Price Paid:  $200.00 from Second Hand Shop

Summary:
Basically I just want to echo waht has already been said. I got this cheap in a second hand shop and used it to replace my old Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 2. Partnered with the Cambridge Audio Discmagic 1 transport, it sounds fantastic with a sweet treble and a full, deep bass which the old dacmagic never got anywhere near producing. I run it into an Exposure Super XV amp and a pair of TDL RTL3 speakers and I am more than happy with the resultant sound. Second hand, this is a superb buy for someone wanting to upgrade their old CD if it has a digital output. The only fly in the ointment is that you can use 1 electrical source and 1 optical source and thats your lot. Nitpicking really.

Strengths:
Simple, Well Built, Sounds Great

Weaknesses:
Could do with more inputs

Similar Products Used:
Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 1&2

Summary:
I recently moved from an older NAD 5335 w/ only RCA outputs to a Cambridge CD-4 and Arcam BB50. I was skeptical on how much better my system would sound. Wow, it made a big difference. It probably isn't fair to compare it to my old NAD. The dynamics are greater, the Bass extends deeper. The treble is like one of those things you never knew you were missing, but now you have it you can never give it up. I bought it from a dealer going out of business. He told me it retailed for 900, I got mine for 150. I would give my value rating an 8 if it were possible. I give it a 4 if you buy it new, because 900 is ALOT of money to me and I haven't compared it to another DAC. I highly recomend this component. Other components: Cambridge CD-4, AudioSource AmpOne, Yamaha C-60 preamp, Wharfedale Emerald 97 Loudspeakers (British)

Strengths:
Full Bottom End
Treble is sweet as honey
Compliments my other British components

Weaknesses:
None I can tell