M2Tech Young Mk3 Preamp & Van Der Graaf Power Supply, WOW!

Founded in Pisa, Italy, in 2007 by engineers Marco Manunta and Nadia Marino, M2Tech is a renowned audio manufacturer that pioneered high-resolution computer audio. They gained international recognition for the 2009 hiFace USB-to-S/PDIF interface, which revolutionized digital audio by enabling asynchronous 24-bit/192kHz transfer. M2Tech focuses on digital-to-analog converters (DACs), amplifiers, and power supplies, often featuring, or offering, extensive upgrades. 

One of the company’s most popular and hotly sourced components was their Young MkIII DAC/Preamplifier.  The MkIII combined amazing performance with a subtle, beautiful and very Italian aesthetic.  The modern look and compact size were useful for desktop systems, but also wowed the audio community when placed in service on larger scale rigs.  

As the Young MkIII hails from the digital realm,  you won’t find an analog input on this device.  Hi-resolution Bluetooth AptX, USB, TOSLINK, Coax, and AES XLR digital inputs are all of the available sources.  Using M2Tech’s extraordinary PCM 1795 DAC, the Young can handle, decode, translate and otherwise juggle 32-bit/384k files, DSD files, MQA encoded files, and everything in between with amazing control, clarity and authority. 

On the output side, M2Tech included both balanced and single-ended analog outputs.  Under normal levels, the 2v analog output is enough gain to feed into any number of power amps.  But with a few clicks of the on screen menu, the output gain stage can be more than doubled to 5v, allowing it to pair with rarer, but special, low gain or high impedance amp stages. A really nice touch for the analog geeks to get engaged with this piece on a whole other level.

This Young MkIII comes with M2Tech’s improved Van Der Graaf outboard power supply.  This ultra-quiet, ultra-low distortion power supply supplants the normal “wall wart” originally packaged with the Young Preamp, and replaces that with a high performance, precision p/s.  A perfect foundation for an excellent precision digital companion. 

This set sounds simple wonderful.  Paired right now with a set of d-Sonic monoblocks (also available) this is an extremely capable setup.  Easy on the eyes, and the ears. 

Demos are encouraged in Andover, MA

$1,599 for the set (will not separate) (Shipping and applicable sales tax are calculated at checkout.)