For audiophiles and sonic purists who have moved their music collection into the digital realm, B&H is pleased to announce the DacMagic 200M, Cambridge Audio’s first product to support MQA studio-quality streaming. This flagship desktop DAC and headphone amp was purpose-built to handle an array of digital sources from CDs and computer files to wireless playback deftly via Bluetooth with pristine clarity and superb precision, rendering it a top-of-the-line solution for home Hi-Fi systems and high-end stereos.
Physical inputs on the DacMagic 200M include USB Type-B and S/PDIF (on TOSLINK optical and RCA coaxial ports), allowing the unit to accept signals from your computer, a CD or Blu-ray player, a dedicated soundcard, or even a gaming console. If you plan on beaming tunes from your mobile device, there’s a Bluetooth 5.0 input that supports multiple codecs including aptX, AAC, and SBC—you’re covered whether you use an iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Android smartphone/tablet. When you stream MQA content (e.g., TIDAL HiFi) to the DacMagic 200M, its dedicated MQA indicator lights up to let you know. Since it supports resolutions up to 32-bit / 768 kHz and even DSD512, you won’t find yourself in a situation where the DAC is the limiting factor in your signal chain.
No matter which digital source you use, the DacMagic relies on two ESS ES9028Q2M DACs (upgraded from the DacMagic Plus) in a dual-mono configuration to process the left and right channels separately, ensuring uncompromising digital-to-analog conversion, free of distortion. Additionally, you can switch between three different converter filter settings—Fast, Slow, and Short Delay—to tailor the resulting audio output according to your personal preference.
Speaking of outputs, the DacMagic 200M has balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outs for optimal connectivity with professional speaker systems, home stereos, and audiophile amplifiers. Knowing that music aficionados also enjoy listening through cans, Cambridge Audio outfitted the DacMagic 200M with an internal Class AB headphone, which feeds the front-panel 1/4" headphone jack. The amp and its lowered output impedance work together to yield a stronger output signal with reduced noise and distortion, so you get a rewarding experience even if you don’t blast out the jams through speakers.
The last bit of good news is that all the aforementioned goodness resides in an attractive and sturdy enclosure that won’t occupy much space; it will be equally ideal on a desk, in a cabinet, atop a shelf, or in your TV entertainment center.
If you’re excited about the DacMagic 200M and how it can elevate your music playback, share your thoughts in the Comments section, below.
2 Comments
Hi Marc -
You may use this as a stand-alone device with your iPhone or connect directly to a CD player or turntable. Connect to your amplifier's preamplifier inputs via the 200M's balanced XLR outputs.
My system utilizes a Yamaha bluetooth pre-amp that outputs directly to a very old but good analog solid state amplifier (the Hafler DH-200) and then to analog speakers. I normally output music from my iPhone directly to the pre-amp. Where in the supply chain would this digital to analog converter fit in - assuming it can and will give me any benefit?