Aurum (if you're still here) -- Maybe this is your answer? -- JClarkW
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?goto/post&id=424751
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?goto/post&id=424751
My issues with this preamp DAC have nothing to do with its 'sound' or functionality, which is pretty high--more than I require for my PC. It's the ergonomic aspects.I would like to add my 12 cents re function and reliability of this DAC. I have owned DacMagic+ for 5 years, since 2016. The unit has been in every day use, except for my holidays or business trips. There has not been a single issue during this 5 year period.
Also, the volume control is wonky as hell. Amir commented on that in his review.
I should review the documentation. But I'll ask. Is there a way to bypass the volume pot?I use it with maximum volume setting so the volume knob is turned off. Analog volume control behind the DAC always gives better S/N than any kind of digital volume control. It is pointless to have great SINAD at 4V output level if the power amp accepts maximum of 0.6V input voltage to reach the maximum power. 16 dB is automatically lost with digital volume control. Level diagrams of the whole chain are not taken into account here.
for $350 there are lots of better options just like there were in 2019. I had a Topping DX7 in 2017 or 2018 and it has better performance and more features. Still works today after more than 20000 hours of usage.Sorry for bumping again this thread, just wanted to say thank you @amirm for taking the time to review this DAC. I started with a Dacmagic 100 and it sounded very good to me, then upgraded to the Dacmagic plus and I cannot be happier. I found this post while researching to make an upgrade after a couple of years having it (since 2018). I'm fully agree with @pma post above mentioning the whole features. I still cannot find a good reason to upgrade it.. I have it connected to a Sansui AU-717 and it sounds awesome, the USB input using Foobar2000 with ASIO driver, a Bluesound Node N130 to make the Sansui "modern" using the Coax input and it also sounds great. I'm using the ****** volume knob because if I leave it with the pre-amp mode disabled, I cannot rise the Sansui's volume more than 1/4 because it's very loud. I would like to have a remote control for the volume mainly.
I'm tempted to upgrade to a Dacmagic 200 but only because it has a newer DAC chip but it has no digital output but it's not something I really use..
On the other hand, based on the connectivity, price and SQ, I cannot find any other replacement to be honest..
I don't think my jds element is any better than the dac magic that I used to own.for $350 there are lots of better options just like there were in 2019. I had a Topping DX7 in 2017 or 2018 and it has better performance and more features. Still works today after more than 20000 hours of usage.
There is JDS Labs as well as other companies that provide affordable high quality products. So DacMagic isn't the only company providing something decent.
If you feel the need to upgrade after all these years and you want to stay with the same brand then see if there is a review on the newer model.
Which version do you have?I don't think my jds element is any better than the dac magic that I used to own.