New MDA200 DAC

[PeterMusic]

I guess this might be nice for someone who already owns a C22 and wants to upgrade a low end DAC, and that it cost almost nothing to develop since it's all existing subcomponents. But not really a significant product--the obvious solution for someone who wants a DA2 is C2700.

[JBT]

How do you know it's a low end DAC?

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

... not really a significant product--the obvious solution for someone who wants a DA2 is C2700.

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.

[binlove]

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.

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.

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

...... not really a significant product--the obvious solution for someone who wants a DA2 is C2700.

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.

I see an argument for both cases. When I purchased my C2700 the DA2 did play a part in my decision. It satisfied my DAC needs for a period of time until I ventured into a stand along DAC. I now use the DA2 DAC when listening to music throughout the house but the Baltic3 is used for those late night listening sessions. The fact the DA2 could be upgraded at a later date didn't hurt.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by JBT

How do you know it's a low end DAC?

I did not mean DA2 is a low end DAC, I meant upgrade from a low end DAC. I think of the low end in DACs as a few hundred dollars in price. I would put this in the mid tier range, similar to a Schiit Yggdrasil. I'd start the high end at around $10K. (Of course, that's not to say price is a perfect indicator of sonics)

But the bigger point is that there is nothing to suggest this is a significant product. I wish they'd focus on moving us forward instead of retreads

[McMan]

MDA200 is a swiss army knife kind of product. Yes, it can be a stand-alone DAC, upgradeable with beautiful sound. Also, an entry-level Mc digital pre-amplifier for individuals who want to get into separates but looking for modern-looking / simplistic pieces. An excellent stepping stone into the world of MAC. We all started somewhere. For me, it was MA6300 many years ago.

A low-profile, sleek system might look like the following.
MDA200 / MI502
MDA200 / MC152

I like it, but I will not be buying one. Instead, I want an MDA12000 with the highest sound quality, build quality, and legendary McIntosh value that the C12000 possesses. I believe this is what a lot of us McIntosh Fans desire.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by McMan

MDA200 is a swiss army knife kind of product. Yes, it can be a stand-alone DAC, upgradeable with beautiful sound. Also, an entry-level Mc digital pre-amplifier for individuals who want to get into separates but looking for modern-looking / simplistic pieces. An excellent stepping stone into the world of MAC. We all started somewhere. For me, it was MA6300 many years ago.

A low-profile, sleek system might look like the following.
MDA200 / MI502
MDA200 / MC152

I like it, but I will not be buying one. Instead, I want an MDA12000 with the highest sound quality, build quality, and legendary McIntosh value that the C12000 possesses. I believe this is what a lot of us McIntosh Fans desire.

McMan, what you desire would be nice but doubt it will happen. I think Mac chose against the existence of this potential piece with the MCD12000/C12000/MC3500 trio. I don't see much advantage in an MDA12000 over the DAC in the MCD12000. You would need a new transport to complement the new reference standalone DAC. I personally think Mac should build your preference but don't believe it will happen.: yes:

Best

Charles

[McMan]

I appreciate your perspective, and after taking a closer look at the MCD12000, I believe that to be the case.

I have not used a CD in a very long time, so that is the reason why I did not even consider the statement DAC was done.

MCD12000 is a beautiful piece. Have you seen or heard it yet?

[Charles]

Originally Posted by McMan

I appreciate your perspective, and after taking a closer look at the MCD12000, I believe that to be the case.

I have not used a CD in a very long time, so that is the reason why I did not even consider the statement DAC was done.

MCD12000 is a beautiful piece. Have you seen or heard it yet?

I have not. I need to drop by Hi-Fi Buys and see if they have one on display. I believe the MCD12000/C12000/MC3500 to be my choice for amplification. The total cost not including cables, acoustic isolation, and power cords, and power conditioners is retail 58K. I believe this trio the best on the market at any price because I believe the 3500 the best amp currently available. I believe that it would take upwards of 100K for other manufacturers to duplicate this trio and even then, they would find no success.

Best

Charles

__________________________________________________ _
Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest
New gear on order:
Most recent updates: Latest is the last one posted: AQ Diamond USB replaces AQ Coffee; Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx replaced by Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; new subwoofer crossover; new Galaxy Grey Thors Hammer; Wilson Pedestals; heating and cooling completely reworked and reinsulated resulting in a much quieter, cooler, and more efficient room (cost about 10,000.00). McIntosh MCT 500 SACD/CD transport; Wilson Audio Acoustic Diode for XVX Chronosonic; WEL Signature digital Coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection replacing the optical connection; New plinth for Thor subwoofer made of X material with the Wilson Acoustic Diodes; Thor is now off my floor; MC3500MKII mono block amps (2) and two custom granite slabs; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover; new 75-ohm multi-directional FM antenna for tuner
Amps: McIntosh MC3500MKII mono blocks (2), McIntosh MC1.25KW’s (3). All amps set on floor on custom made granite slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCT500 SACD/CD Transport, MVP881 BR player, MVP851 DVD player, MR87 tuner, Marantz 510LV Laser Disc player, ASUS laptop USB (JRiver Media Center 23)
Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; custom made Wilson Acoustic Diodes
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie; custom plinth of X material with Wilson Acoustic Diode feet; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover
Cables main system: Audioquest WEL Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); WEL Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; WEL Signature digital coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for MVP 851 DVD player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Audioquest Diamond USB cable; McIntosh MCT cable for SACD playback; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for MR87 tuner
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from ActivXO crossover to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to ActivXO; Hurricane HC (2) and Dragon HC (1) power cords
Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines with no. 10 wire straight out of fuse box
Isolation: Wilson Pedestals for D1100; MVP881 BR player; MCT500 transport; MR87 tuner; plinth for Thor subwoofer made of X material with the Wilson Acoustic Diodes
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) solid walnut cabinet on large casters; holds all sources and preamp; also, Niagara 7000; 11 feet minimum distance from speakers
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes
AC: Dedicated to this room only, an ultra-high efficiency and quiet recently installed Ruud split system 3-ton heat pump.