DacMagic 100 v 200

[plastic penguin]

That's understandable.
But once you've got the DAC, it will be as easy as flicking sources on the Leema to compare Sky analogue with Sky via new DAC and choosing the better of the two.

Yes, you're right. That's why I shortlisted the DacMagic 100 as it'll give me the flexibility both in connectivity and sound (hopefully)

 

[DiggyGun]

I had the DAC100 Magic previously, but changed it for a Khadas Tone Board, which I found to have much improved SQ.

The DAC100Magic sounded flat and dull in comparison.

However, it may not have all the connections that you may require.

DG…

 

[plastic penguin]

I had the DAC100 Magic previously, but changed it for a Khadas Tone Board, which I found to have much improved SQ.

The DAC100Magic sounded flat and dull in comparison.

However, it may not have all the connections that you may require.

DG…

Appreciate what you say. Think the nature of hi-fi is there are those who like a certain product, others that don't. As it won't be my main source I'm trying to strike a happy balance.

 

[Gray]

I had the DAC100 Magic previously, but changed it for a Khadas Tone Board, which I found to have much improved SQ.

The DAC100Magic sounded flat and dull in comparison.

However, it may not have all the connections that you may require.

DG…

I've got a Dacmagic XS (Extra Small), never heard either of their bigger models.
But as the owner of a Khadas, what you say doesn't surprise me.

I find it hard to imagine even the 200 sounding better than the KTB despite it being more than 4 times the price.

Unfortunately, OP PP may need 2 optical inputs and the KTB doesn't even have one.

That SMSL SU1 includes optical and, amaziingly, is even cheaper than the KTB.....

 

[Gray]

Must admit to liking the look of the 200 though PP - in that respect it's streets ahead of the cheaper DACs.

And if you can find a use for the headphone amp / Bluetooth.....

 

[plastic penguin]

Must admit to liking the look of the 200 though PP - in that respect it's streets ahead of the cheaper DACs.

And if you can find a use for the headphone amp / Bluetooth.....

Finding a good used 200 isn't easy, as most Cambridge stuff goes through RSs.

 

[plastic penguin]

Finding a good used 200 isn't easy, as most Cambridge stuff goes through RSs.

Saying that....

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M - Limited Use | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M - Limited Use at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[plastic penguin]

Going to order a DacMagic 200 from RS when they open at midday. It's a 'open box' model which they are giving me a good price.

 

[WayneKerr]

Let us know how you get on with it 👍

 

[plastic penguin]

Let us know how you get on with it 👍

Will do. I won't bust a gut, I'll pay for it and pick it up when I'm next over there.

 

[plastic penguin]

Will do. I won't bust a gut, I'll pay for it and pick it up when I'm next over there.

Ordered and paid for a couple of hours ago, I'll also buy a cheap digi cable. I have a spare set of RCAs, so no issues there.

Interesting to hear the improvements in sound.

 

[robdmarsh]

That's not what I meant and the question was difference between the two Cambridge dacs.
Assuming both have the same filtering applied could you suggest that one is better than the other?

Don't know haven't heard either. But why do you just believe the "all DACs sound the same" tribe? Just listen to some different DACs and use and trust your ears and brain. Not what people who claim to know better say on some website.

 

[Gray]

... why do you just believe the "all DACs sound the same" tribe?

What tribe is that then Rob?
I've never seen anyone saying that all DACs sound the same.
(Plenty of talk about subtle differences, yes).

 

[plastic penguin]

Don't know haven't heard either. But why do you just believe the "all DACs sound the same" tribe? Just listen to some different DACs and use and trust your ears and brain. Not what people who claim to know better say on some website.

You also get this with cables, but let's not go there, eh?

 

[Al ears]

Don't know haven't heard either. But why do you just believe the "all DACs sound the same" tribe? Just listen to some different DACs and use and trust your ears and brain. Not what people who claim to know better say on some website.

I don't believe what you assumed, and nowhere have I said it, so stop quoting it.
Perhaps trying to answer the OPs question might be a more worthwhile use of time..

 

[robdmarsh]

I would take it that a DAC is a Dac and so called improvement is possibly not that noticeable.

Erm... that sounds like an assumption that these DACs will sound more or less the same to me, I'm not putting words in your mouth.

 

[plastic penguin]

Just picked up the Dac. I'll rig it up later tonight.

 

[Gray]

Just picked up the Dac. I'll rig it up later tonight.

Your impressions are what matter of course.
But, in time, you might find it interesting to see how this review compares to your experience:

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M Review

Review of the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M digital to analogue converter

www.avforums.com

 

[plastic penguin]

Your impressions are what matter of course.
But, in time, you might find it interesting to see how this review compares to your experience:

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M Review

Review of the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M digital to analogue converter

www.avforums.com

Well, all connected. Some flashing lights, connected to the FM tuner input and sits in the same place as my old Denon.

What's it sound like? No idea yet as we are only watching Antiques Road Trip, not exactly great for testing a stereo component. However, sounds much better than the TV speakers, as you would expect.

I'll try and find a TV channel that'll play music a little later.

 

[plastic penguin]

Been watching Glastonbury on BBC iPlayer. It sounds no different to the Sky Box, very good. The vocals are clear and it sounds just as I hoped.

Over the next few days I'll experiment by connecting the Dac to the Sky box and Bluray player into it. So far very impressed.

 

[Gray]

Over the next few days I'll experiment by connecting the Dac to the Sky box and Bluray player into it. So far very impressed.

...and any old CD player maybe.

 

[plastic penguin]

...and any old CD player maybe.

Yeah, can try it in the Exposure but from experience when I had the Peachtree iDac on demo a couple of years ago there was no improvement whatsoever.