What To Know
- The DacMagic has a few basic features, including a bypass mode that allows you to connect it to an amplifier with its own DAC.
- The DacMagic Plus adds a number of additional features, including a built-in headphone amplifier with adjustable gain, a digital filter, and a display that shows the input source and sample rate.
- Both units offer excellent value for money, but the DacMagic Plus provides a significant upgrade in sound quality and features for the additional cost.
When it comes to digital-to-analog converters (DACs), Cambridge Audio is a brand that consistently delivers exceptional performance and value. Their DacMagic series has been a popular choice among audiophiles for years, offering a combination of high-quality sound reproduction and user-friendly features. In this blog post, we will compare the Cambridge Audio DacMagic with its upgraded version, the DacMagic Plus, to help you decide which one is the best choice for your audio setup.
Design and Build Quality
Both the DacMagic and DacMagic Plus feature a compact and sleek design that will complement any audio system. The DacMagic has a brushed aluminum chassis, while the DacMagic Plus features a more premium matte black finish. Both units have a solid build quality and feel well-made.
Connectivity
The DacMagic offers a wide range of connectivity options, including optical, coaxial, and USB inputs. It also has a headphone output with a dedicated volume control. The DacMagic Plus adds Bluetooth connectivity, making it easier to stream music from your smartphone or tablet.
DAC Chipset
The DacMagic uses a Burr-Brown PCM1793 DAC chip, which supports sample rates up to 24-bit/192kHz. The DacMagic Plus upgrades to a more advanced ESS Sabre ES9010K2M DAC chip, which supports sample rates up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD64/128. This upgrade provides improved dynamic range and lower distortion, resulting in a more detailed and nuanced sound.
Sound Quality
The DacMagic delivers excellent sound quality, with a clear and detailed soundstage. The bass is tight and well-defined, while the treble is crisp and extended. The DacMagic Plus takes the sound quality to the next level, with even better clarity and detail. The soundstage is wider and deeper, and the instruments and vocals are placed with pinpoint accuracy.
Features
The DacMagic has a few basic features, including a bypass mode that allows you to connect it to an amplifier with its own DAC. The DacMagic Plus adds a number of additional features, including a built-in headphone amplifier with adjustable gain, a digital filter, and a display that shows the input source and sample rate.
Price and Value
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic is available for around $200, while the DacMagic Plus retails for around $350. Both units offer excellent value for money, but the DacMagic Plus provides a significant upgrade in sound quality and features for the additional cost.
Summary: The Winner
Both the Cambridge Audio DacMagic and DacMagic Plus are excellent DACs that offer great sound quality and value. However, the DacMagic Plus is the clear winner due to its superior DAC chipset, improved sound quality, and additional features. If you are looking for the best possible sound quality from your digital music, the DacMagic Plus is the DAC for you.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which DAC is better for headphones, the DacMagic or DacMagic Plus?
A: The DacMagic Plus has a built-in headphone amplifier with adjustable gain, making it a better choice for headphones.
Q: Can the DacMagic Plus decode MQA files?
A: No, the DacMagic Plus does not support MQA decoding.
Q: Which DAC has a wider frequency response?
A: The DacMagic Plus has a wider frequency response, supporting sample rates up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD64/128.