Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS DAC

The aim of the British developers was to create the most compact DAC that would be able to improve the sound of modern portable devices. DacMagic XS is a miniature USB-converter, combined with a high-quality headphone amplifier. It does not require additional power, and convenient non-slip buttons are provided for volume control. Indication of the current operating mode is provided by a small multi-color LED indicator. Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS is connected via the microUSB port and does not require additional drivers for initial integration into the system. However, to play files with 24/192 bits, special software is required (available on the company website). The converter is based on a fairly advanced 24-bit ESS9023 chip with a dynamic range of no worse than 112 dB, which is a very valuable indicator. The volume control is carried out stepwise (only 54 positions), and, according to the manufacturer, the digital attenuator does not affect the sound quality at all.

The initial installation and configuration of the device in the system took just a couple of minutes, and for all the listening time the malfunctions were not observed. The power of the headphone amplifier is quite sufficient even for low-impedance models, but in some cases I would like to have a slightly larger volume margin. This baby produces a dense, rich sound, filled with vibrant energy. Distinct and elastic basses please, unexpectedly powerful for such a miniature amplifier. The overall dynamics of playback is at a decent level, the compression in sound is minimal. Mid frequencies seemed a little pushed into the background, but nevertheless it is impossible to talk about excessive coloring. The upper range is sparkling, detailed. The discants are very well focused, but the trail of plates is transmitted harshly. When connected to a stationary system, some loud notes can be noticed in the sound. Moreover, the space is formed large-scale and dense, and the positions of individual sources are not broken at all.