always enhanced by the smoothing effect DAC+ that in turn sent out a sound CHORD
been so. M Scaler, like Hugo TT2, of M Scaler – I fell in love with this that was big bodied and easy going. ELECTRONICS
does not euphonically process such combo! Korsakov’s Dance of the HUGO M SCALER
recordings so much as expose their Tumblers (24/96) became even CONCLUSION £3,495
intrinsic character. larger, orchestral instruments more Chord Electronics M Scaler embodies
M Scaler’s benefits become less distinctly separated. Diana Krall Rob Watts view of how to perfectly
apparent at higher sampling rates singing Narrow Daylight (24/96) came reproduce digital. I thought it was OUTSTANDING - amongst
used in hi-res recordings (e.g. 24/96). into stronger focus, accompanied by devastating. You get to clearly hear the best
With Marta Gomez singing Maria a slightly smoother quality. how CD can sound when all the
(24/96), images were densified and The one wrinkle here was M- rubbish is swept away, performers VERDICT
If you want the best from CD,
the sound stage hardened up, but by DAC+ would only see 176.4kHz and instruments all being placed in M Scaler is a must-listen.
a smaller if still useful degree than sample rate maximum, falling silent solid form on a wide and clear sound Expensive but worryingly
the changes heard with CD. at 352.8kHz from M Scaler, so x4 stage. Add in almost-peculiar bass good.
The idea of putting M Scaler was available, not x8. Changing cables timing and resolution and you end up
in front of a DAC other than the made no difference. with a sound not available elsewhere. FOR
- sound quality
distinctive sounding Hugo TT2 With an Arcam CDS50 CD It’s expensive – as you must - small size
could be very interesting I thought, player interface difficulties became expect from a technological exercise - build quality
or a damp squib. It was both. Our strange. The Arcam flagged up sample dedicated to FPGA silicon to make
Audiolab M-DAC+ was a prime rate from M Scaler as 44.1kHz it happen and commercially available. AGAINST
candidate and a qualified success; an only where M-DAC+ had already It works most assuredly with Chord - inconsistent with ext. DACs
- no DSD
Arcam CDS50 CD/SACD player a shown it varied as stated. I tested the Electronics DACs having a DBNC
failure. See my column. CDS50 on a digital generator and it input and is for PCM, not DSD. Book Chord Electronics
From CD through to hi-res correctly showed input sample rate, a demo and have a listen. This is a +44 (0)1622 721444
M Scaler quite clearly removed so no fault here. Worse, sound quality unique and extraordinary product. www.chordelectronics.com

www.hi-fiworld.co.uk JANUARY 2020 HI-FI WORLD 57