Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M (Lunar Grey) is rated
out of
5 by
42.
Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M
USB DAC/Headphone Amp
£549
”Cambridge’s top-of-the-line DAC is a well-armed, high-performing all-rounder.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ – 5 Star review.
System boost
This high quality DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) is a small box that works wonders with your entire digital music system. Using premium ESS DACs, the DacMagic 200M maximises the sound from all your digital sources. Wire up or go wireless with Bluetooth, the 200M gives high levels of system flexibility. On top of all this, it’s also a high quality headphone amp, making it an indispensable upgrade for all headphone fans.
Dual ESS ES9028Q2M DACs – a big name in sound
ESS are a top name in digital technology, with their chips used in the highest quality audio and AV around. With the DacMagic 200M, twin DACs are used in dual-mono configuration. This means you get separate DACs for the left and right channel that in turn gives better musical separation and a wider, more realistic soundstage.
Supports a wide range of digital formats, including MQA
The DacMagic 200M supports a wide range of digital files, right up to 32bit/768kHz when connected via USB (24bit/192kHz coaxial, 24bit/96kHz optical and 16bit via Bluetooth). The USB input also supports native DSD files up to 512. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) – as used by TIDAL Masters – is also compatible.
Digital filters to tailor the sound
Featuring a 3-way, digital filter, the DacMagic 200M lets you tailor the sound to suit your preference. Choose between ‘Fast’, ‘Slow’ and ‘Short Delay’ filters for the sound that bests suits the music, your system, room and taste.
Fully connected inputs
Switch between four inputs for full system flexibility. Two of the digital inputs offer the choice of optical or coaxial. These are ideal for a CD player, network streamer, TV or other device with a digital output. The other digital inputs are Bluetooth and USB.
Bluetooth input for wireless connectivity
As standard, the DacMagic 200M now comes with a Bluetooth receiver built-in. Pair with your smartphone, tablet, laptop or other device and enjoy a huge boost in sound – wirelessly. Using the DacMagic 200M between your Bluetooth music source and hi-fi or active speaker system improves the dynamic response, detail and sheer realism of sound. It’s simply the best way to listen to music from your mobile.
Connect your computer via USB
For the ultimate in computer audio, connect via USB. Supporting audio files up to studio quality, 32bit/768kHz and DSD512, the USB connection provides the best quality link. For music stored on your computer network or streamed from your PC, Mac or laptop, this is simply the best way of hearing every last drop of detail.
Balanced outputs for studio quality sound
Featuring XLR Cannon, balanced outputs, the DacMagic 200M offers studio grade connectivity with your amp. XLR balanced connectivity provides a solid, ‘locked in’ connection and the ability to run a far longer cable, without a drop off in performance. For amps without XLR inputs, the DacMagic 200M also features standard RCA phono outputs.
Also includes a top quality headphone amp
More than just a DAC, the DacMagic 200M also features a premium headphone output. Using Class A/B amplification, with a low impedance output, the DacMagic 200M powers your headphones with authority. High in power and low in distortion, the amp gets the very best from all types of headphones, maximising your listening experience.
Put the magic into your system, with the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M.
System boost
This high quality DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) is a small box that works wonders with your entire digital music system. Using premium ESS DACs, the DacMagic 200M maximises the sound from all your digital sources. Wire up or go wireless with Bluetooth, the 200M gives high levels of system flexibility. On top of all this, it’s also a high quality headphone amp, making it an indispensable upgrade for all headphone fans.
Dual ESS ES9028Q2M DACs – a big name in sound
ESS are a top name in digital technology, with their chips used in the highest quality audio and AV around. With the DacMagic 200M, twin DACs are used in dual-mono configuration. This means you get separate DACs for the left and right channel that in turn gives better musical separation and a wider, more realistic soundstage.
Supports a wide range of digital formats, including MQA
The DacMagic 200M supports a wide range of digital files, right up to 32bit/768kHz when connected via USB (24bit/192kHz coaxial, 24bit/96kHz optical and 16bit via Bluetooth). The USB input also supports native DSD files up to 512. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) – as used by TIDAL Masters – is also compatible.
Digital filters to tailor the sound
Featuring a 3-way, digital filter, the DacMagic 200M lets you tailor the sound to suit your preference. Choose between ‘Fast’, ‘Slow’ and ‘Short Delay’ filters for the sound that bests suits the music, your system, room and taste.
Fully connected inputs
Switch between four inputs for full system flexibility. Two of the digital inputs offer the choice of optical or coaxial. These are ideal for a CD player, network streamer, TV or other device with a digital output. The other digital inputs are Bluetooth and USB.
Bluetooth input for wireless connectivity
As standard, the DacMagic 200M now comes with a Bluetooth receiver built-in. Pair with your smartphone, tablet, laptop or other device and enjoy a huge boost in sound – wirelessly. Using the DacMagic 200M between your Bluetooth music source and hi-fi or active speaker system improves the dynamic response, detail and sheer realism of sound. It’s simply the best way to listen to music from your mobile.
Connect your computer via USB
For the ultimate in computer audio, connect via USB. Supporting audio files up to studio quality, 32bit/768kHz and DSD512, the USB connection provides the best quality link. For music stored on your computer network or streamed from your PC, Mac or laptop, this is simply the best way of hearing every last drop of detail.
Balanced outputs for studio quality sound
Featuring XLR Cannon, balanced outputs, the DacMagic 200M offers studio grade connectivity with your amp. XLR balanced connectivity provides a solid, ‘locked in’ connection and the ability to run a far longer cable, without a drop off in performance. For amps without XLR inputs, the DacMagic 200M also features standard RCA phono outputs.
Also includes a top quality headphone amp
More than just a DAC, the DacMagic 200M also features a premium headphone output. Using Class A/B amplification, with a low impedance output, the DacMagic 200M powers your headphones with authority. High in power and low in distortion, the amp gets the very best from all types of headphones, maximising your listening experience.
Put the magic into your system, with the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M.
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Yes
Coaxial Inputs
2
Headphone Output
Yes
Optical Digital Inputs
2
USB
1
XLR Balanced Outputs
Yes
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
2 years
Audio
Frequency Response (Hz)
10 - 50,000
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Features
DAC
Dual ESS ES9028Q2M
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
215 x 52 x 191
Weight
Weight (KG)
1.2
VIP Club exclusive offer! Get £50 off this USB DAC / headphone amp when bought with any headphones over £100. Click here to view our range of headphones. Simply log in to your account, then add both items to your basket and use voucher code DAC20 or mention when you call / visit. Offer available from our stores, telesales team and online, while stocks last. Excludes Clearance, Refurbished and Open Box products.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Trevor S from
Justifiable expense
Crisp, precise top end and nice rounded bass, this little gadget, together with premium makes a good sound. I am streaming a lot more now and not just to justify the expense
Date published: 2023-08-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Chris Cave from
Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 200M
Ok so this is the second piece of equipment I have purchased from Richer Sounds. The DAC is for the money spot on. Good build quality but most of all sounds good. I use Tidal a lot and having the MQA decoding is really handy. The unit selects the right decoding if enabled within Tidal a really handy thing if you are not a tech whizz.
I use mine with Yamaha HS8s monitors via my Apple Mac Studio Max M2. Really pleased with the sound quality. A well made addition. I would highly recommend. My only issue is you need to ensure you use a quality USB compliant cable when connecting to your MAC.
I have to say that having dealt with both Sheffield and Liverpool ~ Richer Sounds both have been really helpful. Highly recommended.
Date published: 2023-08-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
500VA from
Surprised!
I purchased this as second DAC. I decided to compare it to my main DAC - an Audiolab M-DAC Plus. My findings are that the Cambridge definitely has deeper bass and firmer bass than the Audiolab. The soundstage seems wider, in that it comes from outside the speakers. The treble seems a little bit harsher than the Audiolab on certain tracks. Apart from the bass and soundstage, it is difficult to say DAC I prefer. Equipment used with it: 4 Bryston power amplifiers bi-amping Elipson Prestige Facet 34F in a room 8 metres by 5 metres. All signal lead connections via XLR. I think I am going to use the Cambridge as my main DAC for a while!
Date published: 2023-08-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Malcolm43 from
Amazing sound
I bought this to set up a home cinema through my Musical Fidelity hi fi system. The sound is excellent and its the best thing I have invested in for a long time. There are a number of controls on the product which to be honest don't seem to make much impact but the sound is brilliant anyway without any fine tuning.
Date published: 2023-04-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mel782 from
Value for Money
I bought the DacMagic 200M to use with my recently purchased MXN10. This allows me to use headphones to listen without turning the rest of my system on. The sound quality ,value for money and the inclusion of Bluetooth, also the ability to take the volume control out of circuit, are what attracted me.
Date published: 2023-03-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
hi fi fan from
Well made and good features
Cambridge Audio Dac Magic 200 is aptly named because it's simply is magical and has made a big improvement to my Hi fi set up compared to the last dac l was using recommended
Date published: 2023-03-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jamster72 from
Superb sound plus great features!
I mostly listen to vinyl, but I bought this great little DAC to act as the missing link between a recently acquired WiiM Mini and my (all analogue) Yamaha A-S1200 amp - and I have to say it sounds absolutely superb on a wide variety of music. It has plenty of inputs so gives me the flexibility to also hook up my CD player, TV and laptop which is fantastic. The DAC looks really classy and the build quality is also top notch - especially for the price I paid (£399). Overall I couldn’t be happier with my purchase - not to mention great service from Richer Sounds as usual. Highly recommended.
Date published: 2023-02-13
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Ricmat from
High quality DAC with great functionality
I bought this DAC to use as a source hub to feed a CA CXA81 amp. The headphone output from this amp is too weak to satisfactorily drive 300 Ohm headphones and also does not provide a fixed output to drive a decent headphone amp.
Firstly the criticisms:
1. The Bluetooth is not a strong point and this has been picked up by another reviewer. This was not a problem for me because the Bluetooth on the CXA81 is excellent.
2. The headphone output is better than on the CXA81 and would be ideal for desktop use with IEMs and most headphones with lower resistance but still struggled to produce decent transient response in more difficult loads. I would stress that this is only a problem for high resistance headphones. The advantage however is I now have is a high quality fixed balanced analogue output from the DacMagic to drive a high power balanced headphone amp.
3. One reviewer could not get a signal to speakers via the CXA81 and I had the same problem. However there’s a toggle function on the amp input which solves this.
Secondly the praise:
1. I had the system running in the background for three days and any initial slight harshness has gone. The sound from the CXA has slightly improved with better soundstage, possibly due to the dual mono balanced design of the DacMagic . Chord Clearway XLR cables provided the interconnects
2. The functionality, input and output options are really useful and are ideal for my intended use.
3. Although subtle the filter options are useful for certain recordings.
4. MQA built in.
Service from Richer Sounds Chiswick was superb. They allowed me to have the unit on approval to see if it would solve my headphone problem,
Date published: 2023-02-10
