VMP Gear Review: The Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS - USB DAC / Headphone Ampit

picture via head-fi.com

Most audiophiles have seen headphone amps in relation to a home hi-fi system, but Cambridge Audio has created a DAC / Headphone Amp designed to be used with your computer, greatly enhancing the audio output of movies, music & even apps like Skype.  Here are a few of the features:

• Plugs into PC/Mac via a single USB connection for both power and audio

• Dramatically improves audio quality on all digital audio, including MP3s, high res audio files (e.g. FLAC or WAV), streaming services, films and games

• Headphone amplifier built in for deeper bass and times more power than a standard laptop headphone output

• Portable Headphone Amp is easy to use and small enough to be carried anywhere and everywhere

• Connect your laptop to your hifi system for better sound at home too

• Built to last with sturdy aluminum casing

If music is a lifestyle for you rather than just something you dabble in from time-to-time, and ESPECIALLY if you spend a lot of time listening to music via your laptop, you owe it to yourself to upgrade your listening experience.  At $199, the DacMagic is a small investment, but one that is worth the reward of hearing the spittle coming from Joe Cocker’s mouth during “The Letter” or the stomach-churning bass of James Blake’s “No Limit To Your Love”.