How the Dac Magic 200n Enhances the Sound Quality of your Streaming Music

The Dac magic 200n is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who want to enhance their listening experience. It is a standalone device that can be connected to various audio sources, such as a CD player, computer, or streaming service, to convert digital audio signals into high-quality analog signals. This allows for a more accurate and realistic representation of the original sound. The Dac magic 200n utilizes advanced technology and high-quality components to deliver exceptional audio performance. It supports a wide range of audio formats, including PCM up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD256. This means that it can handle even the most demanding and high-resolution audio files.

We hook the Cambridge up to a Macbook Pro via USB type-B, feed it Arab Strap’s Fable Of The Urban Fox (16-bit/44.1kHz) and are instantly impressed by the articulacy of Aidan Moffat’s trademark poetic storytelling through the 200M. It not only communicates his unmistakable Scottish accent but also the masterful cadence of his delivery.

High-resolution file support goes beyond what most people will need the USB-type B goes up to 32-bit 768kHz and DSD512, above the bitrate of most commercially available music files, while the opticals and coaxials top out at 24-bit 96kHz and 24-bit 192kHz respectively. Don t let the compact design of this DAC fool you, it can handily adapt to nearly any system, from a headphone listening setup to a fully-balanced HiFi system, the capability is there.

This means that it can handle even the most demanding and high-resolution audio files. One of the key features of the Dac magic 200n is its USB input, which provides a direct and clean connection to a computer or streaming device. This enables users to take advantage of the DAC's superior audio processing capabilities and achieve better sound quality compared to a computer's built-in soundcard.

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M - review/comparison?

Hi, just wondering if anyone can let me know from specs if this is likely to be better than something like the SMSL M400?

I'm sure someone here will review this unit properly when it's release, but I've got my custom Purifi 5chan amp from Apollon turning up in a week and I want to decide on DAC to pair with it, and this is cheaper than the M400 I already have upstairs!

raistlin65

Major Contributor

You might want to specify what features you need with a DAC, as there are $100 units that are easily considered to be noise and distortion free within the range of human hearing.

Sg86

Member

raistlin65

Major Contributor

Sorry. I can't help with that. I ignore MQA as a feature for these reasons

Sg86

Member

Sorry. I can't help with that. I ignore MQA as a feature for these reasons

I don't care about what you think about MQA, that isn't why I created the thread.

Take you feelings about a technology elsewhere, and don't comment if you have no advice on the hardware.

ahofer

Major Contributor

Cambridge doesn't use measurements, which is a huge strike against them. But in terms of streaming functionality, I find their streamer/DACs excellent - full Roon integration, Chromecast support, airplay support, seamless switching between them. Really top notch.

• “Beliefs are hypotheses to be tested, not treasures to be guarded." - Philip Tetlock
• "Scientifically improbable claims require scientifically impeccable evidence" - Me.
• ”We have been drawing attention….to the absolute necessity to separate the quantitative judgement of audio from the qualitative judgement by removing loudness as a bias. It has been ignored, and the audiophile business carrys on its own merry way. Those who work in sound professionally know that this is lesson 1 semester 1 in audiology: the very core of the science. So we have given up trying to educate on this point, as every audio engineer has eventually done over the last half century, as the usual audiophile has an emotional need which cannot be reached by logic, reasoning and science.” - Alan Shaw

Sg86

Member

Cambridge doesn't use measurements, which is a huge strike against them. But in terms of streaming functionality, I find their streamer/DACs excellent - full Roon integration, Chromecast support, airplay support, seamless switching between them. Really top notch.

I was going to connect an Intel NUC to this/M400 via USB, NUC has Roon bridge on it.

If this 200M has Roon bridge software on it then no brainer for me, didn't think that was the case though?

Aldoszx

Active Member

I don't think will have any software in it. I t is only a DAC, an improvement over the respectable DacMagic Plus.
They changed the DAC chip inside from Wolfson 8740 to ESS 9028Q2M
Maybe we'll see some measurements sometimes.

murraycamp

Senior Member

I don't care about what you think about MQA, that isn't why I created the thread.

Take you feelings about a technology elsewhere, and don't comment if you have no advice on the hardware.

"[ASR] is a hot knife through the bullshit butter." - BDWoody
"Your ears are fine. It is the rest of you that is not." - amirm
"Maybe we are all NwAvGuy." - splattened

CCA (Qobuz)/CD transport>MiniDSP SHD>Quirk Audio/NAD 2200>JBL 590s
Planar 2, 2M Blue, RT 707
CCA>D50s>JDS Atom>Focal Clear

raistlin65

Major Contributor

I don't care about what you think about MQA, that isn't why I created the thread.

Take you feelings about a technology elsewhere, and don't comment if you have no advice on the hardware.

Don't be an ass. I was trying to help by asking you what features you needed, and then offering the reason why I couldn't help with that feature. And I don't know what you know about MQA. A lot of people don't know about why they might not want to care about it.

How about if you don't like the free advice you are getting, you either (a) ignore it or (b) hire a consultant who is paid to deal with your attitude?

Wes

Major Contributor

You might start by not confusing feeling with data.

BDWoody

Chief Cat Herder

I don't care about what you think about MQA, that isn't why I created the thread.

Take you feelings about a technology elsewhere, and don't comment if you have no advice on the hardware.

There ain't no Coupe deVille hiding at the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box. - Meat Loaf

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. - Maya Angelou

ahofer

Major Contributor

I was going to connect an Intel NUC to this/M400 via USB, NUC has Roon bridge on it.

If this 200M has Roon bridge software on it then no brainer for me, didn't think that was the case though?

• “Beliefs are hypotheses to be tested, not treasures to be guarded." - Philip Tetlock
• "Scientifically improbable claims require scientifically impeccable evidence" - Me.
• ”We have been drawing attention….to the absolute necessity to separate the quantitative judgement of audio from the qualitative judgement by removing loudness as a bias. It has been ignored, and the audiophile business carrys on its own merry way. Those who work in sound professionally know that this is lesson 1 semester 1 in audiology: the very core of the science. So we have given up trying to educate on this point, as every audio engineer has eventually done over the last half century, as the usual audiophile has an emotional need which cannot be reached by logic, reasoning and science.” - Alan Shaw

bigx5murf

Addicted to Fun and Learning

Cambridge doesn't use measurements, which is a huge strike against them. But in terms of streaming functionality, I find their streamer/DACs excellent - full Roon integration, Chromecast support, airplay support, seamless switching between them. Really top notch.

What do you base that on? The few of their products Amir has reviewed have shown to meet or exceed their listed specs.

ahofer

Major Contributor

What do you base that on? The few of their products Amir has reviewed have shown to meet or exceed their listed specs.

Fair - they have published Frequency response, S/N, crosstalk. I don't think I've seen the Cambridge reviews here. I've been a bit turned off by the opacity on what sort of DAC is running in the Edge NQ, and that they claim to have "tuned" the whole Edge line by ear. I own one (NQ) btw. They offered it to me at a decent discount with a service return of my prior Cambridge DAC,back when it first came out.

The only thing I could get out of them - via direct email contact - was "we can confirm it is a NOS DAC".

It's nice DAC with great streaming and balanced outputs. Probably not worth a dime more than the CXN tho.

• “Beliefs are hypotheses to be tested, not treasures to be guarded." - Philip Tetlock
• "Scientifically improbable claims require scientifically impeccable evidence" - Me.
• ”We have been drawing attention….to the absolute necessity to separate the quantitative judgement of audio from the qualitative judgement by removing loudness as a bias. It has been ignored, and the audiophile business carrys on its own merry way. Those who work in sound professionally know that this is lesson 1 semester 1 in audiology: the very core of the science. So we have given up trying to educate on this point, as every audio engineer has eventually done over the last half century, as the usual audiophile has an emotional need which cannot be reached by logic, reasoning and science.” - Alan Shaw

Sorry. I can't help with that. I ignore MQA as a feature for these reasons

Additionally, it also has other digital inputs, such as coaxial and optical, for connecting other audio sources. In terms of sound quality, the Dac magic 200n is praised for its accuracy, clarity, and detail. It is known for its precise and transparent sound reproduction, allowing listeners to hear every subtle nuance and detail in their music. Whether you are listening to classical music, jazz, rock, or any other genre, the Dac magic 200n is designed to deliver a highly enjoyable and immersive audio experience. The Dac magic 200n also offers flexibility and convenience in terms of connectivity and control. It has balanced XLR outputs and unbalanced RCA outputs, providing options for different types of audio systems. It can also be controlled using the included remote control or through the dedicated app, allowing users to adjust settings and preferences easily. Overall, the Dac magic 200n is a highly regarded DAC that offers exceptional audio performance and versatility. Its advanced technology, wide range of audio format support, and precise sound reproduction make it a popular choice among audiophiles and music enthusiasts looking to enhance their listening experience..

Reviews for "Transforming your PC Audio Setup with the Dac Magic 200n: Why it's a Game-Changer"

- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Dac magic 200n. The sound quality was not what I expected for the price. It lacked depth and clarity, and it just didn't enhance my listening experience at all. I thought it would be a significant upgrade from my previous DAC, but it turned out to be a waste of money. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

- Sarah - 1 star - The Dac magic 200n was a complete letdown. The setup process was a hassle, and the instruction manual wasn't helpful at all. Even after spending a significant amount of time trying to get it to work properly, I still couldn't get a consistent and stable connection. It was frustrating to spend so much money on a product that didn't deliver on its promises. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this DAC.

- Mark - 2 stars - The Dac magic 200n didn't meet my expectations. The build quality was subpar, and the unit felt cheaply made. The volume control knob was loose and wobbly, and the overall design looked outdated. In terms of audio performance, it fell short as well. The sound was flat and lacked dynamics. I was hoping for a better listening experience, but unfortunately, I was left disappointed. I wouldn't recommend this DAC to audiophiles looking for high-quality sound and build.

The Dac Magic 200n: A Must-Have for Serious Audiophiles