Cambridge Audio DacMagic vs Tag McLaren DAC20

[DistortedVision]

I was thinking how the Cambridge Audio DacMagic would compare to my Tag McLaren DAC20? I'm wondering if it would be a worthy upgrade especially considering that the DAC20 sells in the second hand market for around £300 and the DacMagic is £200 so I'd be making a profit by upgrading.

Many thanks!

 

[the record spot]

Don't RS offer a money back guarantee or something? You could trial the CA DAC at home against the TM. If it works, flog the Tag and you're quids in, if not, nothing lost?

 

[DistortedVision]

Yeah I think I might end up doing just that.

 

[the record spot]

I'd have thought with that kit lineup you'd be looking at something a little tastier than the Cambridge...?! Didn't Theta turn out a well regarded DAC some years back? Popular on Ebay when it comes up, but usually costs more than £200 though. Worth seeing what the Cambridge is like if nothing else; if it's that good for £200 then it could be a bit of a find - JD rates it for sure.

 

[DistortedVision]

Yeah I was but it was just out of interest really. Also I don't really want to spend loads because I only have my Sony Freeview Box, Arcam DVD player and Pinnacle Showcenter connected to the DAC20.

I was also interested in the Byrston BDA-1. There is a review here:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/bryston-bda-1-dac-reviewhttp://www.edirol.net/products/en/UA-25EX/

 

[scubasteve]

Did you ever make the swithc or compare the two. i have a dacmagic but have been offered a dac20 and am quite tempted if the performance is a lot better