McIntosh D1100 in the DA HOUSE!!!

[blacsno]

I was going to do a McIntosh MDA1000 vs McIntosh D1100 comparison. I went through the trouble of routing the D1100 through the C2300 preamp along with the current configuration with the MDA1000. Then I turned on the D1100 for the first time…………………. Hmmmmmmm!! Never mind!! I disassemble the routing, and put the turntable back into its space. Then wiped the tear from eye and removed the MDA1000 and replaced with the D1100. Remembering all the good times we spent together. Kicking the crap out all the other pretender D/A converters that were forced to bend the knee. Yes… MDA1000 your reign was long and well deserved. Shhhhh….. Yes my love you must go into your original packing box.
What I’m still impressed about the MDA1000 that the D/A converter. The MDA1000 attempts to convince you that you’re listening to an analog source. For me that is where other D/A’s fell short. They convert a digital source into an analog signal that you can hear. Albeit clean, clear, and dynamic but still sounds just cold digital.
The McIntosh D1100 has a tangible improvement over its predecessor. If you want to be convinced completely that every digital source played is a turntable analog equivalent “CHECKED”. You want a converter that pulls details that you don’t even know was in the recording “CHECKED”. Looking for an upgrade that is cheaper than buy new speakers. “CHECKED” Well that last comment might a temporary delay to the inevitable. The D1100 doesn’t make the sound stage any bigger it just add so more of that analog sound umami!

[JBT]

I've had my D1100 for 3.5 years and it's an amazing DAC! Digital dreams

[brownbear]

Congrats, I love mine.

[miner]

A very nice piece to add to your system. Congrats and enjoy!

[Charles]

blacsno, I too have been very pleased with my D1100. It has met all my expectations and is the hub/center of my system also functioning as my preamp. Congratulations on your wise purchase.

Best

Charles

____________________
Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest
Most recent updates: 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
Amps: McIntosh 1.25KW’s (3) set on floor on custom made cultured marble slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCD1100 SACD player, 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
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie and Wilson Watch Controller (abbr: WC)
Cables main system: Audioquest Wel Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); Wel Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for BR player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); 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 tuner; cables for DVD player not listed
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from WC to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to WC; 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
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.
Room (mancave): 40’L x 15.5’W A-frame; max ceiling height 8’ min 5’; wall within wall construction built of 2 x 6’s; built over garage with custom hardwood floor with gym seal with over 40 Lowes stiffened wooden I-beams supporting floor; complete isolation from rest of house.

[miatadan]

Congrats,I am sure you will enjoy the D1100 as much as I do.

Dan

[blacsno]

Thanks for all the kind support!

Ken,

[Regimen]

As a relatively new MDA1000 owner, I can only hope that more of you "upgrade" so that others can take over ownership of your 1000's. I will be happy with this unit for a very long time.

jblnut

[GeAllan70]

[j3brow]

Here’s mine!! Love the D1100. Image1616199920.236818.jpg