"The Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS adds depth and detail to your digital files that you didn't know existed.“


United Kingdom,

DacMagic XS

Portable USB DAC





United Kingdom,






We know you won’t want to be without it, so we machined the DacMagic XS’s lightweight but hardwearing chassis from aluminium, for a total weight of just 100g.

The DacMagic XS is available in 5 stunning nishes, Titanium, Red, Gold, Blue and all Black. Take your pick.


When running in USB Class 2 mode, the DacMagic XS can also use our dedicated Windows USB Class 2 USB driver (driver not required for Apple computers). This allows you to bypass the computer operating system’s poor audio path, preventing unwanted interference and re-sampling and guaranteeing professional quality audio output. You don’t need to put up with bad sound from a laptop, ever again.

Key Features
Tech Specs


United Kingdom,

"It's a great choice for someone who wants to enjoy higher-quality music on the go."

Magnetic Mag

United States,

"A highly recommended piece of technology for anyone that is listening to a lot of music on their computer. For its output, size and price it truly is one of the best buys in the after market DAC marketplace."

Device Squad

United Kingdom,

'If you really want to hear your headphones, in-ears or external speakers as they were meant to be heard, get yourself one of these pocket-sized DAC converters from renowned sound specialists Cambridge Audio.'


United States,

“If price is no object and your music source has a USB jack, the better-finessed Dac Magic XS ( $189 at amazon.com) is an audiophile's dream come true.”

Trusted Reviews

United Kingdom,

"Boy does it deliver on the sonic front. It creates a huge, detailed soundstage that's full of warmth."

The Absolute Sound

United States,

"The DacMagic XS delivers a lot of functionality and sonic goodness for under $200. For audiophiles looking for a road warrior that will also be at home hooked up to any computer, portable, or desktop, and will successfully drive most headphones, the Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS DAC is a very affordable option."


United States,

"Headphone amps built into computers are disgraceful, too - hissing audibly, always. DacMagic XS from Cambridge Audio is a terrific work-around, a tiny, 5-ounce DAC (digital to analog converter) box that plugs into a computer's USB jack and puts out high-quality, ultra-low-distortion sound. Just add headphones and serve."



"I'm using my DacMagicXS every day with my Macbook Air and headphones. It's a very nice sound, and I'm  enjoying my music more now. I hope many Japanese Audiophiles get to know Cambridge Audio's sound."


United Kingdom,

"For the quality it brings to music it will be worth it."

The Batchelor Guy

United States,

"If you thought the pricey cans you treated yourself to sounded good before, just wait until you jack them into the XS and hear what digital music is supposed to sound like."

Life Hacker

United Kingdom,

"This matchbox-sized gadget is a boon for audiophiles who prefer to lose themselves in music during long haul flights."


United Kingdom,




"This little device is able to get a little closer to the experience of listening to music in a recording studio."

Hi-Fi Choice

United Kingdom,


Computer Shopper

United Kingdom,

"The DacMagic XS is a great way of easily upgrading laptop audio. It's built-in headphone amp with handy volume controls make it ideal if you need top-notch sound on the move."


United Kingdom,


Hi-Fi News

United Kingdom,

"The DacMagic XS has an upfront, engaging and punchy sound, but this never descends into hardness or sounds unpleasant. It is a dramatic improvement over the internal sound systems of an Apple Macbook Pro for example"

What Hi-Fi?

United Kingdom,

Best DAC under £100
"The best USB DAC if you're on a super tight budget, the DacMagic XS is truly portable, requiring no external battery, and connections are simple with just a USB input and 3.5mm output."

Sound & Vision

United Kingdom,


Witch Doctor

New Zealand,

"Kramer searches for flaws but finds little to fault in Cambridge Audio’s new DAC that also happens to be a headphone amp, and for a small cost will resurrect the ‘hi’ in fi coming out of your PC or Mac.“


Micro USB input, 3.5mm analogue output

Digital to analogue converter

ESS9023 24-bit DAC

Sample rates supported

USB 1.0 mode: 16/24-bit, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz USB 2.0 mode: 16/24-bit, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz

Output voltage


Max. power consumption


Min. headphone impedance

12 Ohms

Frequency response

+/-0.2dB 20Hz – 20kHz

THD (unweighted)


Signal to Noise Ratio

103 dBr (unweighted)

Crosstalk @ 1kHz


Output impedance

0.5 Ohms

Volume steps

53 steps (54 different volume levels)

Dimensions (WxHxD)



100g (3.5oz)