Cambridge Audio DACMagic

Hi auronthas,

FYI, CMY just started selling CA DACMagic for RM1.5k. Saw one of the unit in Penang Gurney last month. Nice built.

I didn't ask for best price but I believe for 1.5k it is considered a good buy since UK selling around 230 pound.

However, I heard from local hifi shop claiming that there is some problem with the first batch of DACMagic. The batch was sent back and replaced with new ones. Don't know how true was it but might worth to check out.

Hi Alex,

Thanks for the info. What's actually went wrong for the first batch DacMagic ? Hope someone from CMY or those who experiencing this problem can chip in and advise us.

How do we to differentiate first batch or second batch to protect the interest of consumers and forumers here?


Auronthas

Well, last weekend I went to one of the hifi shop in Seremban and I saw a Musical Fidelity DAC there going for RM1+k. Eventually we came to DACMagic and he pass me that info. If I recall correctly, he said either the DACMagic couldn't receive the digital signal or output the signal in analog. Keep in mind that this is just a rumour. I might be wrong, later kena flame by CMY.

Best is to go audition and ask CMY about this issue. However this DAC has been on sale in UK since September last year and so far this is the only rumour I heard. I was tempted to get it when I was there few months back (200 pound in March) and suddenly the price jumped to 230 pound in April Guess getting high demand.

Hi Alex,

Nevertheless, I will take more cautious on DacMagic and will find out what actually happen to DacMagic from CMY later.

Auronthas

alex wrote: Eventually we came to DACMagic and he pass me that info. If I recall correctly, he said either the DACMagic couldn't receive the digital signal or output the signal in analog.

Ah! The case of the missing twin Wolfson 8740.

I find my CA Azur 740C which utilised the same DAC having less bite in the attack part of a note envelope than my Quad66CD.

Mmmm, I guess it is different case as the seller claimed that first batch DACMagic couldn't pass signal properly. I think in this forum there is a CMY guy, named yeahsky? Would be alot easier if he clarifies

I wonder whether there is an unit for buyer to demo @ Sg Wang outlet.

Normally during daytime i listen at volume 35 (displayed from Krell) with unbalanced RCA analog , now with new DacMagic and balanced XLR (increased +6dB gain), i only listen at volume 30 and 20 during daytime and nighttime respectively.

I believe it would be more warmer and musical after full run-in. I am very satisfy with its performance though it's just
the first day audition.

Congrates on your new purchase

I almost got the DACMagic but ended with a Paradisea 3. Well written impression.

Thanks Alex, what about your external DAC's performance (Zero DAC?) ?

OutdoorXplorer wrote:I almost got the DACMagic but ended with a Paradisea 3. Well written impression.

Thanks for the nice words, what about your review on Paradisea 3? I heard quite warm and positive response from audiogon too, it was in one of my shopping lists before the launch of DacMagic last year.

auronthas wrote:

OutdoorXplorer wrote:I almost got the DACMagic but ended with a Paradisea 3. Well written impression.

Thanks for the nice words, what about your review on Paradisea 3? I heard quite warm and positive response from audiogon too, it was in one of my shopping lists before the launch of DacMagic last year.

The Paradisea 3 is warm when Black Rhodium PC was used but it sings great with a DIYed Volex 17616 PC. A Bendix 2C51 tube also makes the sounds more open and transparent.

The stock acrylic case is now replaced with a Havana's case with "Paradisea 3 Limited Edition" labelled on the front panel.



Ignore the crappy visual and enjoy the audio.

I grew unsatisfied with the Zero and thinking of letting it go Anyone interested? Feel free to drop a PM. Did you get a good deal? I heard someone bought it less than 1.5k. Hmmm tempting...

Thanks for sharing OutdoorXplorer, most important, this external DAC synergy with your entire audio system.

Here's photo of CA DacMagic with white Squeezebox Classic (Under Slim Devices name)

Sit back and enjoy the music

alex wrote:I grew unsatisfied with the Zero and thinking of letting it go Anyone interested? Feel free to drop a PM. Did you get a good deal? I heard someone bought it less than 1.5k. Hmmm tempting...

Most likely Zero DAC not synergy to your audio system, it may well-match with others.

You can open another thread in For Sale section on your Zero DAC if you really want to let go.

I got it around the price you mentioned, it's like fixed price. Most important, it fulfill my satisfaction and enjoy the music rather the equipment, IMHO.

auronthas wrote:Thanks for sharing OutdoorXplorer, most important, this external DAC synergy with your entire audio system.

Here's photo of CA DacMagic with white Squeezebox Classic (Under Slim Devices name)

Sit back and enjoy the music

Nice setup. Planning to upgrade the PSU??? I heard it will improves the jittering..

I am pairing the Paradisea 3 with SlimDevices SB Classic Signature Series and it also bundled with the Back-Lit RC too.

May be later, any good PSU recommendation for DacMagic and Squeezebox Classic?

My SB3 RC is entire white, pretty nice and neat. Yours last batch SB3's RC is similar as Transporter's with back-lit, cool

I am hunting for a decent PSU for the SB too. Planning to try out those found from Farnell. The SB specific after market PSU are far too expensive.

There are none AC/DC adaptors available from Farnell website for SB3 and DacMagic as following spec: -

a) SB3 - 5V 2A (10VA)
b) DacMagic - 12V 1.5A (18VA)

offtopic

why did CA avr receives lots of complaints?
almost into it until i read those faulties issues

Here you go..

SB3 http://my.farnell.com/multicomp/ad-05150r/psu-in-line-reg-5vdc-1-5a/dp/1176264

DacMagic http://my.farnell.com/multicomp/ad-12160/psu-in-line-unreg-12vdc-1-6a/dp/1176263

These Linear External Plug-in AC/DC works... and they are UK made.

I am considering a Welborne Labs PSU Kit for the SB3.. Are you interested?

My current SB3 AC/DC is 2A output current, compared to 1.5A, can it works?

Thanks, i will consider it later.

auronthas wrote:My current SB3 AC/DC is 2A output current, compared to 1.5A, can it works?

Thanks, i will consider it later.

SB3 requires only 1A or less if you are using CAT5. 1.5A if more than sufficient. I am waiting for funding and may go with Welborne Labs PUS for SB3. We can save some shipping cost if it is ship together...

fantastic , a nice site to read about the dac magic.

This is followup from my previous review and feedback on DacMagic, balanced XLR cables, digital coaxial cable after a week or run-in for approx. 40 hours.

I observed the sound stage is getting smoother, warmer. Although the sound stage during the initial auditioning is clear and clarity, but i felt it's little bright, too transparent, too tight, i couldn't listen for long session music as it's hurting and stressing my ears.

Now, i am pleased that the combo between DAC, balanced XLR cables and digital coaxial cable has come to another stage where warmer, musical sound stage is finally presented. I wish the sound stage will further improve overtime as the DAC and cables are not yet full run-in which is at one third or one quarter of its run-in journey.

Please read my next update in couple of weeks. Thanks for reading.

Auronthas

Here the review from Stereophile on Cambridge Audio DacMagic in case you haven't read it.

http://stereophile.com/digitalprocessors/cambridge_audio_azur_dacmagic_da_converter/

Interesting comparison between Musical Fidelity V-DAC and DACmagic here. V-DAC is available in Malaysia for around RM1200 I think.

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/view_topic.php?id=1756&forum_id=7&jump_to=697631#p697631

Thank you for sharing. My next target will be DACMagic but i hope the price lower abit will be better =)

if u guys are looking to spend RM1+K for a DAC unit .. why not just consider a Behringer Ultramatch Pro SRC2496.

It can do upsamples, downsamples, D/A conversion, A/D conversion, format conversion, interface conversion .. all for the price of less than a DACMagic.

And if u r into the tweaking game ... lots of components u can change to "audiophile grade" stuff like caps & what-nots.

No USB input and no analog RCA outputs though, which maybe a bit limiting for the mainstream audiophile market. And it looks extremely intimidating. But first and foremost, how's the sound?

Just A heads up for CA DACmagic owners. I registered on the website and requested for a replacement of the wall wart(the earlier gen cracks due to the heat build up). 3 days later it arrived via courier. Easy peasy. Brilliant service from CA.

Hzarz Kar wrote:No USB input and no analog RCA outputs though, which maybe a bit limiting for the mainstream audiophile market. And it looks extremely intimidating. But first and foremost, how's the sound?

Yup... missing USB features... thats one downside.

XLR only? no problem. Buy (or make yourself) a XLR to RCA cable.

Looks intimidating? Looks bad-ass ! Can even be rack mounted. What more can one ask for (aside from the USB link, or toasting bread or frying eggs or brewing coffee) ?

I have one question.....

Does it mean that XLR and RCA are using the same type of cables and it is just the plugs are different?

auronthas, where di you get your squeezebox from? Ebay? Did you pay any import tax on it?

Thanks for sharing.
Yee

CN Yee wrote:auronthas, where di you get your squeezebox from? Ebay? Did you pay any import tax on it?

Thanks for sharing.
Yee

I bought it from HK two year ago, it was Slim Devices label, now Logitech.

You may ask one of our active forum member - OutdoorXplorer, i believe he bought his unit via online. (Pls refer post #69 of LYN forum at http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/690187/+60

Hey Hey Hey....

Ya I got direct from SlimDevices Online Store and it was shipped via UPS directly to my doorstep. I paid approx RM100 for customs and duties when it was delivered. I am not convince to pay lower price for such item off eBay. Worried it never arrives..

Bite the bullet and go direct yo..

nice DACmagic

I read in many reviews its one of the best DAC u can buy in the market...

any owners here connect to PC's SPDIF output? how it sounds like?

Hi all,

Not sure you all aware of the so called "faulty power supply" by CA DAC Magic posted on whathifi months back. I remembered reading the ps is freaking hot and able to FRY egg on it! (on whathifi forum)

However, here is an update on replacement for the ps. BUT, entitle for units bought in UK only. Whatever, read on guys.

Link: http://whathifi.com/News/UPDATE-Order-your-replacement-Cambridge-Audio-DacMagic-power-supply-online/

Link: http://community.whathifi.com/forums/13/295517/ShowThread.aspx#295517

toda6866 wrote:nice DACmagic

I read in many reviews its one of the best DAC u can buy in the market...

any owners here connect to PC's SPDIF output? how it sounds like?

Yes, best DAC in its price range that is... Good bang for buck.

Nowadays, not much choices for sub RM2k DACs in the market.

toda6866 wrote:nice DACmagic

I read in many reviews its one of the best DAC u can buy in the market...

any owners here connect to PC's SPDIF output? how it sounds like?

If you plan to audition this baby, dont forget to include MF V-DAC in your list.

Mine was bought from CMY. Registered the unit online and applied for a replacement. Got it via courier in a few days after that. So give it a try. They even sent a letter of apology.

alex wrote:Hi all,

Not sure you all aware of the so called "faulty power supply" by CA DAC Magic posted on whathifi months back. I remembered reading the ps is freaking hot and able to FRY egg on it! (on whathifi forum)

However, here is an update on replacement for the ps. BUT, entitle for units bought in UK only. Whatever, read on guys.

Link: http://whathifi.com/News/UPDATE-Order-your-replacement-Cambridge-Audio-DacMagic-power-supply-online/

Link: http://community.whathifi.com/forums/13/295517/ShowThread.aspx#295517

Dear 2tigers,

Who foots the postage?

Can CMY replace the faulty power supply first before we take possesion?

On another note, any new of the Euphonic Research amp that you enquired some time back??

Cheers

CA paid the postage.

U have to ask CMY.

still toying with the idea of acquiring it but it needs speakers with high sensitivity above 88 IMHO. There are new units still available from audio image.
cheers

2tigers wrote:Mine was bought from CMY. Registered the unit online and applied for a replacement. Got it via courier in a few days after that. So give it a try. They even sent a letter of apology.

There are few hairline cracks on my PSU, but it's not severe, i believe the cracks are due to the excessive heat generated. I have filled up a registration online for PSU replacement, i hope they will send me a replacement.

yes mine had cracks as well. I agree its probably due to excessive heat. Good luck.

Why not just upgrade to a more robust PSU?

The DACMagic is a fine piece of electronics. But too bad the PSU is just so crappy...

And the unit accepting AC input means its easy to get a much more robust PSU to power it.

I'm sure someone like mr. F|R|A|N|K can build a super killer PSU for the DACMagic. Good to go overkill on the power supply. One might be amazed at the sound improvement.


Heck, Naim's design philosophy is firmly rooted in massively overkill Power supply stages.

mugenfoo wrote:Why not just upgrade to a more robust PSU?

Yes, Mr. Wabun is helping me with a new PSU to replace the current one.

alex wrote:

toda6866 wrote:nice DACmagic

I read in many reviews its one of the best DAC u can buy in the market...

any owners here connect to PC's SPDIF output? how it sounds like?

If you plan to audition this baby, dont forget to include MF V-DAC in your list.

where can i audition V-DAC?