Digital To Analog Converter Review! NEW Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M!
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- čas přidán 15. 07. 2024
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► TESTING THE DACMAGIC 200M
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► COMPARABLE DIGITAL TO AUDIO CONVERTERS (DACS)
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► REVIEWING THE CAMBRIDGE AUDIO DACMAGIC 200M
If you are new to HiFi, you might be wondering “what is a DAC used for?” You might also be thinking “do I need a DAC or just an amp?” The answer really depends on your set up, needs and just how far down the HiFi rabbit hole you want to go.
In our Digital to Analog Converter review of the DacMagic 200M, Cambridge Audio’s newest DAC, the 200M replaces the DacMagic Plus. The 200M’s biggest claim to fame over its predecessor is the inclusion of MQA support -a first for Cambridge. The 200M can now fully decode and playback MQA files from MQA compatible sources meaning you'll get the highest res audio available.
INTRO: 00:00
DESIGN & SPECS: 00:39
WHO'S THE 200M FOR: 02:00
DESKTOP USE: 03:15
SOUND: 04:28
DRAWBACKS: 08:41
COMPARISONS: 09:06
CONCLUSION: 10:50
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➔ Cambridge Audio Edge Review: • High End Audio CAMBRID...
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★ *REVIEWING: **amzn.to/3rS2jHb**, **bit.ly/3775Yci** ADDITIONAL INFO IN THE DESCRIPTION⬆︎*
★ *QOTD: Is a DAC a must have, or do you view it more of a tweak to what you already have?*
★ *COMMENT RULES: Please be respectful. No outside links, URLs, email addresses, etc. Violations are automatically deleted.*
In my case DAC is not a must. Tweak fits very well. My system is budget wise, and current bottleneck is a two way speakers which struggles when scene gets complex. Using a DAC (cheap one) in my case is like abusing of contrast in imaging to obtain a better defined picture at the cost of dynamics. My speakers when feed with stereoids define better. So I prefer to avoid it, but it comes handy for some genres my system underperforms.
Thank you I’m moving to woodlands in Maine. CDs, vinyl , and satellite radio. I want to try you tube music and wasn’t sure if a descent Bluetooth and or with built in Dac or separate. Budget conscious.
A DAC is a must for me now. I recently upgraded my amp to a Marantz PM8006 that doesn’t have a built in DAC. I chose the Marantz for that very reason.
I have an Aune X1S DAC that I had been using on my desk too system for years. One day I decided to connect it to my Yamaha 301 amp whose DAC I had been happily using for over a year. The difference it made in sound quality was dramatic. To the point where the 301 sounded like a much more expensive Amp. I had a similar revelation when I upgraded my phono stage.
So when I decided to upgrade my amp having a built in DAC was a low priority as there seem to be many excellent external DAC options available.
I currently have a Chromecast Audio going into the optical connector on my X1S and a Raspberry Pi w/ Hifiberry Digi+ Pro HAT feeding the coax port. Both sound excellent via the PM8006.
BTW, you should do a review of the Marantz amp. I think it sounds great.
I have my 17” MacBook Pro Mac Pro 2010 connected to my other Onkyo HT-R398 5.1 surround sound with toslink cable. My home theatre is connected with Onkyo TXNR686 and Apple TV . My other Mac Pro 2010 DP don’t have sound system yet. You turn me on for the 200
I think DACs are a tweak after you have covered all your bases. I struggle with adding a external DAC to my CD transport (Music Hall 25). The DAC in the Cambridge CXA61 is good...but keep wondering if I need a better one.
I bought one a month ago. I love it. Hooked up to my MacBook and Focal Clears, I stream Tidal Masters MQA. The sound is a revelation. It is the best sound I’ve ever heard. Incredible value for $500.
Andrew, thank you for keeping audio...human. I put the 200M paired with my Tannoy (gold 7) speakers and and I smiled.
My wife got me the dac magic 200 for my birthday. I had the dac for a couple of weeks before I saw this video and I must say I agree with you 100% on sound signature. I have a musical Fidelity M6 SI and it sound pretty good when I pair it to the Dacmagic. But in another room, I have a Hegel h95. When I hooked the dacmagic up to the Hegel it blew me away! I see why they call it magic. I'm upgrading from S.M.S.L SU-8. The Hegel H95 has an incredible dac but it does not do DSD or MQA and is capped at 24/96 on the USB input and optical input.
Cambridge has been on their game in the last couple of years.... The wife bought me a Cambridge Amp and speakers this past Christmas and I'm in love with their warm laidback sound.
Thats good to know. Most cambridge stuff ive bought second hand has been bright and hard to listen to
Combine your vintage pioneer and the Klipschs.... sweet!!! You going to love that combination
I have also loved Cambridge Audio components. I use a DAC with CD player. This DacMagic looks great.
Thanks Andrew for the review. On my desktop I ended up going with the NAD USB DAC 2 to an older technics Integrated amplifier, prior to which I was using a Bluetooth receiver. What an enormous difference it made, I am enjoying all my music again and it is in no small part to this channel.
Thank you
Thanks for sharing! So glad to hear you are enjoying your system!
Thanks cuz, that was informative. I knew I had questions about DAC's, and I at least now I know what I'm looking for. I appreciate you.
I use my DAC Magic 200M to take the coax output from my Sony DVD/CD player UBP x800M2 and run it into my NAD 325BEEE stereo amp. Same for optical out from my TV.
I have the Original DACMagic from about 10 years ago and just can't let go of it. Oh and I use it for my laptop and my Node2i as I like its sound better.
I have an earlier DacMagic. I chose that because I felt it would be better than the DACs on my PC. So I bypass my mid-towers DACs on the motherboard and use the DacMagic, then to an NAD amp and my speakers. I have a SoundblasterZ sound card that I don't use any processing on, I just pass the signal via TOSLINK/SPDIF out to the DacMagic. Works fine for me.
I'm so glad someone is finally comparing the m500 to another dac 🤩
Excellent. An incisive, informed, organised and well presented review. Having bought a 200m with few comparative reviews around at the time, it is a relief to hear good news from an informed source!
As you say, an incredibly ‘musical’ DAC revealing so much of what the musician intended. I have also watched a couple of movies with it and found myself incredibly engaged with the sound. These attributes are difficult to quantify and too often ignored but really, this IS what all this equipment is for. I thought your ‘slowed tempo‘ metaphor was brilliant and summed up the DACs capabilities admirably.
I would like to add that at the (UK) price point, including as it does a dual head pre-amp, additional co-ax and optical inputs and Bluetooth (if you must!) this is an extremely well judged proposition. In my experience (Focusrite, MOTU, Audioquest), it is substantially ahead of the the entry level stand-alone DACS whilst costing significantly less than the more esoteric offerings from, for example, NAIM or Audiolab.
Delighted with my Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 200m and to have found such an insightful reviewer. Thanks.
Well its exactly as you say with regards to older equipment. I had a 20 year old fairly high end Marantz CD player and integrated amp. In 2019 I 'upgraded' to a fairly modest but newly released Marantz receiver. I plugged the CD player in initially through RCAs. Good. Then I tried the coax - in other words I switched from the 20 year old DAC built-in to the CD player to the new one in the receiver and I heard a pretty big improvement in articulation and sound quality. I wasn't at all dissatisfied with the sound through the RCAs but having tried the coax there was no question of switching back.
I have a California audio labs sigma 2 dac with the 24/96 card upgrade. I absolutely love it!
The only extra dac I’m using is the audioquest cobalt Dragonfly for listening from my IPad with headphone. At the moment I have a Grado sr 125e, but I ordered a Hifiman Sundara at my local dealer. The Dragonfly is a really upgrade for listening music a specially with Classical music and acoustic music. And also for blues, rock ore music like Pink Floyd.
I really liked the DacMagic Plus when I had it, so I'm glad and unsurprised that this unit performs well.
Loved everything about this review - production standards, Andrew's knowledge and vibe, etc.
I've had my DACMagic 200M for about 10 days. But I'm a complete bonehead. I don't even know what I don't know. Here's what I DO know. I have awful Klipsch Synergy surrounds circa 2003, a Velodyne 12" sub circa not too much later, a Denon AVR-1912 receiver circa 2011. And for my nighttime listening sessions I front end with a Node 2i, which I've had for about 20 days. I have no issue spending money to update my stuff, but it's a pain in the butt considering our small house, weird layout, and need for combined home theater and audio. So....
For me, the DACMagic 200 is a game changer, but that could be because I'm experiencing high res for nearly the first time. I find myself getting sucked into music like I can't remember doing since I was in my 20s. That was a LONG time ago. I recently dialed way back on Indie Rock -- too tired of trying to keep up - and am going big into classical and straight up jazz. Right now I'm listening to Mingus' "Ah Um" with a pair of Audio-Technica low-end cans connected by wire (not BT). Even as a headphone amp, this is a glorious way for me to have spent $300. Highly recommended.
Great question, better answer!
Choose carefully when purchasing a DAC. I was using a Bluesound Node 2i with my Elac Navis Speakers and though i could get better sound by purchasing a separate DAC. So i purchased a Denfrips Ares II for $1,300 AUD and i couldn't hear anything different. So now its for for sales and i will be making a loss. Always try before you buy. Great review ! always enjoy
I have a Topping E30 connected to a small HTPC and to a Bluray player. For €130 it's a bargain, it sounds awesome and even does DSD from the computer. And it has a remote to switch between inputs without getting my butt off the couch.
Thanks for the video. Great choice of topic and a good question.
I don't really need a dac at all with 2 of my Yamaha MusicCast setups, but I do need it in my vintage setup, where it serves to connect an RPi4 to an old Marantz 2285, for BT, Spotify and Tidal streaming.
So, I guess, a dac per se is a necessity, but if it must really be a standalone one, well, not really. Depends on what your system is made of, probably...
Really appreciate this review. It really helped me understand DACs a bit better. Just well done.
You may want to check out my personal test review
OMG!! Was this all Greek to me!!! For the most part. I probably only have what's known these days as a DAC in my CD player both in home and in my car. I still need to know how to get a letter to you. Thanks for your continued quality and style!!
"smooth, analogue like, exceptional mids, fuller, smoothing off of high end/not fatiguing" sounds like the right DAC for me and perhaps a good way to get some of that "cambridge sound" with my roon raspberri pi, non cambridge cd transport and non cambridge dac-less integrated amp ...
thanks for the great video! I think I will be buying one. while my rme adi dac 2 fs is great, its almost too clean and crisp and the high end can definitely be fatiguing with some music...
DAC's are an interesting way to adjust the sound of a system akin to a image filter in photography. The quality of these changes is subjective and personal.... and that's a good thing. Switching system elements allows me to gain a new perspective that breathes new life into audio. While an external DAC is not needed (in most cases) the act of DAC swapping is a welcome addition to my system.
Have an OG DacMagic Plus and even now i still adore it. Amp is weak but BUT damn its compatibility as balanced DAC is a lifesaver
I use an external headphone amp with this DAC via the balanced connections. No complaints.
i’m just getting into vinyl!! my first setup consists of a uturn orbit, cambridge axr85, and wharfedale denton 85th’s. thanks for the great videos andrew!
That's a great system! We really appreciate you watching and hope you continue to enjoy the music!
Great review Andrew.
I own a Cambridge Audio Dacmagic plus. I have connected my FIIO portable digital player and my Onkyo CD changer via coaxial cables to it. I also can connect a TV and a blue ray via optical cables if I want to watch videos. The DAC is connected with RCA cable to the AUX entrance of one of my vintage amplifiers (Sansui AU 6600 or Kenwood KA 7100, depending which one I have in use).
This way I can have multiple sources connected to the AUX entrance of my amplifier and I don't need to go behind disconnecting and connecting different cables any time I want to change the source. At the same time I'm replacing the use of a mediocre DAC for a much better one for the case of the TV and a cheap blue ray player.
This is a very good sounding dac and a great solution for my digital listening necessities. At this point there isn't a reason for me to upgrade to this new version. Yes not having a remote to change de source in the dac is a little inconvenient, but at the same time my amplifiers are from the era of great tactile knobs and switches way before remote controls, so not a big deal.
Well I'm actually thinking of purchasing the Cambridge Audio 200M so I can connect it with a pair of Tannoy Gold 8 speakers and dual Tannoy TFX subwoofers. It should be a good little setup for the bedroom 👍
Great information !!! I think it will be a tweak for me. I’m looking to try you tube music because it offers live concerts. I also subscribe to satellite radio and also looking to improve that sound/connection too. Thank you for simply explaining the budgeting where I’m going to get a better sound and return for my investment.
Thanks for the review. I've been on the fence about pitching in a few times, but I feel the time has come. I've been watching and reading reviews on DACs lately, and I'm not even in the market for one. However, you were the first reviewer who took the time to clarify how you see a dedicated DAC, and what sense it can make for different use cases. The reason I became interested in finding out more about dedicated DACs is the fact that I recently installed Volumio on a RasbperyPi 3b. Now, as you mentioned, the headphone jack on the Mac Mini isn't great, which is something you can say about most computers in general, and even more so for something like the Pi. So, I started by using an HDMI extractor, which worked better than I expected, but was considering an upgrade to the iFi Zen DAC (I would welcome such a review, btw), when I realized I already had a good one, in the form of my Yamaha MG12XU USB mixer, which was already on my desktop to begin with. Having said that, I think the 200M would be a great addition to your vintage systems, or for anyone in a similar situation (having great amplifiers that lack a built-in DAC, or CD players with great build quality, but older DACs).
definitely agree that speakers and room acoustics play the larger role in overall sound.
I purchased a dragonfly red and it's a massive enhancement on my system. I put in on my Xiaomi Mibox S + smsl Q5pro + FX audio tube preamp + Klipsch Rp600m
With my previous system, I realised that yes, DACs can definitely make or break a system. I had the CA DacMagic 100 in that, and that sounded pretty good. Then, that DAC moved to my desktop setup, and I used the onboard DAC from my Onkyo home theatre amp, and after a while I realised that something wasn’t quite right. I stopped enjoying listening to music with the DacMagic removed. So I moved it back to the speaker system. Now, with my new system, I can hear that it has quite a lot of potential. With my headphones (desktop) system, I was using my PC’s onboard audio output into my Magni 3, and again I stopped enjoying listening to music with that system. Once I hooked up the DacMagic back to that system, suddenly my music had life again.
I have been using the headphone jack on my M1 Mac mini with IEMs and my old ears have not notice any degradations. I do recommend a Jack, I have a TRRS plug to TRRS jack cable extension connected and the jack tied down under the monitor. That way I can use it with a mike/headset for conference calls and presentations. as well as listening. For everyday sound I pipe it from the HDMI monitor to a pair of old Creative t20 (you tube and other web video) and for listening a dedicated AMP/DAC using USB.
Good review thanks Andrew
awesome review guys ..
I usually work from home, even before covid and was always able to blast my stereo as much as I wanted while working. But now that my wife is working from home too, I had to change over to headphones. In this scenario, I would say yes, a desktop DAC/headphone amp is necessary. I got an ifi zen dac for $150 and I really like it. It would be interesting to see how it compares to the cambridge audio.
Just what I am looking for but after seeing the price, I saved it for later. Good job on the video.
You must have this for a transporter that will of course be able to play SACD discs
I just recently recommended the FiiO K5pro Desktop DAC (currently sold at €159) to a friend of mine to improve the audio quality over the on-board soundcard. I was surprised myself how much she is now raving about it.
Thanks for reviewing this - I just bought one quite impulsively then decided to panic-watch reviews. You've made me feel a lot better about splashing the cash now
LOL I did the same thing. Andrew's review made me feel that my purchase was worthwhile.
Ditto. And I keep doing it even though I'm very happy with the purchase.
That's really funny. Because I get it. I heard a reviewer talk some smack on the high end of an integrated I bought and it just bounced around my head when listening even though I hadn't heard it myself, before the review. Just be careful. Power of suggestion can reinforce and ruin!! Trust thy self lol
I enjoyed this review, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Well spoken and articulated and lots of good info.
Thank you so much, josh3212! We appreciate you watching.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews any chance you might have an advice for some great Hi-Fi speakers to pair with my computer and that dac/amp that would fit on my desk?
Hey you should try the iso-acoustics puck minis under the tannoy speakers in your desktop setup, made all the difference for me!
Andrew, thank you for the informative DacMagic review. However, what I found most impressive about your video was your personal, presentation skills. Your on camera presence and buttery smooth delivery is absolutely superb! Were you using an ear prompter or a teleprompter? If not, then you have to be a professional within the industry - what a terrific job of conveying information is such a relaxed and entertaining fashion. You held your audience's attention all the way through - nice work!
Really appreciate the kind comments! While I do not rely on a prompter, we do script out the review ahead of time and so that is what I'm working from while filming.
Hi Andrew - thanks again for another great video! I’m really enjoying your content! A quick question if I may ask please: You mentioned during the review that you tested both the balanced and unbalanced outputs - was there a significant difference between the two, especially in the context of using with your Tannoy Gold Fives (which look amazing btw!)? Thank you so much in advance for your help!
Great review. Love CA products, had many of them over the years. Allthough I think this one does not bring anything to my current setup.
What becomes to external dacs and their abilities to improve sound, i think they come somewhere right behind cables (digital cables that is). Atleast with an average system like mine. Had an Modi3 once, sold it after 2 weeks.
Since I was not happy anymore with my old system and was listening more and more music online, I got interested in experimenting with new loudspeakers and dac's to improve the sound of the online sources. Many nice reviews later I wasn't sure Schiit Modi, Cambridge DacMagic, Chord Mojo, Fii, smsl, dragonfly etc. so I looked on the used market and bought myself a chord mojo in mint condition for 320€. Thought I take something more special to see if I feel a difference... I use it as connection from laptop to headphones or to my old hifi. And yes it makes the sound somehow sweeter and less cold. I will also try it with the cd-player. Think, after buying a new receiver with a good dac, the search is over.
DACs with included volume (gain) control are a great alternative to a traditional pre-amp, so they go great with a separate power amp or active speakers. The drawback, though, is you lose the source selection function which is a tough choice to make if you have analog sources. I recently added to my system an RME ADI-2 fs DAC which I'm hugely happy with, given its multiple talents. But I'm wrestling with finding a way to play my old cassettes on my 3-head Sony tape deck. Not exactly high-end audio but still a lovely old-school collection. Vinyl lovers, especially, will encounter the same dilemma. The vast majority of music, however, is now in digital format, so the volume-enabled DAC can be a go-to solution for many audiophiles, which should have pre-amp manufacturers worried.
I am in the market for my first DAC to pair with my labtop. I run my audio into a Pioneer Integrated A-757 amp. Dual mono block. Then into my 70's Infinity 5000 3 way monitors. I listen to everything from Rush, to Sabbath, then Oscar Peterson, then Sibelius. And everything in between. Thoughts about how the 200M might perform.
You compared it to the SMSL m500, which I have. I previously had the Magic DAC Plus model before this 200M. I liked it more, even with it's upsampling. Which I found did some good things with lower quality audio files. Just no MQA support. Which this has. So I sent it back for the SMSL at similar price point. I'm pretty happy with it. However, it's not the same. It's still great with some tracks, but I miss the Cambridge. You say it's better. I believe you. I may have to get this one. Thank you for the review.
I find a DAC between my Apple iMac 27 inch to be a necessity. The only digital sockets (out) on the iMac are USB. The old iMac had an optical out but Apple didn't include one on the new computer. I have an aging, though still good, Cyrus amp and Mission speakers for small sound system in the "man cave". My current DAC is a a discontinued Arcam r-Pac (gifted by a friend) which is USB powered. I intend to try the CA 200M to see if it improves the sound which lacks punch. I feel some retail therapy coming on.
Thanks to you this will be my first Digital DAC great review
No need to say "digital" DAC because there's no analogue dac by comparison. DAC is a DAC whether it has chips or RTR or tubes or no tubes it's still a box that converts Digital information (ones and zeros) and turns it into analogue information (voltage).
@@marcgabor9690 hey thanks for your info
Been using a Chord Mojo im my system, seems like I will have to test this with a view to becoming a full time replacement.
I play all my music from my computer and I started using a cheap Soundblaster 3 USB DAC a couple months ago and it really did step up the music, there's just a little more of everything. Great stuff, but not gaming changing like a new amp.
Your reviews are very intelligibly relatable and I appreciate you both for the time and effort you put into them
Thank you so much, Josh! We appreciate you watching!
I'm addicted now!
Hello Andrew. A great and clean review once again!
I was actually thinking of adding the dacmadgic 200m for my cxn v2 due to the ability of MQA, and also headphone amp. After watching this video I am now thinking what should I do....
One more thing on what I would like your input: what are your thoughts about the sennheiser hd 600 as an open back headphones as a complementary pair to a closed back ones.
Keep safe.
Excellent review and I apreciate the no bull
Glad you enjoyed it!
Andrew, first I really, really love your channel. Now about all this DAC stuff. As you are aware there are DAC ads all over the place at different price points with most promising the ultimate in Digital to Analog conversion. Now my OPPO 203 has what is purported to be a very high end DAC as does my Denon 1600NE SACD Player as does my Marantz SR7013. So with this in mind and the fact, that not all DACs are created equally and that most people probably can't hear the difference anyway how do you combat the endless pursuit by many audiophiles myself and others; although I've managed to control my impulses thus far, for the holy grail of the ultimate Analog conversion from Digital. I know personally I have switched back from letting my SACD player use it's DAC or letting the Marantz do the conversion with the end result probably being in the realm of my active imagination.
I returned my dacmagic plus because I couldn't live with the lack of remote in a living room environment. Not having one is just stupid. I also seem to prefer the sound of sabre based dacs so the change was a win-win.
Thanks for your reviews. Always keep me honest on how much I need to spend/when I actually need to spend. Turns out it’s possible to love audio equipment without buying or having the latest and greatest most advanced system!
I keep waiting for a full review of the Technics as we've seen it kicking around for a little while. I didn't miss it, did I?
I have used a stand alone DAC (the Modi) just to tweak the performance on an older CD player. It works well for that. It can also do double duty if I want to add other digital sources to my older 1980's receiver. In my main system the Technics SLG-700 is my one stop shop digital source component.
I agree. Too many DACs today are over analytical in their sound performance. It's not everyday you come across a DAC that emphasises musicality over precision
Tweak. Thanks for the videos., from Spain.
Thanks for the Review, how it compares the dac Magic 200 vs smsl su9?
A DAC can really make a difference, but it's also a very subjective implementation. I my system, my setup just seemed a bit lean with a Schitt Modi 2. I got a god deal on an airist audio R2R, HUGE improvement. Very palpable change in the system overall. The R2R measures "poorly" to those that worship the numbers, but the tonal character, scale, stage and even micro detail was a big difference. There was a feeling reminiscent of what could be described as second order harmonics, something that is more prevalent with tubes or a Nelson Pass amp. Made quick comparisons between them with the same reference tracks, then hung out with the R2R for a while, brought back in the Modi for a while. But this is based on my own setup. Whatever change I'd make I felt and heard a big improvement with the R2R. it may just come down to the output stage? Who knows....but I can tell.
Boom. Sold. My Marantz thanks you.
Mr. Robinson, I really enjoy your channel and reviews. However, I think that your appreciation of the Cambridge Dacmagic 200M sound will be closely related to the amplified Tannoy Gold 5 speakers attached that with the device per se. Could you test the DAC with other amplified monitor speakers? I suggest the Yamaha HS8, Presonus E8 XT, or the ROKIT G4 8.
Good review, thanks! I just recently got a DacMagic Plus (from sale for roughly 250 €), I was wondering if the volume control in the 200M is similar to that (with a slightly digital feeling to it, rather than analogue)?
Would love to hear your thoughts on adding this to the Sony 1080 and the 190. The Schitt MultiBit when paired on either of these is simply mind-blowing. Which budget reference are you guy's using the Sony or Yamaha? My main transport is a computer for audio, so all USB out.
That was a great review.
I want to ask for your opinion:
I have a Denon X3700h and Marantz MM8077 with Klipsch RP 5.2.2 speakers set.
Do you think that M200 will make a difference in music?
I like how my Denon sound, but maybe because i haven't heard anything else. I think I want to get a DAC just for the music.
Do you think it is a good idea?
Owner of a Dacmagic Plus here, as far as I can see, the 200M has swapped one coax/optical input for a built in BT antenna, which is a good choice IMO.
For the Dacmagic Plus you needed to buy a separate antenna for 100 bucks.
Other than that it's not much different, except for higher sample rates and MQA support (which I won't ever use).
To me, the most important function of the Dacmagic is to use it as a USB DAC on my PC and as a DAC for a CD transport.
That way you can buy a trashy CD player from Craigslist and bypass the crappy DAC to get all there is from CD (yes, CDs are still a thing lol).
Because the DAC in a CD player makes/breaks over 95% of the CD sound quality.
Have you ever considered breezing through the internals of the gear you review? Im always curious as to whats inside these things be it an amp, dac, or speaker! Types of capacitors used, transformer type, build quality in general...
I have a question about dacs. I have an older Denon receiver and I do stream music via a Bluetooth adapter that I added on. Would it be worth it to purchase a dac to improve the sound or should I invest in a new receiver with a dac built in. I do have some new Polk speakers on the way (I hope) so I really want my system to sound the best it can. Thanks so much for your time and I love your CZcams channel.
Thanks again,
Darren Osley
I bought dragonfly Cobalt for my Imac , its been such an amazing buy.
I went with Fiio BTR5 (Bluetooth instead USB), I'm enjoying it a lot, even to listen Netflix from the iPad, it's sooo good, I hope you like yours, was in my list as well 😊
For me I was looking for a compact desktop/gaming solution. It needed to have built-in preamp and headphone amplifier. Along with fiber optic input and XLR outputs. So several years ago when the Cambridge Audio Dacmagic Plus came out. I got it and gave it a try. It worked perfectly in my desktop setup. But when the 200M came out. I wondered if it would be a good time to upgrade. Then I got to thinking. Would I really notice that much of an improvement. Since I mostly listen to flac files downloaded from hd tracks. So I got to researching and found it was actually difficult to find exactly what I was looking for. Then I came across the ifi audio NEO IDSD. It has basically everything the Dacmagic Plus and 200M has. So I spent the extra money on it. Kinda glad I did. It brought forth more dynamics and detail that I never heard on my Dacmagic Plus. Even better instrument separation. So for anyone willing to spend the extra money. The ifi audio NEO IDSD is also a great desktop dac/pre amplifier/ headphone amplifier. I can actually hear my opponents footsteps when they are nearby in fps games!
Good to know. Thank you for sharing!
Great review! Might look into getting this one especially with the Modi being so hard to find.
The 200M might go the way of the Modi here soon so better grab it while you can. Man, these stock issues are a real problem.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Good point
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Supply chain disruption GLOBALLY... plus the AKM plant fire in Japan did not help.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I had that problem 10 months ago. I wanted a Bifrost2.... ended up with a Gungnir Multibit. I had wanted to "someday" own a Gungnir or Yggdrasil. After a little soul searching (10 minutes) I said screw it and spent the extra $500 for the Gungnir.
Thanks for the review Andrew.
My brother recently purchased a Schitt Modi and I've been considering purchasing one as well for my vintage 2 channel system. I love that the Cambridge has more flexibility but it sounds like you would recommend/prefer the Schiit Modi for a living room system. Is that correct? Thanks again.
Having owned 20+ DACs in my life, and listening exclusively to digital sources, I have to say that the DAC is the most important component in my signal chain. In the end it's all about the implementation, any DAC has an analog output stage, and that can and will sound very differently depending on the implementation.
Please make your own video good better best and superb!
@@Ryan-yi6su positive, comparative and superlative - don't think there's a stage beyond that:) Yes, maybe I will make a video in the future.
For a year only with just Klipsch R-51 PM(No SW) I recently got my Linton and Leak stereo 130..... i’m very very very happy with them, I also use Leak BT with my Tidal streaming and i’m very very very happy with it..... Do I need one more DAC such as 200M? No... not for now..... but i’m sure would like to try the 200M with my present setting....
I have been able to place a high end DAC in my system, a Berkley Alpha 2 and it definitely was way way more than a tweak , however I decided not to purchase it and picked up a Gustard A22 + which was much less expensive but not cheap and does have MQA ,while I must admit the DACs in my system all sound sweet ,I still enjoy having the sound of the separate DAC preferable when listening to music . Whether or not its an unconscious confirmation bias ,,,,who can say ?
Hi. Great video. Installed today. Mac mini M1 USB to the DAC. DAC unbalanced to my older NAD T765 home theatre, using its analog RCA 2 channel input. I also set the NAD to analog bypass. Sounds great, except that now I have no output from the NAD to my ELAC 3070 subwoofer. Subwoofer is solid; it worked before when I was using HDMI output from MacMini to NAD. Not sure how to get my ELAC subwoofer working again...any ideas?
Thank you for the logical and well-reasoned review Andrew. I always appreciate your calm and civil approach. I hope you and your wife and family have recovered from the recent problems.
I am a Bluesound Node 2i owner who would like to experiment on whether a downstream MQA DAC can do a better job than the Bluesound's. The problem is that the Bluesound will not output digital over USB -- only coax and optical. That rules out using the many "MQA" DAC's that only process MQA over the USB input. Often this feature/limitation is not well-documented and readily apparent.
Would you know if the Cambridge DACMagic 200m supports full MQA unfolding/rendering over its coax and/or digital inputs? I find no such qualification on Cambridge's web page or the owner's manual. If it does, that puts it on the short list!
Thank you!
I would love if it would have remote ! I'm using usb, optical spdif and Bluetooth inputs usually in living room.
Agreed. If it can be a preamp, it neeeeds to come with a remote.
Nice review Andrew. Is this an upgrade for my Technics SU-G700 integrated amp?
How about trying the iLoud micro monitors in your desktop setup? Musicians and producers rave about them.
Andrew do you think this DAC would pair good with my Crown XLS 2502? PS thank you for all your down-to-earth videos.
Hi Andrew: right now I stream from a 2008 MacBook Pro into a Cambridge DacMagic 200 M (purchased upon your recommendation), hooked up to a Musical Fidelity M5si (another splendid recommendation), playing through 1984 Klipsch Cornwalls. Is there a better way to stream to my system, that is not duplicative of the DacMagic? Would a newer laptop, or maybe a newer iPad, provide better quality? Thank you for your help. I watch your videos as soon as they are released. Jim Lionberger, Longmont Colorado.
my respect for andrew after he mentions kygo🙌🏻📈
I know recoding speakers isn’t a good example but I would interested to have an example of what you hear by recoding speakers with a decent mic and doing the same without the dac or other items you review.
External DAC end all be all for me...if a very recent version of a DAC chip is internal to the component and implementation has been reviewed as complimentary, like the Technics SL-G700's, than saves a box while still achieving an external DAC's purpose.
I have both, the plus as well as the 200M. In direct AB comparison, for me, the 200M has less punch and therefore I am a bit disappointed. It is a very subtle difference, until you know it ^^
And comparing to a teac cd player, for me, the integrated dac of the teac is punchier than the 200M.
@Andrew Robinson You should check out the Nubert nuPro XS 7500 Soundbar
Noted.
I have the s.m.s.l. small amplifier for my work bench at work love it but as far as the dac yes it lacking but it is a quality product for the money again love your reviews and thanks again for a great video
I have the SMSL on my desk too, and I like it. Mine showed up in red, so I don't like that, but it's a good DAC for what it is - I just preferred the 200M when the two were compared to one another. Thanks for watching!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Is it the SA300?
EDIT: nm, I read the notes. You have a diff SMSL.
Could you please take a look at some sub 200 budget gear sometime. Ive bought two SA300 already. Really great for the price and the sub out and bt performance is solid.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I have the s.m.s.l. SA300 and its great I have a nice pair of book shelve two way speakers that i listen to music at work and it turns heads just clarity and volume its nice at home its even better for my listening its either a pair of Klipsh la Scalas or large custom made home monitors it book shelves the amp personally delivers but that's me
what would u call high level system 2:58 ? is my denon avr x3300w about 6 years old atmos receiver high level or i would hear difference adding Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M to the chain for stereo mode connected to my pc ?
I got the 200M and returned it within 3 days. This 200M for some reason Cambridge didn't do enough testing.
If you use it as an external DAC. I noticed that MQA playback is unstable when the MQA passthrough is enabled. Songs constantly drop and stutter. I have tried all the MQA albums, every time when I hit play on the song, music plays but the MQA will not trigged instantly. It takes like 1 sec or so for the MQA to engaged. The MQA light and sampling rate will not light up till 1 sec. I can also hear a small click sound from speaker when switching from normal to MQA files. Other people also experienced the same thing. I already emailed cambridge tech support group and they are looking at the problems. And sound from the ES9028Q2M is not as great. I did a comparison to my ES9016 8-channel. ES9106 just have way more clarity. Long story short, I returned it back to seller and got my full refund.
I'm looking to upgrade my desktop system with the DacMagic 200m mostly for listening to music and some gaming. I'm bouncing back and forth between monitors (Focal Shape 40's but open to suggestions) or a Cambridge Audio AXA35 and B&W 607 S2's. I was just wondering if you could tell me what your preference is between monitors and traditional speakers for a desktop setup where music is the primary driver. Thank you!
Which cables did you use for the unbalanced setup? (rca to phono jack or adapters?)
i just want a pair of the tannoys