Product Description
The McIntosh MDA200 DAC provides premium digital music capabilities. It can add digital music listening to an otherwise all analog home audio system, or it can also be a useful upgrade to an older D/A Converter that has become outdated and needs to be replaced so you can achieve better playback performance and enjoy current features.
At the heart of the McIntosh MDA200 DAC is the McIntosh DA2 Digital Audio Module. The DA2 has 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)1 connection.
The DA2 is powered by a next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). This audiophile-grade DAC features improved dynamic range and improved total harmonic distortion. The DA2 supports high resolution digital audio playback, as the USB input supports native playback of up to DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while the coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The HDMI (ARC) input allows TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output to be connected to a home stereo system to bring a new level of audio performance to TV and movie watching that TV speakers or soundbars just can’t provide. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback.
The DA2 has received Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs, which can be especially useful if you have an extensive library of digital music. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh has provided equipment to Roon for testing with a variety of different operating systems and computers, and shared information about its design and capabilities.
Additionally, 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. This protects the investment in the MDA200 and provides peace of mind that it can be enjoyed as a valuable part of a home entertainment system for many years to come.
Connectivity of your MDA200
To connect the McIntosh MDA200 DAC to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier, it has a pair of both balanced and unbalanced analog outputs. The MDA200 comes from the factory in fixed output mode, but it does offer the option of setting its output to variable mode. This provides the ability to directly connect the MDA200 to a power amplifier in an audio system that only has digital audio sources; no other preamplifier would be needed in this setup. Volume could then be changed via the front panel or with the supplied remote control.
The front of the McIntosh MDA200 DAC showcases classic McIntosh design cues of 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. The back panel includes convenient Power Control and data ports. A remote control is included that can be used when adjustable output mode is enabled.
