https://www.computeraudiophile.com/c...part-one-r664/
http://www.audioshark.org/attachment...id=20381&stc=1
Printable View
Sure is beautiful
Another great review.
http://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/a...lifier-review/
Part 2: https://www.computeraudiophile.com/c...C2%A0two-r667/
And now on the CASH list!
I bought one about 10 months ago and I love it.
Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.
Glad you love the D1100. I’d love to hear one.
Obviously I love McIntosh gear, growing up in the shadows of the factory in Binghamton. I am very curious why they choose to put old technology in their latest $7000 digital only DAC/Pre-amp? I mean the ESS 9018 chip was a fine DAC chip, and it performs well in my Pono portable music player and my Oppo CD/SACD, etc.
I have directly compared, unit for unit, another upstate New York company's DAC using the 9018 and the exact same unit using the new 9028 Pro. There was no contest, the new chips are night and day better. Also they have a higher model, the 9038 Pro, which I have also directly compared. This is night and day better then the 9028 Pro, let alone the older model.
So my point is this; I know that the DAC chip in and of itself does not determine the sound of any piece of equipment, however if you are releasing a new top of the line model why would you use the older model chip which is definitely inferior? The 9018 was a good chip in its day, but it was becoming very long in the tooth when it was replaced (prior to when the D1100 was released). It simply does not make any sense what so ever.
The unit looks very nice, but would be a ton better, especially at $7000 if it used the most up to date tech, and maybe if they put an analog input or two in it. Just my opinion, but certainly a reason I would never consider a McIntosh DAC :(...
I had the D150 and it was not a bad sounding dac for what I payed for it but when I traded it in for D1100 it was a huge upgrade. Had a huge sound stage and alot of depth. Lot of space and crystal clear detail. I'm sure you can spend more and get better but I'm loving my system . for what it worth.
That's awesome!Quote:
Originally Posted by godfatherpc
I loved the dac in my C52 when I had it. Actually, I loved the whole C52 package and that's one I should have kept.
And that is what it is all about. Mc gear is fantastic!Quote:
Originally Posted by godfatherpc
Is that the same DAC that is in my MA 9000?
MA9000 uses the DA1 Digital Audio Module.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bachtoven
Which one is considered to be the best between them?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dizzie
I can only make an assumption. Module vs: (from the McIntosh website)Quote:
Originally Posted by Bachtoven
"The D1100 Digital Preamplifier is a reference level stereo preamplifier and digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Its 8-channel, 32-bit DAC is used in Quad Balanced mode with half of it dedicated to the left audio channel and the other half to the right channel. It’s the most advanced DAC we’ve ever used and delivers an unprecedented level of performance so that all your digital music is reproduced with exceptional accuracy and authenticity."
Their description of the DA1 sounds similar: "The DA1 utilizes a powerful 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) used in Quad Balanced mode." Regardless, the DA1 sounds great.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dizzie
I would guess it is the same. Sounds like they build their finest in the top of the line and offer it as an upgrade for people who have units with up-gradable DACs.
https://www.computeraudiophile.com/c...C2%A0two-r667/
Part 2 with update!
That's what I'm counting on! I do get that tiny fade-in, but it doesn't seem to affect all recordings. I could do without it, but it isn't a deal breaker.Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy Myers
on the short list to to replace my D100 in 2019.
how is the headphone amp on this bad boy?
Feb will make 2 years that I have owned the D1100 and it’s not going anywhere, sounds wonderful to me .... partners perfectly with my C1100 and other McIntosh gear. I also own a Meridian 808v6 and the 2 DACs sound virtually identical via the C1100/MC601s. My previous DAC was an Esoteric K01X and I have never had sellers remorse only great appreciation for the value represented by the D1100/MCT450 combo compared with the 2x as costly K01X. Imo, the D1100 9018 chip sounds worlds better than my oppo 203 in the same system. I couldn’t care less that the D1100 uses “older” chip technology, it’s the SQ that matters to me. McIntosh’s engineers know this chip well and have really maximized its potential with the D1100.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro