Cambridge Audio S-700 DACs Reviews

Price Paid:  $99.00 from Richer Sounds UK

Summary:
Although discontinued the S700 (Isomagic) represents a cheap but very high quality choice of DAC. Most people will use it as a supplement to another brand of CD player; I use it in conjunction with the Cambridge DiscMagic transport, made by the same company. Both items were designed by a former designer for Pink Triangle, and share a secret: they both have connections for 'Clock Link" where the transport can be slaved to the DAC's internal clock. The result of this is a radically improved sense of timing and focus, making CDs crystal clear and intensely foot tapping. Stereo imagery improves, but best of all is the completely natural and relaxed sound produced by the combination, similar to high end (high cost!) DACs. I have heard a friend's Mark Levinson combo so I know! The DiscMagic/Isomagic S700 combo transcends its price bracket when used with clock link - how sad that few will hear this combination. Hint: the clocklink is optical, for best results use an optical link for the datastream as well. Connected using AES/EBU co-axial cable the DAC would occasionally lose sync and mute momentarily. A Nordost optical cable for the datastream prevents this. Also check the phase of your loudspeakers as I believe the S700 to be phase inverting at its output.

Strengths:
The greatest hidden bargain in hifi history - open, rhythmic, easy to listen to sound from a DAC that is cheaper to buy than anything else on the market. Cheap enough to throw away if you don't like it. Audiophile sound at pocket-money prices.

Weaknesses:
The clock link only works with a Cambridge Audio transport as far as I know as there is no standard for the data protocol. Now discontinued in Britain so only available secondhand. Also uses a non-standard external power supply - cannot be plugged directly into wall socket.

Similar Products Used:
Cambridge Audio DACmagic 1, Marants CD65 used as a transport and standalone CD player.

Price Paid:  $100.00 from Richer sounds

Summary:
Let me put this in perspective: I bought this to use with a DVD player, because they have yet to produce good sound. Given the context, the Cambridge is impressive, especially at the price. Compared to my Pioneer DVD, it's in a different ball park: this is a hi fi component, DVD players are not, at least not at the moment. Being polite (see my review elsewhere) the Pioneer DVD 444 is a good home theatre source, but for CDs it's brash, bass light and lacking in clarity. Switch in the Cambridge, and suddenly you're back in hi-fi land.

That said, how does it compare to purpose built cd players? Well, if you're looking for a Copland beater, this isn't it. If you're comparing it to an Arcam or Marantz machine (except the redoubtable CD 17), then the S700 is going to improve your system. It's a little bright, but the detail, depth and timing are all there. Bass is a touch light, but after listening to the decay of a brush on the cymbals, you aren't going to mind. The negatives are the lack of an on/off switch, a particular pain since the Cambridge must be switched on before the CD transport, and the BNC connectors. Oh, and the fact it takes a lot more than the 36 hours it suggests to run in; 72 at a minimum, I'd suggest.

I've only given this Dac a 4 star rating because of the operational quirks, but it's a fine piece of equipment. If you have a DVD player and want to use it in your hi fi system, it's a must. In fact, at the $100 Richer Sounds were throwing it away at, it's a must anyway.

Strengths:
Clarity, detail.

Weaknesses:
No on/off switch; no optical out; bnc coax connectors only.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $400.00 from hifi attic vernon b.c

Summary:
this works very well in my system, i'm using an audiorefinement cd player for a transport. mids,
vocals and such are glorious, everything sounds
very natural, cycmbals sound like cymbals, and
the dynamics are great.check out review at
uhfmag.com. it was highly praised.

Strengths:
mids and hi's. detail

Weaknesses:
none, other than a low output voltage only 1.8 volts

Similar Products Used:
link

Price Paid:  $275.00 from Richerssound

Summary:
Cool stuf for the money and almost high-end in my humble opinion.

Strengths:
HDCD Decoder,detail,space,air.

Weaknesses:
no on off switch.

Similar Products Used:
none in this price range