Wish I had one.
Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus Power Supply Question
Hi,Does anyone who owns a DacMagic Plus upgrade the "Wall Wart" power supply to something more substantial? If you did, have you realized an improvement in SQ and can you explain the improvement? Additionally, where did you source the upgraded power supply and what was the cost? I really like this little overachiever and would like to squeeze the best possible performance out of it. The unit sounds great as it is, but would a better power supply improve it further? Just as a note, my interface cabling is of very good quality as is my power conditioning.
Thank you! I really appreciate your feedback!
Thank you! I really appreciate your feedback!
12 responses Add your response
I have a Cambridge 851C and by itself it is a fine player and the DAC inside it is a step up from the DacMagic plus. I run my 851C with Synergistic Black fuses and a WyWires Silver Juice II Digital power cord which has really transformed the Cambridge. The DacMagic is a great little DAC and no doubt changing to a LPS is going to improve things but if you want a big step up in performance I’d look at other DAC’s. I still have my 851C but now run it into a RME ADI 2fs DAC and even with its switched power supply it pounced on the Cambridge. Later I did add a Teddy Pardo LPS to my RME and it did improve things across the board. |
To answer your question YES - a better power supply will definitely improve the performance. The sBooster made a noticeable increase in SQ in my system -increased bass, soundstage and imaging were immediately noticed, along with increased clarity in vocals ( words to well known songs that had been uncertain before were now becoming recognizable). I got mine from Upscale Audio here in California, ~ $400. I had reservations about spending $400 on a dac that cost $550 when new, but not after it was in my system. Try it out, Upscale offers a return policy if you are not satisfied. Order it specifically for the DacMagic Plus and it will come with the necessary adapter. My system: Sony C222ES to DacMagic to Rogue Pharaoh to Martin Logan Montis via Black Cat coax, Darwin Ascension + and Goertz Veracity cabling, respectively |
I just changed to this:
iFi iPower Low Noise DC Power Supply with International Travel Adapters 12V I also had to buy SoulBay 34pcs Universal Laptop Notebook Input DC Plug Set Jack Tips because the tips with the IFI did not fit. So it cost me 62.00 total and I do notice it's cleaner and allows me to play louder without the congestion I heard often before. I played Seagul by Bad Company to test because I know the song so well. The background is blacker for sure to my ears. System is Rogue SPHYNX v3, Cambridge - DACMagic 100, Oppo BDP 93, ROTEL RDV 985 and Focal Chorus 706 speakers |
Great article @david_ten . Thanks, I'm going to bookmark it. The SQ of any component will be improved by replacing the wall-wart with a LPS. I've been researching LPS's here on the forum and the Uptone Audio gets very high marks, too bad the price went up... https://uptoneaudio.com/products/ultracap-lps-1-2 Also, the Uptone only has a 1.1A output, so it's for small devices. Teddy Pardo is another highly ranked LPS (using a toroidal transformer) https://www.teddypardo.com/powersupplies.html This LPS was recommended to me recently. Looks to be very high quality... http://keces-audio-usa.com/products Swagman Labs has been getting some good buzz; perhaps the best of the Chinese sourced power supplies... http://www.swagmanlab.com/Linear-Power-Supplies Teradak is the popular choice for a budget LPS. Built in China using quality parts, the reviews on the build quality is mixed; but for the money it might be worth trying. Available on Ebay... https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=teradak+power+supply&_... |
Linear Power Supplies will make a difference. You do get what you pay for, as you move up in quality (and cost). I recommend spending a bit more to cover yourself vis a vis quality as well as flexibility to use with multiple voltage and amperage. Here is a good introduction and primer ’article’ from Jay Luong / Audio Bacon: https://audiobacon.net/2018/06/29/linear-power-supplies-for-audiophiles-getting-closer-to-live/ I use Uptone Audio and HDPLEX LPSs. |
There are several options out there ranging from $20 to $400. I’m probably using the cheapest linear power supply with mine and can’t say if it sounds better but it definitely does not sound worse. I think any external PS is better than that cheap wall wart. https://www.parts-express.com/power-supply-regulated-3-12-vdc-2a-6-way--120-536 This one is also a good reasonable option: http://www.swagmanlab.com/Product_PSU?product_id=599 |