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Flowing into this was the advertised promise for both headfi circuit and volume control: Even at low levels detail didn't jump ship which it has with other DAC/pres. The PureDAC's clever hybrid of digital and analog volume really paid off. What's on tap here for detail during quiet interludes and for juice and power when it gets mighty is simply sensational. In all honesty, this superb headphone performance even softened the personal blow that the PureDAC only had four digital inputs and one lone coax. It's why I won't send it back but instead keep it around as a new work machine.
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Back on team work as the original focus of this assignment. What strengths and shortcomings dominated the pairing of DAC and active boxes? Those looking for an analytically correct DAC/pre/speaker chain of good dynamics and fine staging are perfectly well served by the Genelec M040 and B.M.C. PureDAC. The Finns cut a great figure at the mixing desk but also do so on the desktop and without fail in the living room too. Their industrial design is simple but elegant and the curvy lines should appeal also to the better half. |
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In this price class both DAC and speaker offer perfectly unblemished tonality with a wealth of detail. With one proviso. If your collection contains many old treasures (clunkers?) which the audiophile police would diss on principle, such analytical inspection of antiques is more apt to hit upon shortcomings. Put differently, don't expect prettification or compensation. Good material sounds fantastic, lesser stuff gets served up as is. That's clearly part and parcel of Genelec's studio genes but even hifi is supposed to mean high fidelity to sonic truth.
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Psych profile for the Genelec M040
These don't just come out of the studio realm. They sound it too with hyper neutral tonality. The treble walks right down the middle without defaulting into either the matte or glossy. Treble and midband operate as integral unity with seamless coupling to the upper bass. The low bass eventually hits upon classical physical limits of compact boxes but this one remains very wiry and bone dry.
Price-typical macro and micro dynamics in the positive sense of typical.
Soundstage sorting and image specificity are razor sharp. With proper toe-on even depth is well rendered.
Various EQ/roll-off adjustments add flexibility for numerous applications.
Equally suitable for the studio and living room.
Psych profile for B.M.C. PureDAC
Sonically a perfect character match with the Genelecs.
Linear response across the audible range. Whilst some DACs handle the bass more powerfully, this one impresses with high detail and focus all the way down.
Top performer on micro/macrodynamics well above average in this class.
Casts a broad deep well-lit stage.
Includes a superb headphone amp fully compadre with flagship cans.
Should be flagged as an insider's top cost/performance tip.
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Genelec M040 facts
Concept: 2-way bass-reflex active monitor
Dimensions and weight: 337 x 235 x 229mm HxWxD, 7.4kg
Connectivity: RCA, XLR, 6.3mm stereo
Other: 3-stage selectable input sensitivity, 2-stage bass roll-off, desk-top/corner EQ
Power consumption: 8 watts at idle
Warranty: 2 years
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B.M.C. PureDAC facts
Concept: D/A converter with headphone amp and volume control
Dimensions and weight: 365 x 103 x 328mm HxWxD, 5.5kg
Inputs: AES/EBU, S/DPIF coax, USB, Toslink
Outputs: XLR, RCA, 6.3mm, 4-pin headphone XLR
Power consumption: ca. 24 watts at idle
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redaktion @ fairaudio.de
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