McIntosh MDA200
High-end McIntosh digital-to-analogue converter with upgradeable DA2 module, featuring volume control allowing it to be used as a digital preamplifier.
Description
The McIntosh MDA200 is a high-end digital-to-analogue converter designed to transform a digital audio signal into a high-quality analogue signal. Thanks to its variable volume control, it can also serve as a digital preamplifier, connecting directly to a power amplifier without going through a traditional preamplifier.
At the heart of the unit lies the McIntosh DA2 digital audio module, which incorporates a next-generation 8-channel quad-balanced 32-bit digital-to-analogue converter. This module brings together seven digital audio connections: two coaxial inputs, two optical inputs, one USB input, one HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) socket and one MCT link. This diverse connectivity allows a wide variety of sources to be connected, from a network player to an ARC-compatible television.
A notable feature is that the DA2 module is designed to be replaceable: as digital music formats and technologies evolve, it will be possible to install a new digital audio module developed at a later date, without changing the entire unit. The MDA200 also has balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs, making it easy to connect to any type of amplifier or power amplifier.
This type of unit is aimed at demanding digital sound enthusiasts wishing to simplify their hi-fi system by removing the classic preamplification stage, while retaining the ability to connect several modern or older digital sources. It is particularly suited to a setup combining a separate power amplifier with varied sources, from a CD player to a television.
Technical specifications
| Connectivity | 2 coaxial inputs, 2 optical inputs, 1 USB input, 1 HDMI ARC input, 1 MCT link, 1 balanced output, 1 unbalanced output |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.005 % |
| Frequency response | +0, -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz; +0, -3 dB from 5 Hz to 60 kHz (depending on source) |
| Maximum output voltage (balanced) | 4.0 V RMS / 2 V RMS (fixed output) |
| Maximum output voltage (unbalanced) | 0-16 V RMS / 0-8 V RMS (variable output) |
| Signal to noise ratio | 100 dB |
| Dynamic range | 100 dB |
| Output impedance | 100 Ohms |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 9.8 x 44.5 x 39.95 cm |
| Weight | 6.1 kg |
What to check before buying used
The DA2 module should be checked in its housing: make sure it is properly engaged and that its internal connectors have not suffered from any previous dismantling. Systematically test each digital input (coaxial, optical, USB, HDMI ARC, MCT) as well as the MCT link itself, which can sometimes be fragile in used units. The motorised volume potentiometer deserves careful listening to detect any crackling or level jumps, and both the balanced and unbalanced outputs must be checked separately.
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