What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
26 SEP 2008
Cambridge Audio DacMagic
OK, we know this isn't a CD player, but if you want to improve the quality of the soundcard in your PC, adding one of these to your system could improve the sound quality of your hard-disk based music collection if you intend to play it through your hi-fi.
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic isn't the cheapest DAC we've tested, and it's also quite complex. As well as coaxial, optical and USB digital inputs, it boasts a choice of phase filters to optimise performance to your system and your room.
The design's sleek, with a solid chassis and an attractive aluminium front panel. There's even a display showing the sample rate of the incoming digital signal – not essential, but a nice touch nonetheless.
It sounds great too, combining the timing, clarity and punch of Beresford's £120 TC-7510 with a healthy dose of the £160 Musical Fidelity V-Dac's midrange fluidity and richness.
The result is a powerful, full-bodied yete subtle and driving presentation: one that caters for all types of music equally well. If you can stretch to £200, this Cambridge Audio DAC is one of the best we've tested.
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