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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
 

The MA252 is a nice little amp, i like it.   I do not think it's even close to the larger amps with Autoformers though.   They have 8,4,and 2 Ohm taps.  They won't break a sweat with difficult loads 

nathandfwacoustics OP
7 posts
 

@spearl8 - glad you love the DA2 and that it’s serving your needs. I see tons of votes here for the DA2 :) 

@oddiofyl - ma252 is a very nice looking amp and agree about the comparison to bigger integrated amps. Any experience with ma352? :) 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,883 posts
 

No experience with the 352 other than seeing it in person.   I have listened to the 252 a few times.  

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,883 posts
 

When spending considerable cash on toys like those it’s best to see them and hear them in person 

cat345
22 posts
 

@nathandfwacoustics - I'd say about 100 hours of continuous playing. IMO, you can't go wrong with the McIntosh DA2 dac module. Even if you ever find a better sounding dac, you'd have to add a lot more for decent interconnects from dac to preamp.

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