British audio specialists Cambridge Audio, today announced their new top-of-the-range DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and headphone amplifier called the DacMagic 200M. The $499 hi-fi component is designed to improve the sonic performance from your favorite digital music streaming devices or CD players.
- Update: Don’t miss our full review of the DacMagic 200M
Now with native MQA support, integrated Bluetooth, a more powerful headphone output and superior DAC technology, the DacMagic 200M provides a step up from the previous generation DacMagic Plus. The 200M offers new high-quality DACs that can handle PCM and DSD signal inputs at a higher resolution than before – up to 32-bit/768kHz (PCM) and DSD512 natively.
Dual ESS Sabre DACs are at the heart of the DacMagic 200M. Its dual mono configuration means each DAC processes the left and right channels separately, which is said to provide better performance. Switchable digital filters on the DacMagic 200M offer greater flexibility and control over your listening experience. These three pre-set filters help reduce noise generated by the digital-to- analog conversion process, with each filter offering a different sonic option depending on the source material.
Native MQA support
The DacMagic 200M is Cambridge Audio’s first product to natively support MQA files.
MQA is an award-winning British technology that not only captures every fine detail of a recording but also makes it easy to stream online. TIDAL music streaming service, for example, uses MQA technology to deliver master quality sound. The goal of MQA is to be able to stream hi-res music that sounds closest to the original studio recording.
The DacMagic 200M makes it easy to know when you’re listening to MQA files: the LEDs on the front panel will light up when MQA encoded files are detected.
Headphone Amplifier
The DacMagic 200M can also be used to improve a headphone listening experience. It’s high-quality headphone amplifier with a 6.3mm output with reduced impedance. Cambridge Audio claims this delivers more power, less distortion, less noise and tighter audio control when listening via headphones.
Compact Design
The DacMagic 200M is encased in a beautifully built, steel and aluminum box with Lunar Grey finish. Multiple digital inputs (two coaxial, two optical, one USB type-B) allows you to plug in any number of digital sources – including laptops, CD players, games consoles and Blu-ray players. Plus it has both balanced and unbalanced analog connections for connecting to all types of existing audio systems. For added convenience, integrated Bluetooth with aptX support makes it easy to stream music wirelessly from smartphones or tablets.
Price & Availability
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M will be available for £449 / $499 / €499 in February 2021 at CambridgeAudio.com and select US retailers.
Update: Checkout our exclusive Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M review.
Specifications
- Dual ESS Sabre DACs
- Native MQA and DSD Support
- 6.3mm Headphone Output
- 3 x Pre-set Digital Filters: Fast, Slow, Short Delay (Selectable)
- Integrated Bluetooth Input: Bluetooth 5.0, aptX, AAC, SBC
- Digital Inputs (optical, coaxial, USB Type-B)
- Balanced and Unbalanced Analog Outputs
- Max file resolutions supported: 12-bit/96kHz (optical); 24-bit/192kHz (coaxial); 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512 (USB)
- Finish: Lunar Grey
- Dimensions (hwd): 52 x 215 x 191mm
- Weight: 1.2kg
