Listening to music on your computer is brilliant – instant, easy access to all your digital files and a world of streaming services, internet radio and video sites. The cheap headphone output of a typical laptop or computer is simply not good enough to get the best from your headphones.
The DacMagic XS delivers the bass, clarity and power you've been missing from your digital audio, anywhere and everywhere.
Features
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Plugs into PC/Mac via a single USB connection for both power and audio
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Dramatically improves audio quality on all digital audio, including MP3s, high res audio files (e.g. FLAC or WAV), streaming services, films and games
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Headphone amplifier built in for deeper bass and times more power than a standard laptop headphone output
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Portable Headphone Amp is easy to use and small enough to be carried anywhere and everywhere
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Connect your laptop to your hifi system for better sound at home too
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Built to last with sturdy aluminium casing
More clarity
You can’t hear digital audio signals. They have to be converted into analogue signals by a Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC) before you can play them. This is a critical process and one that we, here at Cambridge Audio, are specialists at. The DacMagic XS is smaller than a matchbox, yet it uses technology from our high-end DACs. But it is not just for audiophiles - anything from MP3s to high resolution lossless files, streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora, Skype, games and films will all benefit. If you’ve paid for a higher quality subscription service, the DacMagic XS allows you to hear what you’re paying for.
More power
The built-in headphone amp increases the punch of your headphones, delivering 10 times more power than most laptop soundcards can manage. Even in the noisiest environments you will hear more of your music and won’t have to worry about the buzz of background noise.
The DacMagic XS also features a volume control, easily adjusted at the tap of a finger. What’s more, a convenient LED shows current sample rate, so you always know if you're getting the right level of detail.
More versatility
At home, the DacMagic XS can also bring the same attention to detail to your existing hi-fi set-up. Use it as the link between your laptop and home hi-fi amp for serious digital audio quality, without the space implications of a larger DAC. And finally the sleek, sturdy black aluminium case minimises interference and ensures the DacMagic XS is built to last.
Versatile, pocketable and powerful – no other USB DAC at this price sounds this good or is this small. Hear what you've been missing.
Specifications
• Connections |
Micro USB input, 3.5mm analogue output
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• Digital to Analogue Converter |
ESS9023 24-bit DAC
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• Sample Rates Supported |
USB 1.0 mode: 16/24-bit, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
USB 2.0 mode: 16/24-bit, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
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• Output Voltage |
2V RMS |
• Max. Power Consumption |
150mW
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• Min. Headphone Impedance |
12 Ohms |
• Frequency Response |
+/-0.2dB 20Hz – 20kHz |
• THD (unweighted) |
<0.004% |
• SNR |
103 dBr (unweighted)
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• Crosstalk |
66dB |
• Output Impedance |
0.5 Ohms |
• Volume Steps |
53 steps (54 different volume levels) |
• Dimensions (W x H x D) |
30 x 10 x 53.5mm (1.2 x 0.4 x 2.1’’)
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• Weight |
100g (3.5oz)
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Reviews
"The sound was amazing — you might even say magical!"
USA, Winter 2013
"It sounds solid, stable and refined ... the DacMagic XS is excellent for the money, and easily outpoints most DACs we’ve heard anywhere near this price.“
UK, Autumn 2013
"The DacMagic XS is a great feat of engineering. Everything just works straight out of the box, and the sound quality is superb with pretty much all headphones."
USA, Spring 2014
"This is a great way to upgrade to a digital output on any device that has a USB port. The Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS earns the PureOverclock.com Great Hardware award."
USA, Spring 2014
"This tiny device sounds spectacular, and its ability to turn any computer, Mac or PC, into an audiophile-worthy source can’t be understated."
USA, Spring 2014
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What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision
Best DAC under £100
"The best USB DAC if you're on a super tight budget, the DacMagic XS is truly portable, requiring no external battery, and connections are simple with just a USB input and 3.5mm output...delivering a refined and detailed sound."
UK, Winter 2013
"While buying expensive headphones normally means you don’t have to deal with many audial issue, it doesn’t mean there’s not always going to be a better pair out there somewhere. If you’re content with the earbuds or headphones you currently have, but wish they had a bit of a boost, then the Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS might be able to help."
USA, Winter 2013