Dac Showdown: Ifi Zen Dac V2 Vs Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 200M

In the realm of digital audio, the choice of a dedicated DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) can significantly elevate your musical experience. Two highly regarded contenders in this arena are the iFi Zen DAC V2 and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M. This in-depth analysis will explore their key features, performance, and value proposition to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The iFi Zen DAC V2 boasts an elegant and compact design with a solid aluminum chassis. Its understated aesthetic complements any desktop setup. The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M, on the other hand, features a sleek and modern design with a high-quality metal casing. Both devices exude a premium feel and are built to last.

Connectivity and Features

iFi Zen DAC V2:

• USB-B input for digital audio from computers
• Optical and coaxial inputs for digital audio from other sources
• Headphone output with adjustable gain
• Line-level RCA outputs

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M:

• USB-B input for digital audio from computers
• Optical and coaxial inputs for digital audio from other sources
• Headphone output with adjustable gain
• Line-level RCA outputs
• Balanced XLR outputs

The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M offers the additional feature of balanced XLR outputs, which provide a cleaner and more powerful signal path for compatible amplifiers and speakers.

Audio Performance

DAC Chip:

The iFi Zen DAC V2 utilizes the Burr-Brown True Native DAC chip, which supports up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD256. The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M employs the ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M DAC chip, which offers similar high-resolution audio support.

Sound Signature:

The iFi Zen DAC V2 delivers a balanced and detailed sound with a slightly warm and musical character. It excels at revealing subtle nuances and textures in your music. The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M, in contrast, offers a more neutral and analytical sound signature, providing a precise and accurate representation of the source material.

Headphone Amplification:

Both devices offer headphone outputs with adjustable gain. The iFi Zen DAC V2 provides a more powerful headphone amp, capable of driving demanding headphones with ease. The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M’s headphone amp is slightly less powerful but still suitable for most headphones.

Features and Functionality

iFi Zen DAC V2:

• XBass and XSpace modes for enhancing bass and soundstage
• TrueBass and PowerMatch technologies for improved headphone performance
• DSD256 support
• MQA decoding support

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M:

• User-selectable filters for customizing the sound signature
• 768kHz/32-bit PCM support
• DSD512 support
• Bluetooth aptX HD support

The iFi Zen DAC V2 offers a wider range of features and functionalities, including MQA decoding support and enhanced headphone performance technologies. The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M, however, provides higher resolution support for PCM and DSD formats.

Value Proposition

iFi Zen DAC V2:

• Excellent sound quality with a warm and musical character
• Powerful headphone amp
• Wide range of features and functionalities
• Affordable price point

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M:

• Neutral and analytical sound signature
• Balanced XLR outputs for improved signal quality
• Higher resolution support for PCM and DSD
• Slightly higher price point

The iFi Zen DAC V2 offers exceptional value for money, providing a well-balanced combination of sound quality, features, and affordability. The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M, while slightly more expensive, delivers a more analytical sound and higher resolution support, making it a good choice for discerning audiophiles.

Final Verdict

Both the iFi Zen DAC V2 and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M are excellent DACs that offer exceptional sound quality and features. The iFi Zen DAC V2 is an excellent choice for those seeking a warm and musical sound with a wide range of features at an affordable price. The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M is a suitable option for those seeking a neutral and analytical sound with higher resolution support and balanced XLR outputs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and budget.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which DAC has a more powerful headphone amp?
A: The iFi Zen DAC V2 has a more powerful headphone amp capable of driving demanding headphones.

Q: Which DAC has balanced XLR outputs?
A: The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M has balanced XLR outputs for improved signal quality.

Q: Which DAC supports MQA decoding?
A: The iFi Zen DAC V2 supports MQA decoding, while the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M does not.