Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200Mchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Numerous owners describe the sound as smooth, warm and organic rather than harsh or clinical, making it easy to listen to for long sessions. This 'Cambridge sound' is specifically praised as non-fatiguing compared to some other DACs.

@RichardMathieson-j3l

A good accurate take as always Tarun, thank you. The DacMagic 200M was my first stand alone DAC and I used it in DAC mode only with a CXA81 amp. The DacMagic provided quite an upgrade on the internal DAC in the amp and I’d characterise the sound as slightly warm and maybe a bit laid back but this was probably more to do with Cambridge’s house sound via the amp. In the end I hankered for more insight, soundstage and ‘grip’ so embarked on a big upgrade programme but, for the price point, I feel both were excellent propositions.launch

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August 23, 2025

@starla_7

Lovely review as always Mr British Audiophile, wishing you the best! \nThe Dacmagic 200m seems like a compelling purchase, as well as the brand new schiit mimir dac I'm putting my money down on.\nsurprise: \nThe Atlas Achromatic RCA interconnects surprised me with improved holography and disapearing the speakers\nsound characteristics, full bodied, organic fluid sounding cables with wide and impressive holography\n( tested against chord epicX, tellurium-q black, WBC mogami,, blue jeans lc2 ) \n\nhappy listening !launch

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August 22, 2025

@italophile2011

Enjoying my DacMagic 200M for over two years now. Glad to hear I am not the only one who enjoys the surprising natural sound at this price.launch

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August 22, 2025

@stevesancarlos

Loved everything about this review - production standards, Andrew's knowledge and vibe, etc.\n\nI've had my DACMagic 200M for about 10 days. But I'm a complete bonehead. I don't even know what I don't know. Here's what I DO know. I have awful Klipsch Synergy surrounds circa 2003, a Velodyne 12\" sub circa not too much later, a Denon AVR-1912 receiver circa 2011. And for my nighttime listening sessions I front end with a Node 2i, which I've had for about 20 days. I have no issue spending money to update my stuff, but it's a pain in the butt considering our small house, weird layout, and need for combined home theater and audio. So....\n\nFor me, the DACMagic 200 is a game changer, but that could be because I'm experiencing high res for nearly the first time. I find myself getting sucked into music like I can't remember doing since I was in my 20s. That was a LONG time ago. I recently dialed way back on Indie Rock -- too tired of trying to keep up - and am going big into classical and straight up jazz. Right now I'm listening to Mingus' \"Ah Um\" with a pair of Audio-Technica low-end cans connected by wire (not BT). Even as a headphone amp, this is a glorious way for me to have spent $300. Highly recommended.launch

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May 2, 2021

Users route CD transports, TVs, Blu-ray players and computers through its coax, optical and USB inputs, effectively using it as a central digital hub for older amps lacking modern connectivity. One user even found a workaround to use both digital inputs for four effective sources.

@JasonV_DM

Something nearly all reviewers have missed (and its not their fault because this contradicts the manual) is that the two Coaxial/Fibre inputs can be used to handle 4 inputs.\n\nHow?\nIf the two devices are not switched on at the same time you can use BOTH digital inputs if One of the inputs are off.\n\nSo your TVs optical output can share with your cd transport on the coaxial if only one device is switched on at a time.\n\nThis means your magic can handle 6 inputs. The usb, bluetooth and 4 digital.\n\nYou will need to plan this out to get it to work. For my setup to work I have to setup my PS5 to power down its USB in standby.\n\nSo yes, 4 digital inputs works but you need to know the devices dont leave on their outputs when they are powered down. \n\nThis is easy to check on your optical ports because of the \"red\" light on the port.\n\nOccasionally, you might be confused when no sound comes out. But once you've had the setup for a while, you spot the other device is on and just switching one device off will restore the Dacs output.launch

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October 8, 2025

@pmrribeiro

Thanks for the review. I've been on the fence about pitching in a few times, but I feel the time has come. I've been watching and reading reviews on DACs lately, and I'm not even in the market for one. However, you were the first reviewer who took the time to clarify how you see a dedicated DAC, and what sense it can make for different use cases. The reason I became interested in finding out more about dedicated DACs is the fact that I recently installed Volumio on a RasbperyPi 3b. Now, as you mentioned, the headphone jack on the Mac Mini isn't great, which is something you can say about most computers in general, and even more so for something like the Pi. So, I started by using an HDMI extractor, which worked better than I expected, but was considering an upgrade to the iFi Zen DAC (I would welcome such a review, btw), when I realized I already had a good one, in the form of my Yamaha MG12XU USB mixer, which was already on my desktop to begin with. Having said that, I think the 200M would be a great addition to your vintage systems, or for anyone in a similar situation (having great amplifiers that lack a built-in DAC, or CD players with great build quality, but older DACs).launch

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March 21, 2021

@QoraxAudio

Owner of a Dacmagic Plus here, as far as I can see, the 200M has swapped one coax/optical input for a built in BT antenna, which is a good choice IMO.\nFor the Dacmagic Plus you needed to buy a separate antenna for 100 bucks.\nOther than that it's not much different, except for higher sample rates and MQA support (which I won't ever use).\nTo me, the most important function of the Dacmagic is to use it as a USB DAC on my PC and as a DAC for a CD transport.\nThat way you can buy a trashy CD player from Craigslist and bypass the crappy DAC to get all there is from CD (yes, CDs are still a thing lol).\nBecause the DAC in a CD player makes/breaks over 95% of the CD sound quality.launch

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March 19, 2021

@Exquired

I have the DacMagic Plus - originally bought second-hand then replaced as new when it failed after years of service (borderline acceptable, but still the best replacement option on market). This video doesn't cover the best features for me - aside from sound quality which is of course the first requirement! In my house we use it as a digital media-switcher to interface with a pretty big 2.2 channel sound system. The sound system is always at very high volume, so the quality of input is critical as even the slightest dirturbances would get seriously amplified. Instead it sits silent, even with your ear to one of the many speakers. The DacMagic handles silence and SNR in the absolute toughest of circumstances - the main inputs are an over-spec 1200W desktop computer with water-cooling, fans, rotating hard drives and lots of other electrical noise, and an ageing laptop. Both these devices are completely unsuitable for music playback when plugged in through a headphone jack or any internal sound card... but using the Dac by USB, bluetooth or SPDIF completely clears the air of interference. Thank god for that. Better yet, DacMagic outputs to the crossover by balanced XLR outputs, so even the cheapest XLR cables will negate crosstalk or electrical interference simply by the nature of that interface. For hyper-nerd computer-source audiophiles like me I absolutely recommend this Dac, although I'm surprised that the new version didn't incorporate WIFI & source elements so it could act as, for example, an internet radio or streamer instead of just a throughput box.\nPS - it's also a very capable headphone amp for those who are in a position to place it somewhere near their listening spot!launch

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March 19, 2021

Multiple users report clear improvements switching from onboard PC audio, integrated amp DACs, or older DAC models, describing music 'coming back to life' and gaining punch and detail.

@mikepxg6406

I have one of these and its predecessor the Dacmagic Plus. The Dacmagic 200m Sound is cleaner and tighter than the older plus also 200M has a far superior headphone stage and sound quality with my Sennheiser HD 600s. If headphones are not an issue the older dacmagic Plus is warmer sounding. My main source is FLAC Files from Apple M1Mac Mini and JRiver Media 28 software.\nBy the way everything sounds better from the MAC M1 than with a PC with same files and same software.???launch

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May 25, 2022

@davidcooper6704

I find a DAC between my Apple iMac 27 inch to be a necessity. The only digital sockets (out) on the iMac are USB. The old iMac had an optical out but Apple didn't include one on the new computer. I have an aging, though still good, Cyrus amp and Mission speakers for small sound system in the \"man cave\". My current DAC is a a discontinued Arcam r-Pac (gifted by a friend) which is USB powered. I intend to try the CA 200M to see if it improves the sound which lacks punch. I feel some retail therapy coming on.launch

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March 5, 2022

@marcoarispoli

I fall in the category of an old (20+ years) setup that could benefit of a pulse … Denon Pma880, Marantz CD-80 and a pair of Aliante Iperspazio. It is possible that I am not “educated” enough to spot the differences, but connecting the CD player to the DAC (via spdif) and the DAC to the amplifier (via decent RCA cables) made me wonder if I wasted my money. I eventually kept it as its integration in the Apple ecosystem is flawless and I could hear a (mild) step up when replacing the Yamaha WAXD-10 with this DAC to play my music collection in iTunes. Could it be I am doing something wrong?launch

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August 26, 2021

@al1ce_rabb1t

With my previous system, I realised that yes, DACs can definitely make or break a system. I had the CA DacMagic 100 in that, and that sounded pretty good. Then, that DAC moved to my desktop setup, and I used the onboard DAC from my Onkyo home theatre amp, and after a while I realised that something wasn’t quite right. I stopped enjoying listening to music with the DacMagic removed. So I moved it back to the speaker system. Now, with my new system, I can hear that it has quite a lot of potential. With my headphones (desktop) system, I was using my PC’s onboard audio output into my Magni 3, and again I stopped enjoying listening to music with that system. Once I hooked up the DacMagic back to that system, suddenly my music had life again.launch

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March 18, 2021

Owners praise the built-in headphone stage, noting it drives headphones like the Sennheiser HD600/HD600s well and outperforms the earlier DacMagic Plus in this regard. It's seen as a capable all-in-one desktop headphone solution.

@mikepxg6406

I have one of these and its predecessor the Dacmagic Plus. The Dacmagic 200m Sound is cleaner and tighter than the older plus also 200M has a far superior headphone stage and sound quality with my Sennheiser HD 600s. If headphones are not an issue the older dacmagic Plus is warmer sounding. My main source is FLAC Files from Apple M1Mac Mini and JRiver Media 28 software.\nBy the way everything sounds better from the MAC M1 than with a PC with same files and same software.???launch

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May 25, 2022

@stevesancarlos

Loved everything about this review - production standards, Andrew's knowledge and vibe, etc.\n\nI've had my DACMagic 200M for about 10 days. But I'm a complete bonehead. I don't even know what I don't know. Here's what I DO know. I have awful Klipsch Synergy surrounds circa 2003, a Velodyne 12\" sub circa not too much later, a Denon AVR-1912 receiver circa 2011. And for my nighttime listening sessions I front end with a Node 2i, which I've had for about 20 days. I have no issue spending money to update my stuff, but it's a pain in the butt considering our small house, weird layout, and need for combined home theater and audio. So....\n\nFor me, the DACMagic 200 is a game changer, but that could be because I'm experiencing high res for nearly the first time. I find myself getting sucked into music like I can't remember doing since I was in my 20s. That was a LONG time ago. I recently dialed way back on Indie Rock -- too tired of trying to keep up - and am going big into classical and straight up jazz. Right now I'm listening to Mingus' \"Ah Um\" with a pair of Audio-Technica low-end cans connected by wire (not BT). Even as a headphone amp, this is a glorious way for me to have spent $300. Highly recommended.launch

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May 2, 2021

@stevenjackson8226

Andrew!! Very nice, as usual. What about the headphone amplifier?! This piece could possibly serve as a nice, neat, tidy, good-sounding complete desktop headphone amp/DAC. I haven't seen you review any headphones, but people seem to like the DAC part of this unit, but I haven't seen anyone review the headphone amp - or how well it might work as a preamp. I've WAY downsized my system (I wouldn't quite call myself a recovering audiophile) and am mostly enjoying headphones these days. I've tried some headphone amp/DAC/preamps to front a good amplifier connected to nice speakers and I feel the results have been quite good.\n\nAbsolutely, the room (first!) and speakers introduce the largest variances (non-linearities, AKA distortion), but my experience shows DAC differences are also differences. This was certainly the case a long time where the differences were much more varied. Today, there's so much good gear, especially at the lower/mid end of the market that you could just about pick something blindfolded and live happily ever after.\n\nI appreciate that you used the words \"real\" and \"organic\". That had been the mission of \"hifi\". Though we may be effectively as far away as ever from being transported into the experience of live performance from our recorded media, some gear can sound more compellingly, palpably \"real\". Though perhaps this, too, is a subjective call.launch

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March 18, 2021

Commenters consider it a well-judged proposition given its feature set (dual preamp, extra inputs, Bluetooth) relative to price, sitting above entry-level DACs but below more esoteric high-end offerings.

@RichardMathieson-j3l

A good accurate take as always Tarun, thank you. The DacMagic 200M was my first stand alone DAC and I used it in DAC mode only with a CXA81 amp. The DacMagic provided quite an upgrade on the internal DAC in the amp and I’d characterise the sound as slightly warm and maybe a bit laid back but this was probably more to do with Cambridge’s house sound via the amp. In the end I hankered for more insight, soundstage and ‘grip’ so embarked on a big upgrade programme but, for the price point, I feel both were excellent propositions.launch

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August 23, 2025

@italophile2011

Enjoying my DacMagic 200M for over two years now. Glad to hear I am not the only one who enjoys the surprising natural sound at this price.launch

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August 22, 2025

@lavieallonge1699

Excellent. An incisive, informed, organised and well presented review. Having bought a 200m with few comparative reviews around at the time, it is a relief to hear good news from an informed source!\n\nAs you say, an incredibly ‘musical’ DAC revealing so much of what the musician intended. I have also watched a couple of movies with it and found myself incredibly engaged with the sound. These attributes are difficult to quantify and too often ignored but really, this IS what all this equipment is for. I thought your ‘slowed tempo‘ metaphor was brilliant and summed up the DACs capabilities admirably.\n\nI would like to add that at the (UK) price point, including as it does a dual head pre-amp, additional co-ax and optical inputs and Bluetooth (if you must!) this is an extremely well judged proposition. In my experience (Focusrite, MOTU, Audioquest), it is substantially ahead of the the entry level stand-alone DACS whilst costing significantly less than the more esoteric offerings from, for example, NAIM or Audiolab.\n\nDelighted with my Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 200m and to have found such an insightful reviewer. Thanks.launch

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March 24, 2021

Several owners report a linear power supply upgrade produced clearer vocals, richer bass and improved soundstage, since the stock supply is considered a weak point.

@paultasker7788

I've just upgraded the DAC 200M with a linear power supply. I'm quite surprised by the improvement. Vocals sound more realistic, if 2 people are singing you can make out each voice clearer. The sound is richer and warmer. The soundstage width is improved. Bass definition is also improved. PSU by audiobrava cost me 140. The standard supply does feel light and not of high quality. The low noise supply I had for my previous ifi Zen DAC 2 being considerably nicer. No doubt power quality determines the benefits. My system is the loft on a separate ring main which does not feel like high quality wiring. Seems to make more of an improvement on optical, especially tidal connect to the wiim than USB to computer but noticeable on both.launch

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October 20, 2025

@edmaster3147

I own a CA200 and use it with a Zenstream input. The standard power plug is not great. Hooked up to a good PSU the CA200 starts to sound much better, yet such a PSU would double the price at least. It then is very enjoyable, which in my opinion is the key factor. I found the slow filter the far best option and DSD 2x playback very nice. In CD quality it is very disappointing, in HiRes it performs better. The CA200 is a good option when the budget is limited, the difference should be found in the neutral, easy sound around the middle. Cambridge had better left away most options, like balanced and headphone, made it a bit more expensive and concentrated on improving the sound. I think it does not lack bass, but bass emphasis, which is a good thing. If you want that, just turn up your sub and make it sound like a BigMac would. Tone controls are the work of the devil and only needed for poor-sounding devices. Cheers.launch

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April 10, 2022

@edmaster3147

Hi, if you were already enjoying the CA DM200/m (I own one) try replacing the power plug for a low-noise lineair power supply and let it burn in for at least a week. The sound gets much better. You left the DSD functionality out of your review, but try it with DSD, feed it with an audiophile USB cable. I find it in DSD 64 that the DM200 is coming alive. You will be blown away I suppose, as I find that the DM is really good in PCM CD quality and decent in other PCM, but not excellent. Just really good. MQA has no value to me over PCM 24/192. Note: the unit is very sensitive to outside noise, get it away from noisy cables and other gear.launch

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May 15, 2021

The balanced XLR outputs were highlighted as effectively eliminating interference even in electrically noisy desktop setups with high-power PCs nearby.

@Exquired

I have the DacMagic Plus - originally bought second-hand then replaced as new when it failed after years of service (borderline acceptable, but still the best replacement option on market). This video doesn't cover the best features for me - aside from sound quality which is of course the first requirement! In my house we use it as a digital media-switcher to interface with a pretty big 2.2 channel sound system. The sound system is always at very high volume, so the quality of input is critical as even the slightest dirturbances would get seriously amplified. Instead it sits silent, even with your ear to one of the many speakers. The DacMagic handles silence and SNR in the absolute toughest of circumstances - the main inputs are an over-spec 1200W desktop computer with water-cooling, fans, rotating hard drives and lots of other electrical noise, and an ageing laptop. Both these devices are completely unsuitable for music playback when plugged in through a headphone jack or any internal sound card... but using the Dac by USB, bluetooth or SPDIF completely clears the air of interference. Thank god for that. Better yet, DacMagic outputs to the crossover by balanced XLR outputs, so even the cheapest XLR cables will negate crosstalk or electrical interference simply by the nature of that interface. For hyper-nerd computer-source audiophiles like me I absolutely recommend this Dac, although I'm surprised that the new version didn't incorporate WIFI & source elements so it could act as, for example, an internet radio or streamer instead of just a throughput box.\nPS - it's also a very capable headphone amp for those who are in a position to place it somewhere near their listening spot!launch

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March 19, 2021