Any MDA200 Owners?
 

So a few weeks ago I upgraded my C2700 preamp to the C12000. I absolutely love it. The phono stage alone was worth the upgrade. However...I'm really missing the DA2 DAC in the C2700.

I'm considering the new MDA200, but the other piece of the equation is that my current streamer is a Bluesound Node. Definitely the weak link in my system. The Node's DAC, at least.

From all accounts, McIntosh doesn't really have a good streaming transport offering right now. Maybe they will down the road. But for the time being, I'm struggling with the decision of getting the MDA200 and just using my Node as transport for now (all I really stream is Qobuz) or looking at something outside of the McIntosh lineup that's both streamer and DAC, like something from Lumin, Aurender, Auralic, etc. My budget is pretty much the $4k price of the MDA200.

I sort of feel like a separate DAC is better in the long run, especially considering something like the MDA200 which can easily be upgraded if/when McIntosh release a DA3 module. But for ~$4k, is the MDA200 a wise buy, or are there better options to consider? Struggling between wanting to keep the system as "McIntosh-y" as I can and getting the best streaming option within my budget. Would appreciate any and all advice.

+1, yes absolutely, whatever you decide, go with your instincts and get a separate DAC. Things with digital change too quickly to compromise with an integrated solution. If you can find a one-box solution that isn't a compromise, just give it time. It'll be compromised soon enough, which will be all too soon.

Your Node's streamer is also much weaker than your McIntosh gear, and I'm with cleeds on a separate DAC. I love my Mc amps, but I would sacrifice the uniform visual appearance and go with one of the streamers you listed and a DAC from a company that is focused on DACs such as Schiit, Berkeley, or dCS

I'd go with the MDA200, definitely.

Best

Charles

I like yourself wrestled with keeping the system all McIntosh but in my experiences there are much better DACs out there for the price.

When whole house listening a Vault2i is used to feed the DA2 in the c2700 so music can be heard as one moves around the house. Each living space has speakers and it’s simple and easy. Especially for my wife.

But, in the evening when I just want to do some critical listening I use the Baltic 3 feed by the Opticalrendu which then is connected to the c2700 XLR. The sound is wonderful. That’s my experiences and journey.

There is no right or wrong answer here. Decide first where you’re priority lie. Is it the best possible sound, an all McIntosh look, convenience or something else. Once you set weight to those areas your answer will be a little clearer.

I would listen to a number of different DAC’s before committing to a purchase.
Personal preference and system synergy play a big role in DAC selection.

For example I prefer non-over sampling R2R DAC’s having proprietary filters. McIntosh does not currently offer this type of DAC as the MDA 1000 is out of production.

I just upgraded my preamp to the C2700 in order to get the DA2. I have not done anything with it yet. I have looked at streaming but am more interested in getting my cd collection stored and playing.

IC, Every system is so unique, it is unwise to draw conclusions based on other folks systems. You liked the sound you got with your 2700. IMO you are getting a better DAC with the separates (C-12000 and MDA200), than with the 2700. Yes, it's the same module but there's more to the MDA200 than just the DA2 Module. Separates always sound better, IMO. I'm a believer in sound signatures. I think you will be much happier having your new C-12000 connected to a Mac DAC. You should concentrate on the best digital coaxial cable and power cords that you can afford. My WEL's and Dragons that connect my MCT500 and MVP881 to my D1100 cost as much as the units themselves and as Ivan will tell your connections and power make a huge difference in the sound.

BTW, huge congrats on your C-12000. I wish I had one. If you choose the MDA200, it will look amazing next to your C-12000. And you are correct, according to my friend at Mac, the phono stage is truly special in the C-12000.

Best

Charles

Thank you, everyone, for your comments. Lots of good advice and suggestions of things to give some more thought to. I appreciate it!

Thanks, Charles! It was definitely a somewhat impulsive splurge. I was considering the upgrade, just hadn’t intended to do it quite so soon. But I walked into my dealer to just talk to them about it, and they had just taken one out of the box and had set it up in their reference system. I played with it for a couple hours, and took it home that night. I just turned 50, so this was a bit of a milestone birthday “happy birthday to me” moment…

I’m curious about your thoughts on your D1100 DAC compared to the MDA200. I saw someone mention in a separate post here that the D1100 is considered a reference level DAC. Where does the MDA200 fall in comparison? I think they both use Sabre chips. 9018 in the D1100 and 9028 pro in the DA2 module, but I honestly don’t know the differences other than the 9028 is newer. Which doesn’t necessarily mean better. And then of course there are all the other components that go into the overall unit. Power supply, output stage, etc.

The D1100 is an 8 channel, 32 bit, Quad balanced DAC. Half dedicated to the left channel, and half dedicated to the right. Everything is isolated and it operates in true dual mono mode.

I used to use the D1100 as a Preamp/DAC before moving to the C22 Preamp. The D1100 is just used exclusively as a DAC in my system and it shines. As others have said here, separates are better and that is my opinion as well.

IC, the MDA200 is not a true reference DAC. If Mac were to build a stand alone reference DAC it would be similar to the MCD12000, which is meant to be the companion to your C12000.

If you notice the stand alone phono pre is the MP1100, which was meant to be the companion to the C-1100 pre as is also the D1100. Essentially, the C12000/MCD12000 is the replacement for the C1100/D1100/MP1100, both of which are McIntosh reference gear.

Unlike many, I choose not to chase the latest chip or discrete DAC design because I believe the key is in the details, i.e., the overall design of the total gear involved. I think your question should be: "What is the sonic difference between an MCD12000/C12000 and an MDA200/C12000.

According to my Mac friend who is an engineer, the MCD12000 has a better DAC than the D1100 and is dual mono, i.e., a true reference tube DAC built by McIntosh. I believe this combo to be my choice for the best vinyl/digital on the market today.

I believe that an MDA200/C12000 combo competitive with my gear: D1100/MCT500. As to which one I would ultimately choose, I would choose mine for several reasons. The D1100 is a true reference quality Mac preamp and the DAC is also of reference quality. I have no interest in vinyl.

If I owned a C1100/D1100/MP1100 combo I would not be envious of the C12000/MCD12000, but I would choose the latter if forced to choose.

This brings me back to your original question about the MDA200 not being a true reference. I believe that you have two choices: go with your original gut instinct: C12000/MDA200 or upgrade to the current true reference: C12000/MCD12000. A replacement for the D1100 is not coming anytime soon, if ever.

I'm content with the choice I made. I believe that you can't go wrong with either of the above choices. What has happened to you has happened to every serious audiophile. You bought a piece of gear that is a true reference that you did not plan on buying. But there it was in all its splendor. You took it home. The rest is history. It's a beauty. It really is, but it's also a hot potato because it has put you on the path of upgrade disease. I say this tongue in cheek but also quite seriously.

Of course the current true Mac reference will sound better, but the MDA200 is a fine stand alone McIntosh DAC, totally compatible with your beautiful C12000. Either way (choice) only your wallet can loose. :yes:

Best

Charles

p.s.

Congratulations on your 50th. We all need that excuse to justify our over the top purchase, don't we?

Go for it! MDA200 looks like a fine DAC. HDMI input is a plus too, if are subscribing to YouTube Premium.

I seriously considered it too - and I have Aurender N30SA. Delivery was a problem.