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Praise for DacMagic

Just wanted to give some very positive feedback for the Cambridge Audio DacMagic DAC. It doesn't seem to get much attention around these forums, but I am enjoying it immensely. In my opion, terrific value for the money.

During the past few weeks, I have used it with great success both within a PC music server and 2-channel environments.

Who knows, I may end up switching it out for a better DAC in the future, but for now I am quite pleased.

As a side note, I was not impressed with it at first when used to enhance an NAD C541 CDP. On a whim, I switched out the NAD for a modest Sony DVD player that is around 5-7 years old. Then, everything came into place and the music was rich and detailed. The Sony DVD/DacMagic combination blew the doors off the NAD/DacMagic combination. Go figure...
headshrinker2

Showing 6 responses by auronthas

auronthas
79 posts
 
4est,

I would like to hear the difference between DacMagic vs DAC-1, initially i was thinking to buy Benchmark until the launch of DacMagic.

Currently, my CDP is Cambridge Audio 540C V2, i believe DacMagic will well match with CDP since they are from the same manufacturer.

I would also connect external DAC to Squeezebox V3 to bypass its Burr Brown internal DAC.
auronthas
79 posts
 
Edgejazz, thanks for reporting, how's the sound produced by DacMagic compared to CA 540V2? I prefer warmer and musical sound, my music preference towards vocal jazz, classical, new age and easy listening genres.

Thanks again.
auronthas
79 posts
 
Great and thanks for the feedback, i am looking forward to own this DAC.
auronthas
79 posts
 
Just received June 2009 Stereophile yesterday, there is a follow-up review by John Atkinson on DacMagic. Check it out
auronthas
79 posts
 
Got my CA DacMagic, first impression (no fully run-in yet), it delivers a wider, deeper and more dynamic soundstage, better clarity, i can hear different depth of music with ease, it provides a very good and clear 3D sound imaging especially at mid-range (vocal) frequencies. I tried them at both digital sources, i.e. CA 540C CD player and Squeezebox Classic.

I believe it would be more warmer and musical after full run-in. I am very satisfy with its performance though it's just the first time audition.
auronthas
79 posts
 

This is followup review and feedback on DacMagic, balanced XLR Cardas Quadlink 5C cables, MIT digital coaxial cable after a week or run-in for approx. 40 hours.

I observed the sound stage is getting smoother, warmer. Although the sound stage during the initial auditioning is clear and clarity, but i felt it's little bright, too transparent, too tight, i couldn't listen for long session music as it's hurting and stressing my ears.

Now, i am pleased that the combo between DAC, balanced XLR cables and digital coaxial cable has come to another stage where warmer, musical sound stage is finally presented. I wish the sound stage will further improve overtime as the DAC and cables are not yet full run-in which is at one third or one quarter of its run-in journey.
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