Aug. 17--Name: Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS
What it is: A mini amplifier that plugs into a computer to improve headphone sound from what the computer offers on its own.
How it works: Plug the little metal rectangle into your computer's USB port and, rather than plug the headphones directly into the computer, plug them into DacMagic XS. As Cambridge Audio, the maker of DacMagic XS says, the little machine "bypasses your computer's in-built digital-to-analogue converter, instead using its own high-quality 24-bit DAC." The result is louder, clearer sound.
The good: DacMagic does deliver a clear boost in sound: louder, brighter and clearer. Whether used while listening to music or watching a movie, audio comes alive. On a long plane flight spent watching a movie or two, it's a clear and useful upgrade (especially to help drown background noise). The volume control buttons are handy, and it's both usefully small, and its brushed metal body looks good. It's just 3.5 ounces.
The bad: Well, it's not inexpensive. And if you tend to have all your USB ports occupied, you might need to decide how and if improved audio fits into that equation.
Price: $189, but shop the Internet.
Available from: www.amazon.com, www.electronicsexpo.com and www.avhifi.com.
