Cambridge Dacmagic? Real improvmt or hype?


I have zero appreciable diff using this dac and wondering if it is real or hype or am I not hooking it up properly. I have a McCormack DNA-1 / Adcom GFP 750/ and Rotel RDV 1050. Also connected a western digital media player into the dac.
I use optical toslink to connect cd and media player to the dac and then analog rca from dac to preamp?
Would using the balanced outputs make a significant diff?
astor212
I used to be a Cambridge Audio dealer and found this piece to be quite transport/source dependent, regardless of what the reviews say in that regard. With some sources, it worked very well and I felt it was excellent value for the money. With some other sources, the performance just wasn't there. That probably explains many different opinions about this piece. I prefer 75 ohm coax, but I've had good results using a better quality toslink with it as well.
Balanced would make more of an audible difference than optical vs. coax (unless you are running over 50 feet of digital). Don't buy into the Audiophool hype.
Glass toslink is the way to go, you may want to try that out before moving on. A quick google search for one will yield several options, some inexpensive.
I love Toslink myself. But that shouldn't matter. I'm more likely to believe that the dacmagic is your weak spot considering the rest of your gear. IMHO. Have you considered trying out some other higher-end dacs in your rig? You may be surprised.

Regards
Wow you guys are the terrific! I have enough suggestions to follow to keep me busy till New Years. Thank you so much for all your responses. Thanks so much