Higher End DACs

“I would be curious what ’level’ of DAC would you say is commensurate with my general Mcintosh system of c1100/611 and B&W 800 d3 speakers?

is the MSB line/T+A 3100 overkill? is it the next step up that would be lost in my current system, above?”

@ufguy73,

You probably didn’t expect seeking advise on DAC/Streamer would turn out to be quite a rigamarole. It’s an important decision given rest of your system and first foray into digital streaming. Speaking about your system, it’s a great ensemble of gear but not without its limitations. Don’t get me wrong when I say that, for many it’s still a dream system to own all out McIntosh /B&W gear. I have gone through few iterations of B&W, Classe and McIntosh in recent years. It’s a classic pairing....B&W and McIntosh. I blame the dealers who weren’t adventurous enough to showcase B&W’s with anything else but Classe (under B&W group) and McIntosh. And for last couple of years, consumers minds are being re-tuned by mega-dealers to show how well McIntosh / ARC gear pairs with Sonus Faber speakers. Sorry for the rant but you will see ‘why’ in next couple of paragraphs.

If you plan to keep McIntosh C1100/611, I would say listen to Mytek Manhattan II with optional network card or DCS Bartok in your system. You will be more than pleased what these one box components offers in terms of performance and simplicity.

I think someone mentioned Bricasti M21, that would be a good choice too.

To answer your query honestly, both MSB and T+A 3100 would be a overkill with MC611 in your system. It is the weakest link in your system. I have had C1100/MC601 with B&W 800D2 and as much I loved and enjoyed C1100, the MC601 turned out to be nothing more than pretty face and very expensive paper weights. You may find this hard to believe, but your B&W 800’s are best driven by Class D amps with at least 500W/8ohms specs.

Should you choose to bring T+A SDV 3100 HV into your system, that should eliminate the need for C1100. You may not be ready to part ways with C1100 yet but keeping it with SDV3100 would be a waste of money.

As far as amps goes, if Class D doesn’t float your boat; the newer Classe Delta amps will wake up your B&W like no other.

https://www.classeaudio.com

Tough road ahead, but you will figure out which way to go only by listening to all the aforementioned recommendations in your system.

Good luck!

I totally agree with @lalitk here. On the McIntosh that is. I was just very hesitant of bringing this up, for fear of sounding snobby. 

I have the B&W 803 D3 speakers by the way

Kren0006 is spot on. If you have what we used to call a ‘colored’ front end you will end up trying to return to neutral at some point which becomes a slippery slope. Do you then buy a brighter than neutral amp or cables? The very best components should absolutely be neutral and rich in detail. ‘warm’ generally means rolled off or soft etc. Let the source material dictate the neutrality. What to do with a ‘warm’ recording played back on a ‘warm’ system? boring, which is the last thing you want. IMO only

I have to agree with lalitk. I didn’t want to bring up the MAC thing either but it looms large in this decision. 

@ufguy73, The key words in @lalitk’s post above is "you will figure out which way to go ONLY by listening to all the aforementioned recommendations in YOUR system”.  You received over 200+ responses to your question containing many different comments and component solutions.   In addition, many of these components are at different price levels and configurations (i.e., DAC only or DAC/Preamp). 

Everyone's opinion is important, and interesting, but it is YOUR system, YOUR environment, YOUR ears and YOUR money.   As was stated, I ALSO recommend you audition some components that best match your needs.   This is the only way you are going to know what sounds best to you.  

I do not know if you are buying new or preowned.   If you are buying a new component, you need to find a retailer that understands your needs and will assist you to demo the components needed to make a decision.   If possible, for the best results, you should schedule a home audition.  

I had a very helpful retailer that allowed me to take home some integrated amplifiers to hear.  I returned the 1st amp, returned the 2nd amp and kept the 3rd amplifier.    Listening in your home system is the best way to make a decision on what component to purchase.  

In addition, some manufacturers, like SimAudio, have an offer that for any new SimAudio equipment you bought NEW, they will CREDIT you 100% of your $$ investment if you purchased the unit in the last 12 months, and 75% in the last 12-24 months.   This offer enables you to listen at home for up to one year and return it for another unit, if needed.  I had my SimAudio 2nd amp for about 6 months and then replaced it with another SimAudio amp.