McIntosh MDA 200 AC digital/analogue converter

McIntosh MDA 200 AC

Digital/analog converter

The McIntosh MDA200 D/A Converter offers premium digital music capabilities. It can add digital music enjoyment to your otherwise purely analogue home audio system. However, it can also be a useful upgrade for an older D/A converter that needs to be replaced in order to get better playback performance and enjoy up-to-date features. It is a standalone, external DAC that can be easily integrated into home audio systems of various sizes, ages, and configurations.

At the heart of the MDA200 is the McIntosh DA2 Digital Audio Module. The DA2 features 7 digital audio inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT input (for use with our MCT series of SACD/CD transports), plus an HDMI only 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 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 coaxial and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz.

TV sets with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output can also be connected to your home stereo system via the HDMI (ARC) input. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and expertly converted to 2-channel audio for correct playback.

Roon Tested award

The DA2 has been certified Roon Tested by Roon Labs, which can be especially beneficial with a large digital music collection. As a Roon Tested Partner, McIntosh has made Roon devices available for testing on a variety of different operating systems and computers and has shared information about their design and capabilities. As 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.

To connect the MDA200 to your sound system's preamplifier or integrated amplifier, it features a pair of balanced and unbalanced analog outputs. McIntosh offers both balanced and unbalanced cables for this purpose. The MDA200 ships from the factory with a fixed output, but offers the ability to set its output to variable mode. This allows the MDA200 to be connected directly to a power amplifier in an audio system containing only digital audio sources; an additional preamplifier would not be necessary in this case. The volume can then be adjusted using the front panel ADJUST knob or the included remote control.

The front of the MDA200 features classic McIntosh design with a black glass faceplate with backlit logo, rotary knobs, custom machined aluminum end caps and an easy to read display with adjustable brightness. On the back there are practical connections for the power supply and the data interface.

Technical specifications

Electronic Specifications
Number of channels: 2
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.01%
Frequency Response +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3 dB from 5 Hz to 60 kHz (depending on source)
Maximum output voltage (balanced / unbalanced) 4.0 V RMS / 2 V RMS (fixed output)
0-16V RMS / 0-8V RMS (adjustable output)
Signal to noise ratio: 100dB
Dynamic range: 100dB
Output Impedance: 100 ohms
(balanced and unbalanced)

connectivity
Digital coaxial input: 2
Digital optical input: 2
Digital MCT input: 1
Digital USB input: 1
HDMI (ARC) input: 1
Balanced output: 1
Unbalanced output: 1

steering
Data entry: 1
Data output: 1
Power control input: 1
Power control output: 1
Rear IR Sensor Input: Yes
RS232 Control Input: Yes

General Specifications
Exit Meter: No
vacuum tube or solid state
Power Consumption (On) 35 watts

weight and dimensions
Device dimensions (W x H x D):
44.45cm x 9.8cm x 39.95cm
Weight unit: 6.1 kg
Delivery weight: 12.7 kg