DAC Comparison - Aurender A200 vs McIntosh C2600

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. 

I’ve heard the Mc DAC1 and compared it to a number of DACs. It is warm sounding, but not very resolving. I’m also an authorized Aurender dealer. The A200’s DAC will be more resolving and articulate, but you may find it is not as warm or musical as the DAC1 in your C2600. If you are interested in continuing to use your A200 for the long term and not upgrade your DAC but are interested in an even better sound, try adding a Synergistic research Tranquility Pod Carbon or Tranquility Base Carbon under the A200. It will smooth out the sound, make it more resolving and focused and increase soundstage size, all while making the presentation more relaxing and refined. Aurender units also respond very favorably to aftermarket analog and digital interconnects and power cables.

blisshifi - I suppose I should also repaint my room with synergistic's acoustic paint so that my sound stage will increase and my music will be more resolving? haha

Say what you will. I was just offering helpful advice.