Digital Drive: REVIEW: Aeolus Audio magiDAC DAC Processors by Hi-Fi Low-Life

Model:	magiDAC
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$325.00
Description:	Purely passive output stage
Manufacturer URL:	Aeolus Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by Hi-Fi Low-Life on August 17, 2008 at 14:43:55
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for the magiDAC

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein

I believe that simplicity of the signal path will yield the purest sound possible and this has been the guiding principle behind my h-fi system choices. That is why I chose simple, highly efficient, wide band speakers, which can be driven by a basic vacuum tube amplification circuit that contains only a handful of parts.

The Aeolus Audio magiDAC caught my attention because of the simplicity of its output stage. After the DAC chip there is only a resistor and transformer… that‘s it! There are no op-amps, transistors, tubes, capacitors, filters or feedback to muck-up the sound. Intrigued, I ordered the standard unit without the optional transformer or digital clock upgrades.

When the DAC arrived, I was quite impressed by its extruded aluminum case and high quality fit and finish. Because my Cambridge transport offers digital volume control, I was able to connect the DAC directly into my *power amplifier for the simplest signal path possible.

Listening to this DAC, the first thing I noticed was that the high frequency hash I had previously heard using the Cambridge transport’s internal DAC is now completely gone. The magiDAC just seems to let the music flow out of it in a way that is tonally and spatially natural. With the very best recordings, the musicians and their instruments seem to be right there in the room with you. It has been a blast playing all my favorite discs and feeling as if I am hearing, for the very first time, just how good they truly are!

If you are in the market for a well-built, good sounding, affordable DAC that provides a lot of bang-for-the-buck, I do not see how you could go wrong with this one. This DAC should be on your audition list even if your budget is substantially higher than the magiDAC’s $325 retail price. BTW, I have no affiliation with Aeolus Audio or Audiomagus other than being a happy customer.

(* My tube amplifier has high input impedance, which is an easy load for the DAC to drive… YMMV.)

Comcast reliability is an oxymoron!

Product Weakness:	The indicator LEDs are too bright, but this is a very minor issue.
Product Strengths:	Sonics. Apprearance. Value.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Triode strapped, push-pull EL84 based tube amp.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Cambridge Audio transport
Speakers: Fostex in back loaded horns.
Cables/Interconnects: Tweek Geeks silver digital. Monster
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, rock, jazz.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): APC
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Triode strapped, push-pull EL84 based tube amp.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Cambridge Audio transport
Speakers:	Fostex in back loaded horns.
Cables/Interconnects:	Tweek Geeks silver digital. Monster
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, rock, jazz.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	APC
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner