Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 (USB & Toslink Digital Analog Converter Review)

Discover how a Cambridge Audio DAC can improve the sound of your Mac and Apple TV.
Part 1 - DacMagic USB on Amazon ➜ geni.us/AZVCgJl
Part 2a - Unboxing ➜ (3:21min)
Part 3a - Internal Components ➜ (6:11min)
Part 3b - Software Settings ➜ (10:45min)
Part 3c - Source Switching ➜ (12:36min)
Part 3d - Toslink Apple TV ➜ (13:33min)
Part 4 - Summary & Conclusion ➜ (15:07min)
More and more people want to improve the sound of their computer audio. In most cases, an external audio interface or DAC will perform much better than the internal sound card.
Especially on mobile devices space is constricted for the designer of audio hardware, on the other hand, an external DAC offers plenty of space to put different parts onto the PCB.
While USB audio interfaces often use a Cirrus Logic chip such as the CS4272, the Cambridge Audio DAC utilizes a Wolfson WM8742 chip.
Another advantage of this digital-analog converter is that you can easily connect it to your Apple TV via a fiberoptic Toslink cable.
In my testing switching between my computers USB and Apple TV was very easy. That way I can use it as DAC for my Mac and if I want to watch a movie with the push of a button switches over to my Apple TV.
Overall a nice little device, great if you want to try a bit more premium audio gear.
#ReviewTechTV
/ Affiliate Links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. /
// This video does not include product placement. I got the product myself. //

[@davidgabriel4221]

Thank you for going through the set up. I have spent weeks trying to figure out how to do this. Explanations did not line up with what I saw on my iMAC menus but yours did.

[@ReviewTechTV]

You're welcome!

[@lalinea8289]

thanks a lot for your review, i'm new on mac os and it's my first DAC, you solve all my interogations about settings

[@ReviewTechTV]

Great to hear!

[@AC-wl7ve]

do you know if its possible to hook this up to tv and use the tv as a volume control? looking to use one of these with a 2 channel power amp.

[@garykray]

The Chromecast Audio can now stream up to 96KHz/24bit lossless audio from compatible devices (with apps that support the audio) to connected speakers, which makes the device an appealing option for Tidal, Amazon Music HD fans and audiophiles. I use Amazon Music HD app on a Samsung 7 series TV with Toslink optical to DAC optical out to Yamaha receiver. This is lossless to receiver and sounds great. Streaming from TV to receiver with RCA sounded horrible on a great stereo setup. This was a solution to stream high quality to receiver. You do have to push button turn on DAC each time you turn on TV(no big deal). This makes all sound from TV excellent.

[@ReviewTechTV]

Ok, thanks for sharing your story, awesome.

[@colanitower]

In Windows with Cambridge Audio's USB level 2 driver installed you can take it up to 192. But it's complicated to do this and Cambridge Audio's documentation on it is fragmented and confusing. The driver also doesn't always start up properly with the computer. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. In Windows stick to max 96, it's good enough and no extra driver needed.

[@nickn7939]

yeah i updated the drivers, and it makes a huge difference, i agree it was kinda complicated, took about a good 45min of clicking around and rereading instructions.

[@djsnowpdx]

Any recommendations for a device with multiple digital inputs which functions as a mixer and thus can play audio from two sources simultaneously?

[@theadventuresofsteviev4047]

great video and so usefull... im looking for a DAC for connect my PC with Stereo Ampliffier and I have many doubts about the quality of the differents brands

[@ReviewTechTV]

Go for it!

[@classicaspie8643]

if my laptop only outputs 24/48khz will this convert it up to 24/192?

[@kaneweatherall]

Will this work on a amplifier that hasent got digital outputs

[@nikosarchontidis9230]

hello. is is worth to buy DacMagic 100 instead Creative Sound Blaster Z and connect it with optical to MSI MPG B550 Gaming Edge WIFI Motherboard ATX ? also between Edifier R1280DB 42W and Logitech Z623 witch you would prefer and why?

[@scottstrang1583]

I have not been able to find this out, but what that little knob on top of the case do? Does it have an actual function?

[@nathanas64]

Outstanding review! Great organization and presentation. Excellent english too! Convinced me to buy this unit !! Thanks!

[@ReviewTechTV]

Awesome, thank you!

[@sergiomadioli-fornax3284]

Is it possible to connect dacmagic 100 on android phone?

[@Yiannis2112]

Very thorough review especially showing it internally. However, there's very little regarding how it actually sounds.

[@ReviewTechTV]

I have only tested with my Bose computer desktop speakers, but it's very useful for switching between my Mac's USB and Apple TV.

[@ReviewTechTV]

Certainly, there are better sounding DAC's, for starters it's a nice entry-level DAC, only downside no headphone output.

[@Yiannis2112]

@@ReviewTechTV I think you probably didn't at all understand, what I was asking. I'm asking how does it sound. Clarity of mp3s-flacs-CDs, soundstage, channel (L-R) separation, is it bright at highs(cymbals etc), is it fast, full bodied and clear at lows(double kick drums, bass guitars) and by how much. What about the mids(vocals)? Are they warm or on the cold, sterile side? Overall does it sound natural or artificial? What's better and what's worse audio wise, when compared to other similar priced dacs?

[@ReviewTechTV]

@@Yiannis2112 Sure, excellent question, it sounds nice.

[@Yiannis2112]

@@ReviewTechTV Here's another excellent question. Are you high right now or just plain stupid?

[@nguyenpham4788]

I just updated to v 4.47 for my device. but the problem is my old computer can not know on that, does someone know how to go down to v 3.26. thanks

[@ReviewTechTV]

Which audio hardware did you upgrade, the DAC or the Apple TV?

[@dismemberizer827]

Thx! What I still don’t get... will the DAC (or more expensive DACs) upscale the lower Apple TV Signal to let’s say cd quality (once AirPlay streaming via Deezer, tidal, aso..)?

[@clovisdacruz6078]

I don’t think so.

[@atariandre5014]

Uh, 44k is already higher than CD quality.

[@jagathfernando4682]

Hi, very interesting and an informative presentation. You say you have used some sort of a special USB cable. Please could you specify it in text here. Thanking you,

[@ReviewTechTV]

I just used a ferrit bead.

[@lastmanstanding2789]

Hi..can you connect a smartphone via Bluetooth to the DAC magic and play music through a hifi amp and speakers . Thanks Andrew.

[@ReviewTechTV]

To the DacMagic or the Apple TV?

[@lastmanstanding2789]

@@ReviewTechTV Hi..I have just brought the Cambridge DAC magic to use with my hifi separates and to use my smartphone as my music source and to connect via Bluetooth to the DAC But my phone cannot connect to the DAC magic by Bluetooth. ???

[@lastmanstanding2789]

@@ReviewTechTV can you connect a smartphone by cables as there is no USB port

[@ReviewTechTV]

You can connect USB, TOSlink, and S/PDIF, more details in the manual: ➜ techsupport.cambridgeaudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/200995571-DacMagic-100-Manual

[@charmainesintos3669]

How would I hook this up to my amp? My stereo is Adcom 555II amp GTP400 pre amp Heresy II speakers. I will be playing of my phone or tablet. Will it all take a usb with music files. Do I plug to back of my preamp with rca? Then just plug mg phone to the 3.5 in the front? Is that it? I have a volume on my preamp and so does this dac so how would I work this out. Do you have one without a volume or can u still use this? I was also looking at the schiit modi 3 dac... no volume button on that one...what is the comparison?

[@DaveFlash]

does this product give you audio inputs to use on the computer?

[@luchyplacencia7798]

Yes, USB.

[@luchyplacencia7798]

A-Male to B-Male Cord

[@py3ham]

Hello! I hope you will excuse my bad English, but I will take a chance and try to give my opinion on the DACMagic 100. I am very DISSATISFIED because, a few months after the acquisition, I started to notice small and quick disconnections with automatic reclosing. It was unavailable for 1 or 2 seconds, then came back soon after. After a few more months, the device simply SWITCHED OFF on its own, requiring you to manually turn it back on. Yesterday, another problem for the collection: One of the channels was completely MUTE and, in the tests I did, I was sure to be in the DAC itself, as it continued to happen with other sources (CD, NoteBook, etc.) and , changing the position of the RCA connectors, and the same speaker remained silent. I confess to be VERY DISAPPOINTED and I thought it was important to expose my case so that others know the low quality of the product. A respectful hug!

[@ReviewTechTV]

Ok, according to Amazon you can return a product if it is faulty.

[@ojciecmajster]

can i connect headphones to this dac? i dont see mini jack output for headphones

[@ReviewTechTV]

Maybe the Pro-Ject Audio Pro Box S2 would be a better choice: ➜ amzn.to/3YlABlA

[@AuggieG]

I'd recommend the iFi Zen Dac v2 for headphones amp/ dac combo

[@greggur6161]

Good rewiu

[@ReviewTechTV]

Thanks, this DAC is a nice little USB audio interface, good for Apple TV or Mac.

[@arypma]

Hey man. Thanks for the info. Would it be possible to put chromecast and chromecast audio both on this dac?

[@ReviewTechTV]

Probably no, because you would need a Toslink or S/PDIF output, and the Google chromecast has only HDMI.

[@ReviewTechTV]

Chromecast audio may work, apparently it has an optical digital output.

[@arypma]

Thanks. Only 1 it'll be then

[@ReviewTechTV]

@@arypma The only thing, not sure if you can still buy the chromecast audio, they may have discontinued it.

[@suburbia2050]

@@arypma Im using the optical digital output on my Chromecast audio and you might be able to pick up a refurbished one or 2nd hand one on ebay or other outlets

[@78hrub]

does it read flac files?

[@ReviewTechTV]

Ok, according to Cambridge Audio the DAC has the following: ➜ techsupport.cambridgeaudio.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/115002506365/DacMagic_100_User_Manual_English.pdf

[@Luke-yn3ku]

What is the knob on top of the device?

[@ReviewTechTV]

Ok, you can find additional info on the DacMagic 100 here: ➜ techsupport.cambridgeaudio.com/hc/en-us/articles/200995571-DacMagic-100-Manual

[@Luke-yn3ku]

@@ReviewTechTV the reason I'm asking because there isn't any mention about it on the manual.

[@bobbyb6012]

Not a knob. It's the Cambridge Audio logo.

[@m00nraker39]

It's the Cambridge Audio logo. I believe it has no function.

[@jupitalynho2303]

Wat is that hack called. I mean the little white thing

[@ReviewTechTV]

It's just a ferrit bead.

[@wolandphotography]

good upgrade from x7 dac?

[@ReviewTechTV]

What's x7 DAC?

[@wolandphotography]

@@ReviewTechTV fx-audio x7 dac

[@ReviewTechTV]

@@wolandphotography Never heard about this brand, is it still sold?

[@wolandphotography]

@@ReviewTechTV yes, here specs; nautilus2.pl/fx-audio-dac-x7

[@alexkerrison411]

I have owned a DacMagic for over 6 years. It's much better than onboard audio but these days you can pick up a better DAC for much cheaper like Topping E30, D10S, Atom DAC.

[@mahadragon]

A DAC has 1 purpose, that's to improve the sound and you said absolutely nothing about how much it improved your sound. That was literally the only thing I was looking for in this review. Anyone who thinks this was a great review is nuts.

[@scottlowell493]

It irritates me to no end when I read reviews, and they do NOT use the optical output.

[@ReviewTechTV]

The DacMagic 100 is a digital to analogue converter that has USB, S/PDIF and TosLink.

[@ReviewTechTV]

More infos in the video description.

[@ReviewTechTV]

See the part where I connected the DAC via TosLink to the Apple TV.

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

You need to configure it as USB2.0 to be able to have 192khz. Sometimes reading the instruction manual before doing "reviews" could help.