HERE’S another digital-to-analogue converter, this time from McIntosh Labs. So what sets the MDA200 apart from the plethora of DACs in the market? Well, your US$4,000 gets you a unit that promises to stay relevant in future, thanks to the McIntosh DA2 digital module on board – just upgrade that part when a new module is available.
“Since digital music formats and technologies change and improve over time, it is possible to replace the DA2 in the MDA200 with a newer Digital Audio Module should one be introduced in the future,” McIntosh assures potential customers.
“This protects your investment in the MDA200 and provides peace of mind that it can be enjoyed as a valuable part of your home entertainment system for many years to come.”
The MDA200, powered by a next generation, quad balanced, eight-channel, 32-bit DAC, supports up to DSD512 and 24-bit/192kHz resolution, and has seven digital inputs – two coax, two optical, one USB, one MCT (for use with McIntosh’s MCT series SACD/CD transports) and one HDMI (ARC). Balanced and unbalanced outputs are provided.
The MDA200 ships in fixed output mode, but there’s the option of setting this to variable, so you can hook it up directly to a power amplifier, negating the need for a preamp.
Available for order now at any McIntosh dealer, the MDA200 is already shipping.
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