CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS

Lobby => Head Amps, DACs, Sources, Portable Equipment Discussion => Topic started by: fryguy on September 08, 2015, 01:02:36 AM

Title: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
Post by: fryguy 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?
Title: Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
Post by: DaveBSC 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.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
Post by: Armaegis on September 08, 2015, 04:04:27 AM
I think the 8741 is actually the best chip in the lineup isn't it?

Title: Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
Post by: Sorrodje on September 08, 2015, 06:27:36 AM
I think the 8741 is actually the best chip in the lineup isn't it?



Yes.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
Post by: joch 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).
Title: Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
Post by: 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. 
Title: Re: Thoughts on Cambridge Audio Dacmagic?
Post by: Marvey on September 08, 2015, 08:40:30 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.