MUSE HiFi M3 Ultra: Tube Sound for $100
Looking at the latest Chi-Fi dongle DAC market, the trend seems to be focused solely on achieving clean, pristine sound by maximizing chipset performance. Amidst the intense competition for technical specifications, the MUSE HiFi M3 Ultra has played a unique card: a physical vacuum tube. I was incredibly curious about how they managed to incorporate the inherent resonance of a vacuum tube into a compact form factor, bringing analog warmth to cold digital audio. I finally had the chance to test it out.
Practical Packaging
The packaging is designed with practicality in mind. Inside the sturdy box, you’ll find the unit itself and a Type-C to C monocrystalline copper cable for smartphone connectivity. A version including a Lightning cable for iPhone users is available for an extra $5. Since it includes exactly what is needed for immediate use, I have no complaints as long as the price remains competitive.
A Design with an Open View
The exterior departs from the typical dongle DAC. It adopts a bold design where the center of the solid metal housing is completely open. Two built-in military-grade JAN6418 vacuum tubes are placed in the hollow space, and you could technically touch them if you wanted to. While you shouldn’t touch them due to potential damage or oils from your hands, watching the orange glow emit from the center is undeniably addictive. The side features physical volume buttons, and the lack of a display adds to its raw, classic aesthetic.
Core Specifications in a Small Package
- DAC: ES9028Q2M
- AMP: ES9603Q
- Decoding: 32bit 384kHz / DSD256
- THD+N: 4.4mm 0.0003% (32Ω) / 3.5mm 0.0004% (32Ω)
- SNR: 4.4mm 121dB (32Ω) / 3.5mm 120dB (32Ω)
- Power Output: 4.4mm BAL 480mW (32Ω) / 3.5mm SE 460mW (32Ω)
- Vacuum Tubes: 2x Raytheon JAN6418 (Military direct-heated pentodes)
The most surprising aspect is the output power for each terminal. Usually, the single-ended output drops to half that of the balanced output, but here, it provides plenty of power to drive even full-sized headphones, regardless of the connector type.
First Impressions with Softears Studio4
I connected my Softears Studio4, which I usually use for testing. When the tube harmonics are added to the precise, flat sound of the Studio4, the audio gains a pleasant warmth. It rounds off the sharp edges of the highs, making it easy to listen for long periods without ear fatigue. The mid-range vocal density increases, and an analog texture is naturally infused into the singer’s voice. While it may be slightly less analytical for monitoring purposes, I was very satisfied with the tuning from the perspective of musical enjoyment.
Matching with UM Mest MK2
Hoping to maintain that great feeling, I switched to the UM MEST MK2, but I felt the tonal balance between vocals and bass wasn’t as good as I had expected. This might be due to the amplifier’s high output impedance (8.6Ω), though I can’t say for sure. Other earphones benefited nicely from that “spoonful of warmth,” however.
Surprising Synergy with Planar Headphones
One might doubt whether cold, bright-sounding planar magnetic headphones would pair well with a warm tube amp, but they actually offer the best synergy. The soft resonance unique to vacuum tubes beautifully tames the sharp, sometimes piercing highs of planar drivers. Planar drivers are power-hungry by nature, but the 480mW output mentioned earlier pushes them effectively, resulting in a fantastic combination where the once-hollow bass hits with full impact.
So, What Kind of DAC is the M3 Ultra?
Rather than the transparent, analytical resolution expected from some digital source devices, the tuning here focuses on adding thick textures and warm resonance to the mid-range via the internal JAN6418 tubes. It excels at smoothing out cold, sharp high frequencies, enhancing musical pleasure through strong harmonic coloration. With its ample driving power, it fills out the bass impact even on demanding headphones. It is specialized for emotional listening where you can feel the singer’s breath and the warmth of instruments, rather than clinical analysis.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The most affordable dongle DAC currently available that produces real sound from a physical vacuum tube, not a simulation.
- Overwhelming driving power: 460mW for 3.5mm output.
- JAN6418 vacuum tubes (High-reliability military grade, low heat even after 8 hours of use, and fast startup with almost no warm-up time required).
Cons
- Physical buttons have a slight wobble.
- No status display screen.
Rediscovering the Joy of Tube DACs
Compared to the latest digital devices, the M3 Ultra has some rough edges. However, in an audio market competing solely on purity, its value as an irreplaceable device that offers its own distinct sense of “temperature” is significant. Listening to warm melodies while looking at the soft glow of the tubes in a darkened room is a great way to soothe tired ears.
One last tip: if you use an L-shaped USB connector like I do, you can attach it firmly to your smartphone to prevent it from dangling.
Purchase here ↓
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뮤즈하이파이 M3 Ultra 꼬다리 DAC, 100달러로 진공관 맛보기
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