Dac Magic Or Cyrus 8 XPD

[admin_exported]

Has anyone used a DacMagic and Cyrus 8 XPD built in DAC on a similar system?

How do the two Dacs compare?

I am buying a new system for use with uncompressed network music. Is it better to get a seperat amp with a dac magic or to go the Cyrus 8 XPD route.

Thanks

 

[John Duncan]

I'd prefer to have an amp with a built-in DAC if only to shorten the signal path and reduce the number of boxes and wires. I just wish there were more that weren't Cyrus, because I find the look...not for me

Also, the premium you're paying for the 'D' designation looks quite steep to me, and if you subtract the cost of a DACMagic (or other DAC) from the 1500 notes being asked for the 8 XPD, that opens up some pretty meaty amplifier options to you...

This is only having heard the DM, not the Cyrus.

 

[Anonymous]

Someone posted a comparison in another thread between the DAC Magic and the Cyrus DAC X, which said that the latter is better but not much better and was not worth the extra money. But that's a very subjective thing. you can take them both on a home trial from Richer Sounds and Sevenoaks Sound and Vision and compare.
I laboured over the DAC dilemma for a fair time and ended up settling on a Bryston BDA-1. it is an absolute gem of a DAC

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies.

I have to say the Cyrus look doesn't do it for me either. However that souldn't really be a factor when buying the equipment.I also like the idea of having it all in the one box. There is going to be enough cables and plugs as it is!

In saying that, I could buy a Naim
Nait XS and dacMagic combo for about £1050 or the Cyrus 8XPD for about £1350.

When partnered with the B&W CM7 speakers do you think one combination would stand ahead of the other?

I live in Ireland and it is quite hard to demo these different combinations together.

The Bryston BDA-1 is beyond my budget unfortunately.

Thanks

 

[John Duncan]

Or you could dump the lot and get a NaimUniti

Actually, don't think you can get a Nait XS for £800 - do you mean the 5i?

 

[Anonymous]

JohnDuncan:Or you could dump the lot and get a NaimUniti

Actually, don't think you can get a Nait XS for £800 - do you mean the 5i?

I have my eye on a ex display amp...

 

[Anonymous]

lambconor:
JohnDuncan:Or you could dump the lot and get a NaimUniti

Actually, don't think you can get a Nait XS for £800 - do you mean the 5i?

I have my eye on a ex display amp...

I just phoned the shop... it was actually the 5i but there was a misprint on the website saying it was the XS!