Cambridge Audio DacMagic Xs

amazon Cambridge Audio DacMagic Xs reviews

With audiophile, especially those who are constantly on the go but want to enjoy music at the highest levels, next to the headset, portable DAC / AMP devices are gradually becoming one of the “must have in their bag”. With the development of technology, portable DACs / AMPs are more and more compact and sophisticated, along with additional features such as support for 24-bit / 192kHz resolution or DSD digital audio decoding …

A few years ago, DIY NwAvGuy’s ODAC + O2 combo made the community a startling sound when the $ 300-a-couple’s sound reproduction capability reached the DAC1 range (1,600 USD). The market today is fierce competition from many portable DAC / AMP devices from reputable manufacturers such as JSDLabs, Sony, Fiio, Sunrise or Topping.

However, there are few devices that have the same peppermint size and performance as the DacMagic XS from Cambridge Audio, the well-known Audio brand from the UK. Founded in 1968, Cambridge Audio is well-known for its Amplifiers & Turners, the CD Player used in over 45 countries worldwide, and has received numerous accolades and accolades from Hi -fi, Home Cinema.

UNBOX & ASSESS DESIGN

The first DacMagic XS was the size of a matchbox, size 30 x 10 x 53.5mm and weight only 100g. This portable DAC owns a subtle design with a scratch-resistant metal case. The front panel has only two buttons (+) and (-) to increase the volume.

The size of the two buttons is quite large so that users can easily locate themselves in the dark or confined space. In addition, DacMagic SX also allows you to adjust 49 different volume levels, when reaching the max volume, the LED of this DAC will flash a red signal.

The DacMagic XS comes in two operating modes: USB 1.0 and USB 2.0. Difference in DAC’s supportive music resolution:

USB 1.0 mode: 16/24-bit, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz

USB 2.0 mode: 16/24-bit, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz

To switch the operating mode, first make sure that you have downloaded and installed the Cambridge Audio driver. Then, press the volume up / down keys at the same time and hold for 5 seconds until the LED below changes color: green indicates USB 1.0 mode and violet is USB 2.0.

where can you get a Cambridge Audio DacMagic Xs online

Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS v2 USB DAC and Headphone Amp (Titanium): Buy it now

Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS v2 USB DAC and Headphone Amp (Black): Buy it now

Cambridge – DACMagic XS: Buy it now

Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS v2 USB DAC and Headphone Amp (Red): Buy it now

Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS v2 USB DAC and Headphone Amp (Blue): Buy it now

Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS v2 USB DAC and Headphone Amp (Gold): Buy it now

PERFORMANCE

The heart of the DacMagic XS is the ESC DAC. The Saber ES9023 is already outdated with the ODAC of the DIY NwAvGuy Genius, lots of high-end bluray and DACs or USB receivers. Tenor TE7022LE – one of the best USB receivers available today. 24 bit / 96 khz music. The internal amplifier DacMagic XS has a power output of about 150mW (measured at 12 ohm impedance). The power that this DAC brings is 10 times higher than most sound cards on a computer

To test the DacMagic XS’s processing capabilities, I tried plugging it along with the Senheiser HD600, Fidue A83, Yuin PK1, Audio Technica AD1000x and the AMP Dark Voice tube. Set up is not too complicated because after downloading and installing drivers within 5 minutes, your computer has successfully connected to this DAC.

In terms of music sources, we tried from 128kbps mp3s to high quality 192kHz / 24-bit flac, DacMagic XS was not too difficult to show off its ability to hide behind the “small device” The rods are greatly improved in volume and quality.

The first impression comes from the bass strings. The bass is more powerful, powerful and thick compared to the plug, which makes headphones that are not as strong in the bass range as the AD1000x or Yuin PK1. Besides, the detail and balance that this DAC exhibits is well suited to vocal, ascoutic and classic vocal styles.

The DAC for the 336SE DarkVoice AMP, using the Sennheiser HD600 headphones and listening to La-Luna (Ottmar liebert & Luna negra) – one of the addictive guitar chords, represents the ability to reproduce theatrical space. Excellently, from the guitarist’s steady breathing or the front-back position of each instrument.

The final add-on for the DacMagic XS is extremely clean, spotless, with no background noise even when connected to high sensitivity headphones and at low volume. Actually, the processing capability hidden in the tiny size of this “match box” made me quite surprised.

SUMMARY

Advantage:

+ Extremely compact size.

+ Supports resolutions up to 24-bit / 192kHz.

+ The ability to amplify impressive sound, good detail, no noise.

+ Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.

Disadvantages:

+ Not a plug-n-play device (users need to download and install drivers to use).

+ Does not display the current volume level.

+ Cost is still high, p / p (price / performance) is not really good compared to ODAC or DragonFly.