The DacMagic 200M is a headphone amplifier by Cambridge Audio. It was released in January 2021. It has a built-in DAC (Dual ESS ES9028Q2M), so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. The DacMagic 200M has an MSRP of $399.
Performance Specs
The DacMagic 200M drives headphones rather than loudspeakers, so its power is quoted into headphone impedances instead of into 8 ohms: >300 mW @ 32 ohms, >65 mW @ 150 ohms. Cambridge Audio quotes a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of < 0.001% at 1 kHz 0dBFS @ 100 mW into 32 ohms (headphone output) (lower is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 115dB Signal to Noise Ratio
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the DacMagic 200M, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Inputs
Outputs
- Preamp Outputs
- Balanced XLR Output
- 1/4 Headphone Output
Balanced connections
DacMagic 200M has a balanced XLR output. A balanced cable carries the signal twice, on two conductors of opposite polarity. Interference picked up along the way lands on both equally and cancels when the two are recombined at the far end, so the longer the cable run and the noisier the surroundings, the more the connection is worth. On a headphone output the other benefit is separation: a balanced connector gives each channel its own return conductor instead of the two sharing a common ground, which lowers crosstalk between left and right. Whether a balanced connection also yields more power depends on how the amplifier is built inside - some are balanced end to end, others convert to single-ended internally and deliver the same power either way, so it is worth reading the maker's own wording rather than assuming.
DAC and Digital Music
The DacMagic 200M's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the DacMagic 200M is the
Dual ESS ES9028Q2M.
DacMagic 200M Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Delivers 300 mW into 32 ohms, enough for the majority of headphones.
- ✓A preamp output means it can also feed active speakers or a power amplifier, so it is not limited to headphone listening.
- ✓A built-in DAC takes a digital source directly, with no separate converter to buy or find space for.
- ✗It has no speaker terminals - this drives headphones, not loudspeakers.
DacMagic 200M External Dimensions and Weight
DacMagic 200M has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 2 x 8-1/2 x 7-1/2 inch (52 x 215 x 191 mm ). The unit weighs
1.2 kg (2.7 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the DacMagic 200M is approximately 410.7cm2 / 63.7inch2.
- Width: 215.0mm (8-1/2")
- Height: 52.0mm (2")
- Depth: 191.0mm (7-1/2")
- Weight: 1.2 kg (2.7 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~410.7cm2 / 63.7inch2
- Volume: ~2.1 liter / 0.6 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
Cambridge Audio |
| Full Model Name |
Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M |
| Release Date |
January 2021 |
| Amplifier Type |
Headphone Amplifier |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Headphone Output Power |
>300 mW @ 32 ohms, >65 mW @ 150 ohms |
| Output Impedance |
N/A |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
10 Hz-50 kHz |
| THD |
< 0.001% at 1 kHz 0dBFS @ 100 mW into 32 ohms (headphone output) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
115 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| DAC Specs |
Dual ESS ES9028Q2M |
| Bluetooth |
|
| WiFi |
|
| CONNECTIONS |
| Preamp Outputs |
Yes |
| Balanced XLR Output |
Yes |
| Headphone Output |
1/4 |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
52.0mm (2") |
| Width |
215.0mm (8-1/2") |
| Depth |
191.0mm (7-1/2") |
| Weight |
1.2 kg (2.7 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
Does the DacMagic 200M use vacuum tubes?
No. The DacMagic 200M is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
Does the DacMagic 200M have a built-in DAC?
Yes. The DacMagic 200M has a built-in DAC (Dual ESS ES9028Q2M), so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.
Does the DacMagic 200M have a headphone output?
Yes. The DacMagic 200M has a 1/4-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.
How much does the DacMagic 200M cost?
The DacMagic 200M has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $399.
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