m900
Compact, Portable Headphone Amp / DAC / Preamp
This $660 pro audio DAC is the sleeper high end component that you’ve been looking for
– Michael Zisserson, Future Audiophile (read the whole review here)
Tiny Box, Huge Sound
The m900 is a portable, desktop friendly headphone amplifier / DAC / preamp combo designed to give audio professionals and enthusiasts musical and transparent audio playback from USB, S/PDIF or TOSLINK sources. For small DAW studio setups, portable laptop editing or mixing rigs, or just pure playback enjoyment, the m900 provides the same analog and DAC quality as our large monitor controllers, but in a small, rugged and surprisingly affordable unit.
Incredible DAC Performance
The m900 DAC uses the latest generation AKM 4490 chip, which features 32-bit processing and supports sample rates up to 384kHz PCM or 256x DSD. The USB interface operates in asynchronous mode allowing the m900 to be the clock master which makes the system immune to USB bus jitter. S/PDIF and Toslink inputs allow the m900 to enhance to any DAW interface with true reference quality D/A conversion, headphone monitoring and stereo speaker control.
Intelligent Power Supply Design
An intelligent power supply design allows for two power operation modes – LOW and HIGH. LOW power mode is from USB connector #1, which provides bus power along with data, allowing the m900 to operate from a single connection to your computer. HIGH power power mode is available by connecting the included 2A USB DC power supply to the USB connector #2, which provides additional power for harder to drive headphones.
Superb Audio Performance
Transimpedance amplifier topology coupled to a zero ohm output impedance driver provides headphone performance that is incredibly spacious and transparent with a tight, enveloping low end. Our latest generation crossfeed circuit rounds out the design by simulating an acoustic listening environment in the headphones. Familiar tracks become new again with surprise details, while audio production tasks like tracking, mixing and editing happen faster and easier.
After many years of honing our DAC and headphone amplifier designs, the m900 distills the best of what we’ve learned in a compact, rugged and simple unit. Whether in the studio, on your desk or on the road, the m900 will bring you closer to the music you love.
I guarantee even hard-working audio pros will be tempted to start listening to music for pleasure with the m900, it’s performance at super-low monitoring levels is really outstanding. -Nigel Jopson, Resolution read full review
The m900 is small, light, and portable. Most importantly, it will drive a range of headphones to comfortable listening levels and beyond, and you can trust what you hear. Take it home, and it becomes the hub of a computer-based music system, feeding headphones and either a power amp or powered speakers. And it’s built out of metal and looks good. What’s not to like? – Tom Fine, TapeOp read full review
At this price, there is no headphone box/DAC that touches the m900 in features, support of sample rates, and stunning audio quality. You can easily carry it in a backpack which makes it even better. The m900 from Grace Design is a must-have for desktop mixer/producers on the go. – Kevin Becka, MIX read full review
The Grace Design EON and STANDARD Warranties
We back up everything we make with either our unrivaled 20 year EON limited warranty, or the 5 year standard limited warranty. These represent the best coverage in the business and prove our commitment to the quality, serviceability and long term value of Grace Design products.
- USB, S/PDIF and Toslink digital inputs, supports up to 192kHz (Toslink up to 96kHz)
- Asynchronous USB interface for jitter free computer audio playback, supports up to 384kHz PCM and 256x DSD
- Dual zero ohm output impedance headphone outputs
- Unbalanced level controlled outputs via RCA for connecting to a stereo monitor system
- Compact, portable chassis perfect for travel, desktop or studio
- Mono mode, Left minus Right mode
- 6 monitoring modes: stereo, L&R swapped, left in both channels, right in both channels, left channel only, right channel only
- Channel balance adjustment
- Low power mode via USB Bus power
- High power mode via included USB 2A power supply
- 4 different DAC filter settings to tailor playback performance to personal preference
- Simple user setup menu for setup and calibration
- 7 segment LED display displays level and setup menu information
- Large rotary encoder for volume control and setup menu navigation
- Made in Lyons, CO USA
- 5 year transferable Warranty
| THD+N at Maximum Volume, 1kHz, 22Hz-22kHz BW | |
|---|---|
| @1.0V out, no load | <0.002% |
| @1.0V out, 32 Ohm load | <0.010% |
| Intermodulation Distortion SMTPE/DIN 4:1 50Hz, 7kHz | |
|---|---|
| @1.0V out, no load | <0.008% |
| @1.0V out, 32 Ohm load | <0.009% |
| Frequency Response +/-3dB | |
|---|---|
| Fs=96kHz | 0.5-45.9kHz |
| Dynamic Range | |
|---|---|
| 20-22kHz bandwidth | 112 dB |
| 20-22kHz bandwidth and A weighting filter | 115 dB |
| Output Noise | |
|---|---|
| 20-22kHz, volume=0-90 | -106dBV |
| A weighting filter, volume = 0-90 | -109dBV |
| 20-22kHz, volume=90.5-99.5 | -96dBV |
| A weighting filter, volume = 90.5-99.5 | -98dBV |
| Crosstalk | |
|---|---|
| 100Hz | <107dB |
| 1kHz | <98dB |
| 20kHz | <72dB |
| Attenuation Range | |
|---|---|
| 0 to -99dB, 0.5dB steps | |
| Crosstalk Tracking Accuracy | |
|---|---|
| +/-0.05dB | |
| Maximum Output Level, No load | |
|---|---|
| Low Power Mode | +14.1dBV (5.1V) |
| High Power Mode | +15.5dBV (6.0V) |
| Impedances | |
|---|---|
| Headphone Output | 0.08 Ohms |
| Line Output | 47.5 Ohms |
| Input Lock Range | Sample Rate | Lock Range |
|---|---|---|
| S/PDIF | 44.1kHz | 43870-45420Hz |
| 48kHz | 46590-49220Hz | |
| 88.2kHz | 87760-90830Hz | |
| 96kHz | 93520-98430Hz | |
| 176.4kHz | 175700-181640Hz | |
| 192kHz | 187050-196380Hz | |
| TOSLINK | 44.1kHz | 43900-45410Hz |
| 60Hz | 48kHz | 46590-49190Hz |
| 60Hz | 88.2kHz | 87840-90830Hz |
| 60Hz | 96kHz | 93520-97530Hz |
| USB supported sample rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384kHz | |
| Power Consumption | |
|---|---|
| Max, High Power mode | 8.0W |
| Max, Low Power mode | 2.5W |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| 4″ x 5.25″ x 1.8″ | |
| Headphone Output Power / Low Power Mode | Output Power mW | |
|---|---|---|
| S/PDILoad Resistance Ohms | 1 Channel Driven | 2 Channels Driven |
| 4 | 80 | 22 |
| 8 | 140 | 45 |
| 16 | 310 | 90 |
| 20 | 350 | 100 |
| 32 | 600 | 175 |
| 50 | 560 | 280 |
| 300 | 83 | 83 |
| 600 | 40 | 40 |
| Headphone Output Power / High Power Mode | Output Power mW | |
|---|---|---|
| S/PDILoad Resistance Ohms | 1 Channel Driven | 2 Channels Driven |
| 4 | 925 | 240 |
| 8 | 1800 | 490 |
| 16 | 1900 | 940 |
| 20 | 1575 | 1030 |
| 32 | 1020 | 950 |
| 50 | 680 | 650 |
| 300 | 115 | 115 |
| 600 | 57 | 57 |
Low Power, USB input – One USB cable from the computer to the m900 #1 USB input. m900 receives power and audio from the computer.
High Power, USB input – One USB cable from the computer to the m900 #1 USB input and one USB cable from the external 2A DC power supply to the m900 #2 high power DC input connector. The m900 receives audio from the computer and receives power from the external DC supply.
Low Power, S/PDIF or TOSLINK input – One USB cable from a standard USB power source (computer or 0.5A USB power supply) connected to the m900 #1 USB input. TOSLINK or S/PDIF input connected. (This would be an unusual setup where you don’t have access to a high power DC power supply.)
High Power, S/PDIF or TOSLINK input – One USB cable from the 2A DC power supply to the m900 #2 high power DC input connector. TOSLINK or S/PDIF input connected. m900 receives audio from TOSLINK and power from the external DC supply.
Self Powered Mode – This mode is for connecting your mobile device (iOS, android) to the m900. Mobile devices generally cannot provide any power. In this mode the m900 will report that it is self powered. To enter self powered mode, first connect the USB cable from the external 2A DC power supply to the m900 #2 high power DC input connector, then connect your device to the m900 #1 USB input. For iOS, you will need the ‘Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter’, for supported Android devices you will need an ‘On The Go’ USB cable.
Review – Resolution Magazine by Nigel Jopson
Review – TapeOp Magazine by Tom Fine
Review – MIX Magazine by Kevin Becca
Reviews of the m9XX, which was the predecessor to the m900.
