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DAC question - is music streamer DAC better than mcintosh DA2?

I am planning to buy a MA12000 or MA9500 or MA8950, all of which have the new DAC (DA2) along with a music streamer. While I perusing the posts here, I see that several of you have suggested not to rely on the mcintosh's DA2 and instead, rely only on the music streamer's DAC. If that is true indeed, then what is the point of spending thousands of $$$$$ on a mcintosh? wouldn't a more reasonable (price-wise) manufacturer suffice? 

What are the other considerations for me to understand? Thank you :)

nathandfwacoustics
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,883 posts
 

Glad to hear you are enjoying the 8950.    Awesome amp

mahler123
3,357 posts
 

OP

  if you don’t want to spend money for an included DAC, just get a traditional integrated that just has pre amp and power amp.  Surely McIntosh still makes those?

jastralfu's avatar
jastralfu
420 posts
 

I believe the only pure analog integrated amps they make are the hybrid amps, the 352 and 252

kennyc
1,523 posts
 

@nathandfwacoustics 

Generally speaking, quality of a DAC greatly affects sonics and often DACs within an integrated is subpar.  There are exceptions of course, but quality DACs increase cost while an integrated is for saving costs of casework and cables.

Whether or not an integrated DAC is satisfactory is an individual subjective judgment.

ghdprentice
7,038 posts
 

@kennyc 

 

+1

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