"The DacMagic XS is a great way of easily upgrading laptop audio. It's built-in headphone amp with handy volume controls make it ideal if you need top-notch sound on the move."
DACMAGICXS
Portable USB DAC
The DacMagic XS USB Digital to analogue converter (DAC)/ headphone amp is an instant upgrade to any computer’s sound output. It connects quickly and easily to any USB port and allows you to hear your favourite music and movies with every drop of detail, exactly as the artist intended.
DACMAGICXS
Portable USB DAC
The DacMagic XS USB Digital to analogue converter (DAC)/ headphone amp is an instant upgrade to any computer’s sound output. It connects quickly and easily to any USB port and allows you to hear your favourite music and movies with every drop of detail, exactly as the artist intended.
Press reviews
HOMETHEATERREVIEW.COM BEST OF 2014 AWARD
United Kingdom,
"It's a great choice for someone who wants to enjoy higher-quality music on the go."
Magnetic Mag
United States,
"A highly recommended piece of technology for anyone that is listening to a lot of music on their computer. For its output, size and price it truly is one of the best buys in the after market DAC marketplace."
Device Squad
United Kingdom,
'If you really want to hear your headphones, in-ears or external speakers as they were meant to be heard, get yourself one of these pocket-sized DAC converters from renowned sound specialists Cambridge Audio.'
Philly.com
United States,
“If price is no object and your music source has a USB jack, the better-finessed Dac Magic XS ( $189 at amazon.com) is an audiophile's dream come true.”
Trusted Reviews
United Kingdom,
"Boy does it deliver on the sonic front. It creates a huge, detailed soundstage that's full of warmth."
The Absolute Sound
United States,
"The DacMagic XS delivers a lot of functionality and sonic goodness for under $200. For audiophiles looking for a road warrior that will also be at home hooked up to any computer, portable, or desktop, and will successfully drive most headphones, the Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS DAC is a very affordable option."
Philly.com
United States,
"Headphone amps built into computers are disgraceful, too - hissing audibly, always. DacMagic XS from Cambridge Audio is a terrific work-around, a tiny, 5-ounce DAC (digital to analog converter) box that plugs into a computer's USB jack and puts out high-quality, ultra-low-distortion sound. Just add headphones and serve."
Phile-Web
Japan,
"I'm using my DacMagicXS every day with my Macbook Air and headphones. It's a very nice sound, and I'm enjoying my music more now. I hope many Japanese Audiophiles get to know Cambridge Audio's sound."
The Batchelor Guy
United States,
"If you thought the pricey cans you treated yourself to sounded good before, just wait until you jack them into the XS and hear what digital music is supposed to sound like."
Life Hacker
United Kingdom,
"This matchbox-sized gadget is a boon for audiophiles who prefer to lose themselves in music during long haul flights."
WHAT HI-FI?
United Kingdom,
"The Cambridge delivers plenty of insight and has an appealingly delicate way with vocals – there’s natural warmth here and a nice full-bodied balance.“
Terra
Portugal,
"This little device is able to get a little closer to the experience of listening to music in a recording studio."
Hi-Fi Choice
United Kingdom,
"Given how masterfully it handles hi-res sources in particular and its sterling work with lower-quality material, it isn't hard to say that this is probably the best entry-level DAC around."
Computer Shopper
United Kingdom,
"The DacMagic XS is a great way of easily upgrading laptop audio. It's built-in headphone amp with handy volume controls make it ideal if you need top-notch sound on the move."
T3
United Kingdom,
"The Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS adds depth and detail to your digital files that you didn't know existed.“
Hi-Fi News
United Kingdom,
"The DacMagic XS has an upfront, engaging and punchy sound, but this never descends into hardness or sounds unpleasant. It is a dramatic improvement over the internal sound systems of an Apple Macbook Pro for example"
What Hi-Fi?
United Kingdom,
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."
Sound & Vision
United Kingdom,
"If you’re looking for a USB DAC that will improve computer audio—but not break the bank—Cambridge Audio’s DacMagic XS is a leading contender."
Witch Doctor
New Zealand,
"Kramer searches for flaws but finds little to fault in Cambridge Audio’s new DAC that also happens to be a headphone amp, and for a small cost will resurrect the ‘hi’ in fi coming out of your PC or Mac.“
Customer Reviews
The details
Micro USB input, 3.5mm analogue output
ESS9023 24-bit DAC
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
2V RMS
150mW
12 Ohms
+/-0.2dB 20Hz – 20kHz
<0.004%
103 dBr (unweighted)
66dB
0.5 Ohms
53 steps (54 different volume levels)
30 x 10 x 53.5mm (1.2 x 0.4 x 2.1’’)
100g (3.5oz)
Dac Magic XS Portable USB DAC, Quick Start Guide, Pouch bag, USB cable, USB2.0 instruction card
