Cambridge DAC Magic

[The_Burg]

Anybody got one?
Current system:

Source:
Pioneers PDS903, Squeezebox and a PC. (Plus Blu Ray and TV)
Fed throught Musical Fidelity X-DAC.

Amp: Exposure XX
Spkrs: Rega Jura

Current DAC doesn't have USB and PC gets used more and more.

So whats the verdict, will it be on a par with X DAC or better?

[freecar]

I had a cambridge audio dac magic 2? some years ago, what it offered me was the same audio quality from both minidisc and CD, before there was an obvious difference in tone.

I got mine cheap for about £60 about 13 years ago, but maybe not the same model you're currently looking at as it was a long time ago. I'm sure it was dac magic though!

If you're looking to "equalise" the output of your devices then I expect it to do well.

[The_Burg]

Took the plunge, initially impressions it was bloody awful. Very flat and lifeless sounding.
Now after being left on since yesterday afternoon, using Freeview digital output to run it in a bit getting better and better. Only gripe at present is not remote for switching phase and filters.

Looking likely the old Musical Fidelity X-24 is going to be pensioned off.

[ribbit]

I would see a DACmagic as a downgrade from the X24, although if you need inputs which the MF doesn't have, I suppose you have other reasons for considering it. Few, if any, of the current budget DACs compare with older models in terms of musicality. Your ears may become accustomed to the Cambridge sound, but I'd be interested to read your views if you return to the Musical Fidelity after a fortnight or more.

[Saintjsmythe]

Send your dac here

They'll sort the sound out for you.

Edited by Saintjsmythe on Monday 16th August 22:17

[TonyRPH]

ribbit said:

I would see a DACmagic as a downgrade from the X24, although if you need inputs which the MF doesn't have, I suppose you have other reasons for considering it. Few, if any, of the current budget DACs compare with older models in terms of musicality. Your ears may become accustomed to the Cambridge sound, but I'd be interested to read your views if you return to the Musical Fidelity after a fortnight or more.

Precisely what I thought.

Recap that X24 and it'll kill that DAC Magic for musicality.

I have an X-ACT, which I modded heavily with a new power supply and Oscon caps blah blah...

And that sounds sublime.