For $1000 probably best to look on the used market. Good DACs are very expensive and are central to any digital system.
Mcintosh Streamer or a DAC?
I have a 9.2.7 home theater using Paradigm Active Reference speakers and a Marantz 7702 processor with the pro kit room correction upgrade in a very well treated room. I am using a Blue Sound Node for streaming and a Sony Universal player for CD, Blueray and SACD. I am wondering about getting a Mcintosh MB50 streamer/preamp or a DAC (iFi Signature One or Black Ice Audio FX10 tube dac).
I have seen two youtube reviewers I like that have compared both Mac dacs or dac/ preamps with the iFi and say the iFi holds its own. The Black Ice Audio FX10 would introduce tubes into my all solid state system and I have never tried tubes before. The MB50 is around $1500 on the second hand market, the iFi is around $350 new and the Black Ice Dac around $1200 new. The Paradigm Active speakers are self powered and have both an XLR and RCA connection that I can toggle between so I can easily have two separate components connected at the same time.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
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I recently purchased a McIntosh MA-12000 @ $15000. I had their latest version of DAC and my digital sounded flat/bland. I would guess that this DAC competes in the $1000-$1500 DAC segment In the last couple of months I moved to the Holo May DAC KTE and everything is musical..really nice..but it was expensive. I don't think you should look at McIntosh for value. I don't think it is possible to find an acceptable new DAC for $1000. Read like threads and look at peoples profiles to find people with real long term experience and concentrate on the used market. I'm using a low end streamer the iFi Zen Pro. I added their $299 power supply and isolated ethernet with two ethernet to fiber converters. That is my big compromise and I put my money into the DAC. I haven't a clue as to what DACs you should look at...but there are dealers here and other members that have good advice..I'm sure. |
@vonhelmholtz , your post is very helpful, the Mac MB50 is only available in the used market which means no audition/ no returns. I'll stick with a new dac with a return policy to avoid buyers remorse. I saw a post here about the ethernet fiber converters, what's your opinion on them? |
I think you are mistaken. You can find sources where you can buy used equipment from reputable sellers/dealers. I just purchased a phono preamp from a knowledgeable dealer/audiophile whom I had been following. I purchased an item used that new cost more than my McIntosh..sight unseen and it was exactly as represented. Local dealers sell used equipment..but you do get a warranty with new..make sure that you have servicing in your country. |
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