DAC Comparison - Aurender A200 vs McIntosh C2600

I have an N200 and didn’t go with any built in DACs in any of my hardware (I use a PS Audio DAC), the reason I don’t use a built in DAC is that they are still improving them and this way I can swamp out the DAC without having to replace any other hardware. So in the end, to me it doesn’t matter how good the built in DAC is. 

I compared the A10 to my C2700 (DAC 2) and the DAC2 is better IMO. not sure if that's a fair comparison but close as i have.

Upgrade your DAC1 to the DAC2 maybe the way FWD. The DAC2 also offers HDMI input for a potential TV input. 

I agree, maybe the DAC 2 card is the way to go.   My Dad has a Mc MA8950 and it sounds great with his streamer and the Amp's DAC 2 card .    

I am a big fan of separates but if the built in DAC is well implemented it can sound really good.  

I have a Cyrus i7XR Integrated Amp with a built-in DAC, in fact it's the same chipset used in the McIntosh DAC.   I fully intended to use my RME DAC but the Cyrus sound so good with it's DAC I sold the RME. 

My main system uses an Aurender N200 with the LAB 12 DAC 1 Reference and it is an excellent sounding combo.  

It is nice to have that eArc inputon the Mac if you watch a lot of TV to it 

Thanks for input from everyone.  I have no tv in this room, so that is not an issue.  I believe my long-term solution is a stand-alone DAC so I'm looking for the best solution right now.

I do appreciate that input on the DAC 2 card.  I may see what that cost is, but will likely just stick with my Aurender A200 internal DAC for now - it sounds quite good.  

If anyone has heard the C2600 DAC 1, let me know.  Thanks again!

I have the DA2 module in my C2700. My stand-alone DAC is $19K. I smile every time I switch to the DA2, which offers tremendous performance for very little extra cash. 

Plan on spending at least $5K on a stand-alone DAC to improve upon the DA2 module—it is that good.