Cambridge Audio Azure DacMagic-B

Cambridge Audio Azur DacMagic-B – Overview & Key Features

1. Purpose & Role

The Azur DacMagic-B is a standalone DAC designed to elevate the sound quality of various digital audio sources—CD/DVD players, computers, game consoles, and music servers—by bypassing built-in converters and delivering richer, more detailed analog audio. CrutchfieldHiFi.Fan

2. Core Technology & Audio Processing

• Dual Wolfson WM8740 24-bit DAC chips in a dual-differential configuration ensure excellent stereo imaging and minimized distortion. CrutchfieldHiFi Wiki

• Adaptive Time Filtering (ATF): this Cambridge Audio proprietary tech asynchronously upsamples incoming audio to 24-bit/192 kHz while reclocking the signal to reduce jitter and enhance clarity. CrutchfieldStereophile

• The unit allows for three selectable digital filters—Linear Phase, Minimum Phase, and Steep—to fine-tune the listening experience. Each input retains its last filter setting. CrutchfieldHiFi Engine

3. Connectivity

• Digital Inputs: Two coaxial S/PDIF, two optical (Toslink), and one USB Type B. CrutchfieldHiFi WikiStereophile

• Digital Outputs: Coaxial and optical for pass-through when switching sources such as DVD players. Crutchfield

• Analog Outputs: Both unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR), allowing noise-resistant high-fidelity connections. Both outputs can operate simultaneously. CrutchfieldHiFi Wiki

• Phase Inversion Switch for correcting out-of-phase signals. Crutchfield

4. Performance Specs

• Supported Sample Rates:

  • USB: 16-24 bit at 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz

  • S/PDIF/Toslink: up to 96 kHz; some sources indicate support up to 192 kHz via ATF. StereophileHiFi WikiCrutchfield

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.1 dB). CrutchfieldStereophile

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): As low as <0.001% at 1 kHz and 0 dBFS. Stereophile

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): ~112 dB. CrutchfieldStereophile

• Total Correlated Jitter: <130 ps. Stereophile

• Channel Separation: >100 dB at 1 kHz and >90 dB at 20 kHz. Stereophile

• Output Levels: 2.1 V RMS (unbalanced), 4.2 V RMS (balanced—2.1 V per phase). Output impedance ~50 ohms. Stereophile

5. Design & Build

• Chassis & Layout: Sturdy aluminum front panel and acoustically dampened steel casing help reduce vibration-induced distortion. Crutchfield

• Compact Size: Approx. 215 mm × 52 mm × 191 mm (width × height × depth); weight ~1.2 kg. It can be positioned horizontally with rubber feet or vertically using the included stand. Stereophile+1HiFi WikiCrutchfield

• Power: External supply; consumes around 18 W. HiFi WikiCrutchfield

• No Remote Control—controls are manual and input-specific. HiFi WikiHiFi.Fan

6. Performance & Listening Character

• Reviewers often note the warm, detailed, and expansive soundstage, attributing clarity and realism to its refined audio engineering. CrutchfieldWhat Hi-Fi?TechRadar

• TechRadar notes it sounds “clear and highly detailed,” with a remarkably neutral and rhythmic presentation. TechRadar

• What Hi-Fi? highlights its powerful yet subtle sound, though acknowledges its USB path is limited to lower sample rates, a shortcoming later addressed in successor models.

The Cambridge Audio Azur DacMagic-B is a robust, audiophile-friendly DAC that brings substantial improvements to your digital audio chain. Through superior components like the dual Wolfson DACs, thoughtful features such as ATF upsampling and filter selection, and flexible connectivity, it delivers warm, precise, and immersive sound—still closely admired years after its debut.