McIntosh DS200
McIntosh network DAC streamer featuring a 32-bit converter and eight digital inputs, designed to complement a hi-fi system already equipped with a preamplifier and power amplifier.
Description
The DS200 is a network player combined with a digital-to-analogue converter, designed for audio systems that already have a separate preamplifier and power amplifier. It acts as a central digital source, capable of receiving both network streams and digital signals from third-party devices.
The built-in converter operates at 32-bit/384 kHz with DSD512 support, in a quad-balanced 8-channel architecture. This design aims for very low total harmonic distortion, measured at 0.005%, combined with a signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range of 100 dB each: values that reflect clean reproduction, free of hiss or colouration added by the electronics. Frequency response extends from 5 Hz to 60 kHz.
In terms of connectivity, the unit combines eight digital inputs: two coaxial, two optical, one AES, one USB-B, one MCT and one HDMI ARC, the latter allowing sound to be taken from a television by converting multichannel Dolby and DTS formats to a stereo output. Analogue outputs are available in RCA and XLR, with a factory-set fixed level (2.0 Vrms on RCA, 4.0 Vrms on XLR), or a variable level (up to 8.0 Vrms on RCA, 16.0 Vrms on XLR) allowing a power amplifier to be driven directly without a separate preamplifier.
The network side covers the essential everyday uses: Ethernet, WiFi ac and Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX HD and AptX LL codecs, as well as compatibility with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Roon, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect. The DS200 is thus aimed at separates hi-fi enthusiasts wishing to modernise an existing system with a single digital source, capable of covering both streamed music listening and television connection.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 60 kHz (+0.5/-3 dB) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.005% |
| Fixed output level | 2.0 Vrms (RCA), 4.0 Vrms (XLR) |
| Variable output | 0-8.0 Vrms (RCA), 0-16.0 Vrms (XLR) |
| Signal to noise ratio | 100 dB |
| Dynamic range | 100 dB |
| DAC | 384 kHz/32-bit, DSD512 |
| Digital input connectivity | 2x coaxial, 2x optical, 1x AES, 1x USB-B, 1x MCT, 1x HDMI ARC |
| Analogue output connectivity | Stereo RCA, stereo XLR |
| Network | Ethernet, WiFi ac, Bluetooth 5.0 (AptX HD, AptX LL) |
| Control | RS232, trigger, IR |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 445 x 152 x 432 mm |
| Weight | 9.3 kg |
What to check before buying used
On a network player/DAC of this calibre, test all digital inputs (coaxial, optical, AES, USB-B, MCT, HDMI ARC) as well as WiFi and Bluetooth, whose modules are more exposed to software obsolescence than a simple hardware fault. Check that the unit's network update is still possible and that the control interface responds correctly. Checking the fixed and variable outputs on both RCA and XLR, as well as the correct operation of the RS232, trigger and IR controls, rules out any integration issues with the rest of the system.
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