As many members as many views when it comes to choosing a network streamer and DAC. Well, I have decided on an AXN10 chained to a DacMagic 200M over digital coax. And there are some subtle gems hidden in this particular combo, compared to just relying upon the AXN10 integrated DAC, or even the CXN100.
There is a sense of space, timbral nuance, natural decay in stage acoustics, with no harshness in treble. It becomes more than technical fidelity - it is emotional fidelity, too. More so than just running the AXN10 via analog output. How is this achieved and what in particular of this chain factors into this pleasant performance? Let me tell you what I reckon after a chat with Copilot on the matter:
Separating the AXN10 from the DAC avoids electromagnetic interference (EMI) from streaming modules to DAC and DAC analogue stages.
The AXN10 optimizes buffer design, which ensures we have virtually no streaming artefacts and jitter issues upstream of the DacMagic.
The DacMagic implements jitter correction through reclocking, which eliminates any incoming jitter. Since I also pass my CD player through here, I benefit on both source paths.
The DacMagic uses an external power supply, again avoiding internal EMI.
The DacMagic uses dual ESS9028Q2M DACs, each in mono mode. One has to move substantially upmarket to the EXN100 to get a comparable configuration from CA. The secondary channel of each DAC does dynamic error correction for its stereo channel. This results in improved linearity, near zero phase distortion - improved acoustic fidelity.
The selectable slow filter on the DacMagic avoids ringing feedback through inter-frequency modulation in tweeters and gives excellent linearity in phase and frequency response - especially with hires recordings, where the roll-off starts later in the frequency spectrum because the Nyquist frequency moves up. So low amplitude detail above 10kHz where acoustic detail lurks, comes across more accurately than otherwise. I prefer the slow filter to the fast linear filter for this reason.
I suspect the DacMagic 200M implements a particularly high-quality analog output stage.
With hires music, the slow filter and additional error correction in the DacMagic combines with the stable buffering and timing in the AXN10 to deliver the following benefits:
preserve microdynamics in volume and timing (like breath sounds and string resonance) with fewer artefacts, by minimizing timing smearing
Maintain sharp attack through transient accuracy without significant overshoot or audible ringing (causing brightness)
Ensure realistic sound stage through timing precision and stereo channel balance
The combo of AXN10 and DacMagic 200M cost me the equivalent of 1000 quid. But I challenge many integrated streamers (internal DAC) or even alternative combos to beat the sound performance I am getting for the same money.