Quote:
Originally Posted by cleeds
Unless you're tight on budget or space, I can't see the logic in buying a component with an integrated DAC. There's so much more potential versatility and upgradeability in an outboard DAC.
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Normally I’d think you are correct. In this case though, the integrated DAC is modular and can be upgraded — on both the Preamp and the standalone DAC.
The DA2 is sold as a standalone upgrade module for $1k. Is there anything special McIntosh has done with this DA2 implementation that makes it better than the C2700? If not, that would imply the MDA200 is a $1k DAC with a $3k enclosure. Only 25% of the cost is in the part that makes the sound…
I can see that this might be useful for those without DA2 integrated, but the value prop implied by the standalone DA2 price is a little strange.