Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS vs Audioquest Dragonfly

[gasolin]

I found in a onlinestore a Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS dac only slightly used for half price

Im interested in upgrading my dac and have been that for 1-2 weeks

Im asking here instead of the computer bade media forum since i think i will get a better responce here

How god is the dac, it started getting 5 starts now it only has 4 stars,all of the Audioquest dragonfly from ver 1.2 got 5 stars

Is the The new black audioquest dragonfly better? It costs 50% more than the use Dacmagic XS, i can also get the black Dragonfly 1.2 for the same price as the Dacmagic XS

 

[insider9]

I wouldn't pay too much attention to star rating. What are you upgrading from?

 

[gasolin]

I wouldn't pay too much attention to star rating. What are you upgrading from?

M2Tech Hiface 2, TC Electronic BMC-2 Wouldn't mind having the Audioquest Dragonfly Red but it's to expensive

Some say the Dacmagic XS sometimes struggles a little with timing, http://www.trustedreviews.com/best-usb-headphone-amps_round-up_Page-6

 

[Barbapapa]

I own the 'old' Dragonfly and the DacMagic XS. To me the DacMagic sounds more neutral. I have the impression that the Dragonfly is somewhat warmer than other DACs, which is not a bad thing per se. That doesn't mean that it obscures detail. Other than that I find it hard to perceive differences, not being a dedicated audiophile with golden ears.

 

[MajorFubar]

Not wanting to start a war, but be sure you can return any new DAC if you feel the difference is not as great as you were hoping.

 

[muljao]

Probably a reason the dacmagic loses a star is as things progress with DACs especially, you get more file compatibility and not having to use drivers etc.

I've heard good things about the little dacmagic

 

[gasolin]

Probably a reason the dacmagic loses a star is as things progress with DACs especially, you get more file compatibility and not having to use drivers etc.

I've heard good things about the little dacmagic

Dali Zensor 1 also have lost 1 star but zenzor 3 have stil 5 stars,shouldn't have because only difference is bass and zensor 1 of course wouldn't have as much bass as zensor 3

Back to the dac

I can get it used for 60% for the retail price

45% in a onlinestore (little extra for delivery) here i can return it

Theres a v2 version, what is the diffrence? https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-DacMagic-USB-Headphone/dp/B015JESV4S

 

[drummerman]

The new(est) DF Black and Red use the latest ESS mobile chips. They measure slightly better but the real benefit is less battery consumption on a mobile device.

There is also talk that they will be updated to fully process MQA if thats important to you.

 

[muljao]

I think that maybe you put to much faith in every online review. A real user posted above, I'd much rather that opinion than a mag that tests 13 in a shootout.

 

[gasolin]

Dont like The sound quality is still exceptional for this price. It’s a little harsh and brittle compared to the very best

http://www.trustedreviews.com/best-usb-headphone-amps_round-up_Page-9

I do use tidal but so much the master records

 

[Barbapapa]

I don't know the M2Tech DAC you own, but the price seems to be in the same order as the DacMagic and the Dragonfly. My experience up to now for similarly priced DACs in that range is that they are fairly interchangeable (as I posted above). If you are looking for a real upgrade I doubt whether you're going to get this. I've got four portable USB-DACs under € 200 and there are no major differences besides functionality (DSD or not, kind of volume control). Similarly with the other DACs at my disposal (in 3 amps or streamers).

So if you can't really spare the money I would give it a pass. If you don't mind the expense, it is fun to play around with another gadget. But don't expect to be blown away.

 

[gasolin]

I don't know the M2Tech DAC you own, but the price seems to be in the same order as the DacMagic and the Dragonfly. My experience up to now for similarly priced DACs in that range is that they are fairly interchangeable (as I posted above). If you are looking for a real upgrade I doubt whether you're going to get this. I've got four portable USB-DACs under € 200 and there are no major differences besides functionality (DSD or not, kind of volume control). Similarly with the other DACs at my disposal (in 3 amps or streamers).

So if you can't really spare the money I would give it a pass. If you don't mind the expense, it is fun to play around with another gadget. But don't expect to be blown away.

http://www.m2tech.biz/public/pdf/hiFace%20Two%20Tone%20Audio%2010-2012.pdf

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/m2tech_hiface2_e.html

 

[gasolin]

I read alot of review opinions and found out it could have some background noise

I have seen a review and read about it in another forum.

I have just ordered a HiFime Sabre 9018 USB DAC for 70£ on amazon uk with express delivery

Just between the price of a new dragonfly black and a used cambridge DacMagic XS

http://hifimediy.com/Sabre-9018-DAC

Now i just need a good minijack to phono interconnect (supra)

 

[drummerman]

A decent DAC. I use the Spdif version on the CCA.

Its an expansive sound with a wide'ish sound stage very slightly at cost to drive and focus. Measures superbly. - It uses an ESS 9018k2m, also used in several expensive DAC's.

I also have the original DF.

 

[gasolin]

A decent DAC. I use the Spdif version on the CCA.

Its an expansive sound with a wide'ish sound stage very slightly at cost to drive and focus. Measures superbly. - It uses an ESS 9018k2m, also used in several expensive DAC's.

I also have the original DF.

CCA?

 

[drummerman]

Chromecast

 

[gasolin]

Already got the HiFime Sabre 9018 USB DAC and it sound good with a wide and deep sound (soundtage not refering to the bass) supra biline mini jack to rca/phono, good,less bloated bass and a slightly brighter top, it could on some track sound mabye a bit to bright (burn in),atleast a little brighter,thinner than i'm used to

I will give it a week before i deside if i want to keep it