The Colorfly CDA M1P appears to be a highly capable portable USB DAC/AMP, designed to enhance the audio experience for mobile phone users. It stands out with its compact dimensions of 56x22x14.5mm and a lightweight design at just 46g, making it highly portable and convenient for on-the-go.. Thanks to Shenzenaudio for the sample.

Featuring a customized DAC based on the AK4493SEQ chip PCM768 DSD512 the CDA M1P offers high-quality audio processing capabilities. This chipset is known for its ability to deliver clear, detailed sound, enhancing the listening experience significantly.

1. Dimensions: 56 x 22 x 14.5 mm, making it compact and portable.

2. Weight: 46g, enhancing its portability.

3. USB Interface: Type C, ensuring compatibility with a range of devices.

4. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 125dB, indicating a clear, low-noise output.

5. Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, covering the full spectrum of audible frequencies.

6. Dynamic Range: 122dB, ensuring a wide range of sound without distortion.

7. DAC Chip: AK4493SEQ, known for its high-quality audio processing capabilities.

8. PCM: Supports up to 32-Bit/768kHz, allowing for high-resolution audio playback.

9. DSD: Supports Native DSD512, offering excellent sound fidelity.

10. Outputs: 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced output, for different headphone types.

11. Power: Balanced output power is 240mW@RL=32Ω.

12. Chassis: CNC-Machined Zinc Alloy, offering durability and a visually appealing design.

13. Intuitive Features: Includes volume memory for user convenience.

Box, Colorfly CDA M1P

The box is compact (rectangular), like the Colorfly CDA – M1P. There is a bunch of technical information on the L side, and the rear is entirely black. The contents of the box are the unit itself, the manual, and usbc to usbc cable. Not including a USB adapter emphasizes its mobile usage. I liked the determined stance.

The technical specs for the Colorfly CDA M1P are more than enough. It has an AK4493SEQ and two separate XR2001s for analog output. And furthermore, it has high and low gain modes, which can get you up to 4 Vrms! The use of BAL mode is essential, and it boasts a remarkable Signal-to-Noise Ratio of 125dB and a Dynamic Range of 122dB, indicating its efficiency in delivering clear, undistorted sound. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz, covering the full spectrum of audible frequencies and ensuring that all notes, from the deepest bass to the highest treble, are accurately reproduced.​

Colorfly CDA M1P Sound

It significantly enhances the playback experience by providing a natural tone and bold realism, qualities that contribute to a highly immersive and authentic listening experience. This level of performance suggests that the device effectively extracts detail and hidden nuances from audio tracks, thereby enriching the overall quality of music playback. The fact that the Colorfly CDA M1P DAC/AMP dongle puts an emphasis on natural tone and realism is a strong indicator that it is capable of delivering a high-fidelity audio experience that can improve the enjoyment of a wide variety of musical styles and other sorts of audio content.

Moreover, the build quality of the CDA M1P is remarkable. It’s robust, giving off a sense of durability and longevity. The device feels like it’s built to withstand the test of time—a veritable tank in the realm of portable audio equipment. My initial impressions, however, are overwhelmingly positive, cementing the CDA M1P as a standout performer in its category.

Enough general information. Let’s investigate some IEM-specific performances.

Performances__

Celest Pandamon and M1P

All things considered, the separation is exceptional, with bass guitars that are both more powerful and precise. In spite of this, the crispness of the sound increases with frequency. The resolution is satisfying, and the violins in math rock are flowing freely, despite the fact that the price tag of this combo is costly.

Truthear x Crinacle Zero and M1P

A bass boot appeared during playback; however, the upper frequencies were unaffected. Immersion brings the excitement of the blues rock scene. Furthermore, the analytical math rock track remains unchanged, allowing me to discern the many guitars, each with its own unique tone and frequency range.

Truthear Hexa and M1P

So far, this is the most successful amplification, and it is also the most appreciative of M1P. Neither the scene nor the immersion ratings are particularly impressive, and the bass guitar lines are not overly dramatic. In accordance with its analog character, the music that is advantageous for listening with headphones is currently playing. It means not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but the most musical playing. 

Aune Jasper and M1P

The stage of the fast paced blues rock of the Blues Brothers is almost alive, but the vocal is a little bit distant. And the metallic treble portrayal isn’t so successful, IMO; it has a grainy presentation. Everything I said before applies to math rock as well. Violins are thin, almost faded out, but the Colorfly CDA M1P is supplying the Jasper with more than enough energy. While it was a good match, it was not as bright or clear as it should have been.

Hidizs MP145 and M1P

The combination is displaying a replay that is similar to the one that comes with Truthear Hexa. The vocal, on the other hand, is more energetic and is very close to sibilant. Despite the fact that they lack material, the metallic violins deliver a good performance. In the beginning of the math rock, the violins seem far away and unremarkable. In contrast to what was stated in the introduction, the battery and the entire group pressed. Despite the fact that everything is so upfront, the background layering is nearly completely absent behind everything that is in my face. Could you please play some lovely guitar licks and other niceties?

ZiiGaat Nuo and M1P

Everything is in harmony with its own nature, and the crowd is cheering up in a way that is completely immersing. Despite the fact that M1P is not interfering, the playback is remarkably natural and unaffected by the source track. Neither are the violins that are playing at the beginning of the math rock song unbodied, nor are they feint. At the mid-to-high frequency range, each one of them is bodied. The presentation is somewhere in the middle of laid-back and upfront. There is no ignorance for the layering. There is no exhaustion associated with trebles. I believe that M1P is doing an excellent job in this situation. However, the guitar licks are not noticeable at all. This is an unfavorable outcome for the combination.

Dongle Comparisons

Comparison with Moondrop DawnPro

In my experience, the Moondrop DawnPro, which costs about $50, is a great budget-friendly choice in the USB DAC/AMP market. It offers good sound quality for its price, but when I compare it to the Colorfly CDA M1P, I notice the Dawn Pro lacks the same depth and clarity. It’s definitely suitable for casual listeners who want a basic upgrade in audio quality. However, as an audiophile, I find the Colorfly CDA M1P, with its superior sound clarity and immersive experience, to be worth the extra investment.

Comparison with Truthear Shio

The Truthear Shio, priced at approximately $70, is a viable alternative in this market, known for its low power consumption and darker sound profile. From my perspective, the Shio has a preference for a warmer, bass-heavy sound. While it offers a unique listening experience, it doesn’t match the Colorfly CDA M1P in terms of detail and balanced soundstage. For those, like me, seeking more neutral and detailed sound reproduction, the CDA M1P stands out as the better choice, despite its higher price. Its ability to deliver a more natural tone across various music genres makes it more versatile.

Comparison with Hidizs S9 Pro

The Hidizs S9 Pro is another strong contender in the portable DAC/AMP category. It has a robust build and delivers quality performance, making it a solid alternative to the Colorfly CDA M1P. Although the S9 Pro provides clear and detailed sound, in my assessment, it doesn’t quite reach the soundstage depth and natural tone of the CDA M1P. However, for those looking for a balance of cost and performance, the S9 Pro is an excellent choice, possibly at a lower price than the CDA M1P.

Comparison with Hidizs S9 Pro Plus

Finally, the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus, an upgraded version of the S9 Pro, offers improved audio processing. In direct comparison, it stands toe-to-toe with the Colorfly CDA M1P, especially in high-resolution audio delivery. Nonetheless, the CDA M1P edges out with a more natural and realistic sound profile. The S9 Pro Plus may be more appealing for those who prefer a slightly different sound signature or are loyal to the Hidizs brand, but for overall audio fidelity and build quality, I find the CDA M1P to be superior.

Colorfly CDA M1P Review Conclusions

The Colorfly CDA M1P emerges as a remarkable portable USB DAC/AMP, ideal for enhancing audio quality for mobile users. Its compact, lightweight design, coupled with the AK4493SEQ chip, ensures exceptional audio clarity and detail across the full audible spectrum. My tests across various IEMs confirmed its versatility and high performance, consistently delivering a balanced, immersive listening experience with a natural tone and detail. While minor issues like slightly grainy trebles or distant vocals were noted in some combinations, these didn’t significantly impact its overall superior performance. Thus, the Colorfly CDA M1P stands as a robust, high-quality choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners, offering high fidelity sound in a convenient, portable form.

Where to buy: https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/colorfly-cda-m1p-ak4493seq-portable-usb-dac-amp