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Author Topic: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?  (Read 593 times)

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fryguy

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Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
« on: September 08, 2015, 01:02:36 AM »
This seems like incredible value at <$300 for the 100, and <$500 for the plus.  I'm curious how Dacmagic fits in compared to:

* Entry level like ODac
* Higher end like Yggdrasil

Given that it has tended to review/measure really well and has pretty good aesthetics, is it suitable mid-fi?  Has anybody ABXed it versus the likes of lower-cost DACs like ODac and higher-cost dacs like Gungnir and Yggdrasil?
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DaveBSC

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Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2015, 03:42:32 AM »
The original one that used the WM8740 stunk. Not sure how much the newer variants have improved, but the Plus variant AFAICT is still using the 8740 which is a mediocre DAC chip at best. The 100 at least has the improved 8742.
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Armaegis

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Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2015, 04:04:27 AM »
I think the 8741 is actually the best chip in the lineup isn't it?

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Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
« Reply #3 on: September 08, 2015, 06:27:36 AM »
Quote from: Armaegis on September 08, 2015, 04:04:27 AM
I think the 8741 is actually the best chip in the lineup isn't it?



Yes.
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joch

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Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
« Reply #4 on: September 08, 2015, 03:22:33 PM »
The DM+ is a good value because it allows multiple inputs, so I had used it for TV, music streaming, etc when I need to switch between sources. Also, it has a TRS jack to plug in your headphones.

For music, if you don't need the multi-input versatility and are mostly running music off a computer, you're better off with, say, a GO450 (see Leaderboard).
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shipsupt

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Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
« Reply #5 on: September 08, 2015, 05:22:57 PM »
I keep one on my building bench. It's useful because it's got all the inputs and outputs I need, including balanced. Good for testing builds. 
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Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

Marvey

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Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2015, 08:40:30 PM »
Quote from: shipsupt on September 08, 2015, 05:22:57 PM
I keep one on my building bench. It's useful because it's got all the inputs and outputs I need, including balanced. Good for testing builds. 

Yup, and if you blow it by up accident, no big deal.
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