No buzz? New D1100 and MP1100 Introduced

N

Nuz1

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Feb 17, 2014
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I'm a little surprised that no one has mentioned the new D1100 dac or MP1100 phono preamplifier announced by McIntosh. Trying to decide if everyone is just busy with the holidays and hadn't noticed or underwhelmed?
 
I just don't think a lot of people have those two items in their systems. The Phono preamp is good to see. Mc + Digital, not so sure.
 
I've seen a very similar reaction on other sites. I think we all expected that a new, premier dac to match and mate with the c1100 was in the works. But because of that, I was a little surprised that the DAC had the pre-amp capabilities too. On one hand it give us more capability. But on the other hand, it seems redundant.

I'll be curious to read reviews and also hear if it has any hiccups mated to say an Aurender N10 or Lumin U1 via USB.
 
I usually get an email announcement of new gear, I didn't this time. I'm happy to see new products from McIntosh.
 
I haven't seen an email announcement yet either. I just happened to be logged on to the McIntosh site this weekend and saw it in the banner.
 
I think it is good that McIntosh will have a higher-end DAC that will connect to the MCT-450 transport. Will be interested to see how it sounds and if the USB input performs without issue.
Would be nice if they were more open about the DAC chip and provide better update support. These are things that are of importance at the price point!
 
I really enjoyed the dac in my C52 preamp, would love to hear this one. I am confident it's superb.
 
I have seen some discussions in other forums. A couple of things come to mind for me on this. First off the pre-amplifier functions. If it is designed to be used with their other pre-amplifiers, such as the C1100 then there is a ton of redundant functions that are a waste and added expensive for no reason. If it is truly a stand alone pre-amplifier, like McIntosh list it as on their website, then I would think a couple analog inputs would be in order. Otherwise you could not hook up a SACD spinner that does not have the model of MCT450, or a tuner, etc.

The other major concern for me is what DAC chip are they using? McIntosh has been behind the ball a bit on digital, for example the D150, which is supposed to be their top add on DAC uses the ESS 9016 chip. So a lower level chip than others use. I believe the only DAC in their lineup using the 9018 chip is the DAC is their top spinner, the MCD1100.

Now that the new ESS PRO chips are out, unless they are using this in this new DAC they are very much behind the market. I know from personal experience just how much of an improvement the ESS 9028 PRO chip is. I would be very surprised if McIntosh is using this. Unfortunate :(....
 
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