McIntosh’s Future-Proofed MDA200 DAC


McIntosh’s Future-Proofed MDA200 DAC

McIntosh’s Future-Proofed MDA200 DAC

All Image Credit: McIntosh

This new DAC from McIntosh should be able to meet all your decoding needs into the foreseeable future due to its upgradable DAC module.

The MDA200 is their latest upgradable DAC being based upon the well established DA2 Digital Audio Module that has already been used in the C53 pre-amp, the MA12000 Integrated Amplifier and C2700 pre-amplifier.

Supporting future upgrades as digital music formats and technologies change, the replaceable DA2 Digital Audio Module is powered by the next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that features; improved dynamic range and improved total harmonic distortion. It supports high resolution digital audio playback over the USB connection of up to DSD512, DXD up to 384kHz and PCM up to 32bit/192KHz, with the coax and optical inputs handling up to 24-bit/192kHz. The Audio Return Channel (ARC) HDMI input supports 2 channel 24-bit/44.1-192KHz bitstream PCM and the decoding of popular multi-channel 5.1 audio formats from Dolby and DTS, converting them to 2-channel audio. Furthermore, the DA2 is fully Roon tested and compliant.

McIntosh’s Future-Proofed MDA200 DAC

The DA2 module input connectivity includes; 7 digital audio inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT (for use with their MCT series of SACD/CD Transports), and 1 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection. MDA200 analog output is supported by a pair of unbalanced RCA connectors and a pair of balanced XLR connectors.

McIntosh’s Future-Proofed MDA200 DAC

Other rear panel connectivity includes: data I/O, power control I/O, IR input, RS232 control and AC Power.

Its basic factory configuration provides for fixed output level. However, there is an option for variable mode if required, this allows output level control using the front panel ADJUST knob or with the supplied remote control.

The MA2 is all wrapped up in McIntosh’s classical styling, having a black glass faceplate with an illuminated logo, rotary controls knobs, custom machined aluminum end caps, and an easy-to-read display with adjustable brightness settings.

Basic Technical Specifications:

  • Number of Channels: 2
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%
  • Frequency Response:
    • +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
    • +0, -3dB from 5Hz to 60kHz (Source dependent)
  • Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced):
    • 4.0V RMS / 2V RMS (Fixed Output)
    • 0-16V RMS / 0-8V RMS (Adjustable Output)
  • Signal To Noise Ratio: 100dB
  • Dynamic Range: 100dB
  • Output Impedance: 100 Ohms (Balanced and Unbalanced)

MSRP: 

  • US: $4,000.00
  • UK: £4,995.00

For more information visit the McIntosh website.

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