With the advent of computer-based music systems, Cambridge Audio’s DacMagic
upsampling digital to analogue converter is the most affordable and effective
way to upgrade any PC, network music device, games console or standard CD/DVD
player to truly high end sound quality.
This incredible device dramatically improves sound quality to enable the
digital music generation and gaming fanatics to appreciate their collection
immediately in a totally new light. Cambridge Audio has a passion for faithfully
reproducing music as those in the recording studio intended and with the
DacMagic, the company has once again set a new benchmark for audiophile
excellence at a more than affordable price. The DacMagic is expected to take the
market by storm.
The DacMagic has a variety of simple connections including S/PDIF, Toslink
and USB inputs which mean it can be used to improve a wide range of devices with
digital outputs such as soundcards, portable media player docks or networked
music devices including sound bridges. Twin Wolfson DACs provide outstanding
stereo imaging while a choice of digital filters is available for individual
preference and flexibility. Key to its abilities is Adaptive Time Filtering
(ATF™) upsampling technology developed in conjunction with Anagram Technologies
of Switzerland which converts 16-24 bit audio data to 24 bit/192kHz dramatically
improving musical reproduction. A 32 bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
eradicates jitter which is especially effective with hard disk playback from
PCs.
Cambridge Audio introduced the original DacMagic in 1994 with the specific
intention of upgrading CD players. It was received to great acclaim and spawned
several incarnations. The digital music revolution means the CD is just one
format as people listen to their collection in a totally different way.
Therefore, the time is right for a renaissance. The spiritual successor to the
original DacMagic allows a range of applications such as PCs, Media Center PCs,
network music devices and sound bridges to benefit from a DAC’s ability to bring
downloaded and compressed content to life. By connecting to games consoles
including PlayStations (PS2 and PS3)™ Xbox and Xbox 360s™, a new dimension can
be given to gaming via dramatically improved soundtracks and special effects.
Similarly, many consumers with an interest in home cinema use a DVD player for
both movies and music but may find CD playback to be lacking somewhat. In this
respect the DacMagic is the ideal way to improve a DVD player’s sonic
performance. All these products can be connected concurrently via USB, S/PDIF
and Toslink. Once upsampled, the DacMagic offers both unbalanced RCA and
balanced XLR outputs for the best quality analogue transfer.
DacMagic features
Adaptive Time Filtering (ATF™) asynchronous upsampling technology converts
16-24 bit audio (at any standard sampling frequency between 32-96kHz) to 24
bit/192kHz
32 bit Texas Instruments Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
Dual Differential Virtual Earth balanced filter topology – low order two
pole linear-phased Bessel filter takes advantage of high sampling rate
achieved
Twin WM8740 high quality DACs in dual differential mode for excellent
stereo imaging
Choice of filters – linear phase, minimum phase and steep filter can all
be selected to suit an individual’s listening preferences
Phase select to invert or reinvert input, correcting possible recording
problems
Two inputs with both SPDIF & Toslink sockets allow wide range of
digital sources to be connected
USB input connects direct to PC without drivers to act as very high
quality DAC/soundcard providing genuine hi-fi quality playback from desktop or
media PC
Singled ended phono and XLR balanced audio outputs
Digital output (SPDIF and Toslink concurrently) passes through selected
source for recording purposes
Substantial aluminium front panel plus an entirely new ultra rigid,
acoustically dampened chassis
Can be used horizontally (using four rubber feet) or vertically (rubber
foot)
