Dac Duel: Which Reigns Supreme? Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 100 Vs Musical Fidelity V90
What To Know
- The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 exudes a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a sturdy aluminum chassis and a clear acrylic top panel.
- In contrast, the Musical Fidelity V90 boasts a more traditional aesthetic, with a brushed aluminum front panel and a solid steel chassis.
- The DacMagic 100 is ideal for those seeking a neutral and detailed sound, while the V90 caters to listeners who prefer a warmer and more immersive listening experience.
In the realm of audiophile sound, the choice of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is paramount. Two contenders that have captured the attention of audio enthusiasts are the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 and the Musical Fidelity V90. Both renowned for their exceptional performance, these DACs promise to elevate your listening experience to new heights. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricate details of the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 vs. Musical Fidelity V90, unveiling their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately determining which one reigns supreme.
Design and Build Quality
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 exudes a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a sturdy aluminum chassis and a clear acrylic top panel. In contrast, the Musical Fidelity V90 boasts a more traditional aesthetic, with a brushed aluminum front panel and a solid steel chassis. Both DACs are built to last, ensuring years of reliable performance.
Connectivity and Features
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 offers a comprehensive array of connectivity options, including USB, coaxial, optical, and balanced XLR inputs. Additionally, it features a headphone amplifier with a dedicated 6.35mm jack. The Musical Fidelity V90 is equally well-equipped, providing USB, coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU inputs, along with a 3.5mm headphone output.
Audio Performance
At the heart of any DAC lies its audio performance. The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 delivers a clear and detailed sound with a wide and spacious soundstage. Its balanced sound signature ensures that no frequency range dominates, resulting in a natural and engaging listening experience.
The Musical Fidelity V90, on the other hand, is known for its warm and rich sound. It produces a lush and immersive soundstage, with a slightly emphasized bass response that adds warmth and depth to the music.
Technical Specifications
Let’s delve into the technical specifications of both DACs:
| Feature | Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 | Musical Fidelity V90 |
| — | — | — |
| Chipset | ESS Sabre ES9018K2M | ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M |
| Sampling Rate | Up to 384 kHz/32-bit | Up to 768 kHz/32-bit |
| Dynamic Range | 116 dB | 120 dB |
| THD+N | <0.0003% | <0.0005% |
Subjectivity and Preference
Ultimately, the choice between the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 and the Musical Fidelity V90 boils down to personal preference. The DacMagic 100 is ideal for those seeking a neutral and detailed sound, while the V90 caters to listeners who prefer a warmer and more immersive listening experience.
Recommendations: The Verdict
Both the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 and the Musical Fidelity V90 are exceptional DACs that offer a superb listening experience. The DacMagic 100 shines with its neutral sound signature and comprehensive connectivity options, while the V90 impresses with its warm and engaging sound.
The victor in this DAC duel depends on your individual preferences. If you prioritize a natural and detailed sound, the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 is the ideal choice. However, if you seek a warmer and more immersive listening experience, the Musical Fidelity V90 will undoubtedly captivate your ears.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Which DAC has a wider dynamic range?
The Musical Fidelity V90 has a slightly wider dynamic range of 120 dB compared to the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100’s 116 dB.
2. What type of headphone amplifier does the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 feature?
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 features a dedicated 6.35mm headphone amplifier.
3. Does the Musical Fidelity V90 support higher sampling rates than the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100?
Yes, the Musical Fidelity V90 supports sampling rates up to 768 kHz/32-bit, while the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 supports up to 384 kHz/32-bit.