Description
Unveiling the Art of Sound with Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M
In the world of high-fidelity audio, the journey from a digital audio file to the lush landscape of sound that reaches our ears is nothing short of magical. At the heart of this transformation is the digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an unsung hero in our quest for acoustic perfection. Enter the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M, a device that doesn’t just bridge the digital divide—it elevates your listening experience to new heights.
The Essence of High-Resolution Audio
The DacMagic 200M is engineered for the audiophile who craves purity and depth in their music. Dual ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M DACs lie at the core of this machine, offering unparalleled sound quality and a frequency response that stretches from 10Hz to 50kHz. This ensures that every note is rendered with crystal-clear precision, from the lowest bass to the highest treble.
A Symphony of Features
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Versatile Connectivity: Whether you’re streaming wirelessly or plugging in a traditional source, the DacMagic 200M connects seamlessly. With USB, coaxial, and optical inputs, plus Bluetooth aptX, you’re covered for all scenarios.
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MQA Full Decoding: Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) technology unfolds the sound exactly as it was captured in the studio, delivering the purest form of the recording.
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Superior Headphone Amplification: With a robust Class A/B amplifier, your headphones will reveal new layers in your favorite tracks, driving anything from sensitive in-ears to demanding over-ears with ease.
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Tailored Listening Experience: Choose from three digital filters—Fast, Slow, Short Delay—to shape the sound to your preference.
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Build and Design: A steel enclosure with a thick aluminum faceplate not only looks sleek but also ensures your audio signal is protected from electronic interference.
The Power of Dual DACs
The decision to incorporate dual ESS Sabre DACs is a testament to Cambridge Audio’s commitment to audio excellence. By employing a dual-mono configuration, the DacMagic 200M achieves superb channel separation, bringing an expansive soundstage and pinpoint imaging that allows each instrument to breathe freely.
Wireless Freedom with No Compromise
Bluetooth technology has made listening convenient, but often at the cost of sound quality. The DacMagic 200M dispels this concern with aptX support, ensuring that your wireless audio is as rich and detailed as a wired connection.
Decoding the Future of Music
With full MQA compatibility, the DacMagic 200M is future-proof. It fully decodes MQA files, including MQA Studio tracks, ensuring that you are listening to the music exactly as the artists intended.
For the Love of Headphones
The built-in headphone amp is a marvel in its own right. It drives a wide range of headphone impedances, from 10 to 600 Ohms, with a power output that brings out the best in your cans. Moreover, the dedicated volume control ensures that your personal listening session is always intimate and immersive.
A Build That Resonates
The construction of the DacMagic 200M speaks volumes of its quality. From the aluminum fascia to the robust steel box, it’s crafted to not only look good but also to serve as a fortress against interference, keeping your audio signal pure.
The Heart of Your Home Theater
Dreamedia understands the importance of a central piece that ties your home theater together. The DacMagic 200M is that piece. It’s compact enough for a desktop setup yet powerful enough to be the cornerstone of your hi-fi system.
Full Control at Your Fingertips
LED indicators provide at-a-glance information about input, filter selection, and incoming music resolution. This immediate feedback allows you to adjust settings on the fly, ensuring you’re always in command of your audio experience.
A Sound Investment
With an MSRP of $550, the DacMagic 200M stands as an accessible entry into high-end audio. It’s a testament to Cambridge Audio’s dedication to delivering full-featured DAC and headphone amplification at a price that respects your budget and your passion for sound.
In Harmony with Your Home
The DacMagic 200M’s lunar grey finish and sleek design allow it to blend seamlessly into any environment. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your listening space or discreetly enhancing your audio experience, it’s designed to complement your home and your lifestyle.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
- Dual ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M DACs
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz (±1dB)
- THD+N: <0.0005% (A-Weighted)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: >115dB
- Crosstalk: < -110dB
- MQA Full Decoding
- Bluetooth v4.2 with aptX
- Roon Tested
- Dimensions: 52 x 215 x 191mm
- Weight: 1.2kg
The Dreamedia Difference
At Dreamedia, we don’t just sell products; we craft experiences. When you choose the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M, you’re not just buying a DAC—you’re investing in a piece of audio artistry. And with Dreamedia’s expertise, you can rest assured that your home theater system will be designed with the same care and precision that went into this remarkable device.
Connect with Cambridge Audio
Share your DacMagic 200M experience on social media using @CambridgeAudio and join a community of audiophiles who appreciate the subtleties of high-fidelity sound.
A Sound Choice for the Discerning Listener
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M is more than a DAC—it’s a declaration of love for music. It’s the choice for those who want to hear their favorite songs in the way the artists intended. It’s for those who understand that in the world of sound, magic is real—and it lives within the DacMagic 200M.
At Dreamedia, we’re here to help you discover that magic. Contact us to design your home theater system with the DacMagic 200M at its heart, and experience the joy of sound in its purest form.
Introduction
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M serves as a testament to the brand's commitment to high-fidelity audio. As a standalone digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier, it promises to elevate your home audio experience. Understanding the role of a quality DAC is crucial, as it can significantly enhance the clarity, depth, and overall fidelity of your digital music collection. The DacMagic 200M aims to do just that, while also offering an amplified experience for headphone enthusiasts.
Design and Build Quality
Exterior Design
Cambridge Audio's DacMagic 200M boasts a design that's both modern and a bit utilitarian. The front panel, adorned with various LEDs, buttons, and text labels, seems busy at first glance, but this layout is a nod to the functionality and control it offers audiophiles. Its compact size is versatile, making it a suitable addition to both desktop arrangements and larger hi-fi systems.
Build Materials
The use of a steel box coupled with a thick aluminum faceplate speaks volumes about the DacMagic 200M's build quality. This choice of materials not only ensures durability but also contributes to the product's premium feel and acoustic performance. The craftsmanship here is indicative of Cambridge Audio's dedication to creating a product that's as robust as it is refined.
Features
Dual ESS Sabre DACs
The heart of the DacMagic 200M lies in its dual ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M DACs. The dual-mono configuration is a significant boon, as it allows for superior channel separation and a reduction in crosstalk, culminating in a soundstage that's both expansive and precisely defined. The impact on sound quality is palpable, with a level of detail and clarity that will satisfy even the most discerning ears.
Connectivity Options
Cambridge Audio has equipped the DacMagic 200M with a comprehensive array of input and output options. The inclusion of USB-type B, optical, and coaxial inputs ensures compatibility with a wide range of digital sources. The RCA and XLR outputs cater to different amplification setups, with balanced XLR offering the best noise rejection for professional or high-end audio systems. The addition of Bluetooth aptX is a nod to convenience, allowing for high-quality wireless streaming, albeit with some fidelity trade-offs compared to wired connections.
Support for High-Resolution Audio
For audiophiles, the DacMagic 200M's native support for MQA technology is a standout feature. This full decoding capability allows for the playback of high-resolution audio files, including MQA Studio tracks, which delivers music exactly as the artists intended. The DAC's compatibility with an extensive range of audio formats, from MP3 to DSD512, ensures that it can handle virtually any file you throw at it, making it a versatile centerpiece for digital audio playback.
Additional Functionalities
The digital filters—Fast, Slow, and Short Delay—offer subtle but appreciated customization to tailor the sound to personal preferences or specific audio characteristics. Being Roon Ready, the DacMagic 200M can effortlessly integrate into a Roon-based music system, offering a rich interface and access to high-resolution streaming services.
Performance
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the DacMagic 200M is where it truly shines. The DAC delivers a super detailed and natural sound, with an inherent neutrality that makes it an excellent match for a variety of music genres. It remains faithful to the original recording, with a transparent reproduction that neither embellishes nor detracts from the source material. This level of sonic integrity is particularly impressive when considering its price point.
Headphone Amplifier
The headphone amplifier is robust, delivering more than enough power for headphones ranging from 10 Ohm to 600 Ohm. It performs admirably across this spectrum, driving even demanding cans with ease. While the amp's performance is commendable, it doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of what's available in dedicated high-end headphone amplifiers. Nevertheless, it provides a powerful and dynamic listening experience for most users.
Bluetooth Playback
The DacMagic 200M's Bluetooth aptX connection is stable and convenient for casual listening. However, purists may notice a slight degradation in clarity and subtlety compared to a wired connection. This is a common caveat with wireless audio, and while the drop-off in quality is minimal, it is something to be aware of for those seeking the absolute best in audio fidelity.
Software and Stability
While the DacMagic 200M is a formidable piece of hardware, it's not without its software issues. The PC driver can be buggy and unstable, occasionally requiring manual reconnection after the computer wakes up from sleep mode. Moreover, there have been reports of app issues when using streaming services like Qobuz. These are areas where Cambridge Audio could improve the user experience through software updates.
User Experience
Interface and Usability
The front panel's display is straightforward, showing the sampling rate of the incoming audio signal, which is a handy reference for audiophiles. However, the omission of a remote control is a curious decision that impacts the user-friendliness of the device, especially when it's part of a larger setup where direct access to the unit isn't always convenient.
Practical Considerations
The DacMagic 200M's power consumption is modest at 12W, which is reasonable for a device of this caliber. The automatic sleep mode is an energy-saving feature, though it can be a double-edged sword; it may cause the audio to switch to a fallback device if not configured correctly, leading to some frustration.
Final Thoughts
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M is a compelling option for both audiophiles and casual listeners looking to upgrade their digital audio setup. Its strengths lie in its sound quality, build, and a range of features that support high-resolution audio. While it faces some competition in the market, its price-to-performance ratio is competitive, making it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking a full-featured DAC and headphone amplifier. The few drawbacks, such as the headphone amp's performance and software stability, are overshadowed by the overall value the DacMagic 200M provides. It's a product that will undoubtedly enhance the listening experience for most users, making it a recommended addition to any home audio system.
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