The Muse M5 Ultra is a premium portable DAC/amp that redefines value in the audiophile market. This comprehensive review dives deep into its performance, features, and comparisons with leading competitors like the Hiby FC6, iFi Audio earMaster L5, and Chord Mojo 2. Boasting a striking aluminum chassis with a visible internal mechanism, the M5 Ultra immediately sets itself apart with its sophisticated design and build quality. Its innovative use of military-grade tubes, coupled with effective shock absorption, minimizes microphonics—a common issue in portable tube-based devices. Beyond aesthetics, the M5 Ultra offers impressive functionality and power.Packed with a substantial 3000mAh battery, selectable digital filters, and switchable tube and transistor modes, the M5 Ultra delivers a remarkably versatile and high-fidelity listening experience. We'll explore its detailed sound signature across the frequency spectrum, examining its powerful bass, clear midrange, and detailed treble. We'll also delve into the sonic differences between its tube and transistor modes, and how it stacks up against its rivals in terms of power output, dynamic range, and overall sonic character. Prepare for a detailed analysis of this exceptional portable audio device.
Pros And Cons
- Nicely made device with aluminum frame
- Attractive design with window into PSB and cooling holes
- Military-grade JN 6418 tubes mounted on shock absorbers (non-microphonic)
- Small monochromatic OLED display for easy menu navigation
- Three gain settings, seven digital filters, and two operating modes (transistor and tube)
- 3000mAh battery with up to 10 hours of playback
- Includes a leather carrying case
- Premium packaging
- Two USB-C inputs (one for charging, one for data), 3.5mm and 4.4mm analog outputs
- Hardware-based volume control
- Powerful enough to drive a wide range of headphones, including low impedance planars
- No background hiss in either tube or transistor mode
- Well-balanced sound from bottom to top; full-bodied and healthy bass
- Detailed mid-range and revealing high frequencies without being harsh
- Dynamic and lively sound
- Tube mode adds sweetness, glow, time coherence, and a slightly wider soundstage
- Transistor mode offers slightly increased bass grip and snappier transients
- 4.4mm output is not truly balanced
- Power rating not specified
- Sounds better and more powerful than Hiby FC6
- Richer sound than Hiby FC6
- Doesn't have the fluidity and glow of tubes in Earmen L5 Amp
- Smaller and more portable than M5 Ultra
- Comparable price
- Well-tuned, mature tonality with full-bodied mid-range and healthy bass
- Slightly less powerful than M5 Ultra
- Less dynamic and controlling than M5 Ultra
- No internal battery
- Uses the same tubes as M5 Ultra
- Even more tube-like sound with greater fluidity, brilliance, and wider soundstage when perfectly matched with headphones
- Highly microphonic
- Not as compatible with a wide range of headphones; noticeable background hiss with low-impedance headphones
- Cannot drive very low impedance headphones (like VM1)
Read more: Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp Review: A Worthy Upgrade or Redundant Luxury?
Design and Build Quality
The Muse M5 Ultra boasts a premium aluminum chassis, immediately setting it apart from its competitors. The stylish design includes a window revealing its internal components, adding a touch of elegance. Its well-engineered cooling holes are visually appealing and functional, ensuring optimal performance.
The inclusion of military-grade JN 6418 tubes, mounted on shock absorbers, further enhances its quality. This clever design minimizes microphonics, a common issue in tube-based portable devices. The small, monochromatic OLED display provides intuitive menu navigation.
Features and Specifications
Priced at $299, the M5 Ultra offers exceptional value for money. It packs a 3000mAh battery, promising up to 10 hours of playtime. My own testing suggests this claim is accurate.
Connectivity options include two USB-C ports (one for charging, one for data), a 3.5mm analog output, and a 4.4mm pentaconn output. While the 4.4mm output isn't truly balanced, it offers the same performance as the 3.5mm output, providing convenience for users.
The device also includes three gain settings, seven digital filters, and a choice between transistor and tube operating modes. These filters offer subtle adjustments; the choice between modes, however, is significant and impactful to the sound signature.
Sound Quality and Performance
The M5 Ultra delivers a well-balanced sound signature across the frequency spectrum. The bass is deep, weighty, and controlled, offering a full-bodied listening experience, a rarity in portable devices.
The midrange is equally impressive, revealing a wealth of detail in instruments and vocals, showcasing textural nuances and tonal clarity. The treble is detailed and revealing, without being harsh or sharp. The overall presentation is alive, dynamic, and engaging, far from dynamically flat and boring.
The tube mode adds a touch of sweetness, glow, and time coherence, enhancing the fluidity and realism of the sound. The transistor mode offers slightly increased grip, snappier transients, and a bit more precision at the cost of smoothness.
Comparisons with Other Devices
Compared to the Hiby FC6, the M5 Ultra offers slightly more power and dynamic range. The FC6 is more portable due to the lack of internal battery, but the M5 Ultra's better power handling is noticeable when driving demanding headphones.
The comparison with the iFi Audio earMaster L5 is particularly interesting due to their shared tube type. While the earMaster L5 sounds more tube-like with enhanced fluidity, the M5 Ultra is significantly less microphonic and more versatile across different headphone impedances.
In comparison with the Chord Mojo 2 (based on previous experience), the M5 Ultra offers comparable sound quality at half the price. The Mojo 2 might be slightly more powerful, but the M5 Ultra's tube mode provides a distinct tonal character.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Muse M5 Ultra is a strong contender in the portable DAC/amp market. Its compelling features—a balanced sound signature, tube and transistor modes, a robust battery, and excellent build quality—make it an attractive proposition.
While the iFi Audio earMaster L5 offers a more pronounced tube sound, its microphonics and limited headphone compatibility hamper its usability. The M5 Ultra strikes a better balance, offering a versatile and enjoyable listening experience without compromise.
At $299, the M5 Ultra delivers remarkable value, providing sound quality comparable to higher-priced options like the Chord Mojo 2. Its versatility, ease of use, and premium build make it a highly recommended option for audiophiles seeking a portable, high-quality DAC/amp.