DacMagic + Nad 314 amp + Cambridge Azur 640c V = ?

[johnnyblue]

My current system is a Nad 314 amp, Cambridge Audio Azur 640c V2 and a pair of Acoustic Energy Evo 1 floorstanders. I've got into Spotify, which I currently put through our phillips dvd home theatre via the headphone socket. Now, I know a Dacmagic would definitely improve the sound of the laptop via dvd player setup, but would it noticably improve the hifi to the point where it would be worth buying even if I stopped using Spotify? And I suppose I ought to ask if it would be possible to use with my cdp and amp?

 

[johnnyblue]

Sorry, I meant to say I'd appreciate any opinions any of you might have. Good manners cost nothing.

 

[Anonymous]

There's no end to the possibilities (to quote the Cable Guy) when it comes to computers as music sources, so you won't go wrong by buying a decent DAC.

As for your current set-up, according to Cambridge Audio the DacMagic at least equals the 740C -- so it should even improve the sound of the 640C. (Whether you're able to actually hear the improvement, is another thing.)

 

[johnnyblue]

Thanks for that Fahsen.My wife's asked me what I want for Christmas so maybe a DacMagic is the answer.Unless there's a better alternative?

 

[Anonymous]

chord and benchmark make good but expensive dacs

 

[John Duncan]

If you propose to use any sort of PC-based solution, whether it be by connecting the PC directly, either by optical or by USB, then a DACMagic is a cost-effective solution of producing very good sound, indeed, yes.

Whilst you might expect it to improve the sound of your 640c as well, I'd expect the difference to be fairly small, and have advised in the past not to bother adding a DAC to modest-midrange CD players. YMMV, however.

Spotify (premium, ergo 320k) streamed to my DACMagic sounds bloody marvellous btw.

 

[johnnyblue]

Thanks guys.