32-bit, 192kHz D/A converter + headphone amp + pre-amp.


 

How much does it cost?

MSRP $2500
 
Can't seem to find any specs on the headphone output though.

Where can I buy Mcintosh gear online, including the D100? I checked Magnolia AV's website (here in the USA), and they don't carry this unit.

Quote:

armaegis said:

MSRP $2500
 
Can't seem to find any specs on the headphone output though.

Click to expand...

WOOHOOO!
 
Thanks, but.. well, no thank you.

$2500 seems inexpensive for such a loaded unit from McIntosh.
Anyone have one yet?
It would be nice to have better specs on the headphone output.

Quote:

armaegis said:

MSRP $2500
 
Can't seem to find any specs on the headphone output though.

Click to expand...

 
I've written technical support to ask them about output impedance and power delivery at various loads. The manual only says it's suitable for 20-600 Ohm headphones. Will update you on their response.

There's a bit of a write-up from Jude in the summer 2013 buying guide... http://www.head-fi.org/a/2013-head-fi-summer-buying-guide-desktop-amps-dacs
 
Sounds very promising.  Tempting to weigh up whether I can afford this as a sexy all-in-one desktop solution that should sound very nice with the T1 (with the high output impedance and the way he describes the sound with the HD800 it seems likely it should)...

usaudio said:

$2500 seems inexpensive for such a loaded unit from McIntosh.
Anyone have one yet?
It would be nice to have better specs on the headphone output.

Click to expand...

I just got one in for review!
Thus far, it's a KILLER DAC/line-stage in front of my ALO Studio Six
I've listened to this rig ALL NIGHT til this morning:
 
Macbook Pro SSD/Amarra as source (as well as MOG & Spotify)
 
Last night

 
This morning

 
I haven't even tried the headphone amp yet - but I'll get the specs from @HiFiGuy528!!
We're reviewing it together for Audio360.org.
 
this will sound NUTS, undoubtedly, but at 2,500 bucks, you get alot:
32-bit/129k 
all sorts of digital inputs (COAX, multiple Toslink, AES/EBU
unbalanced inputs and outputs
balanced inputs and outputs
headphone amp
 
Now - I've been using my Mytek Stereo-192 DSD DAC in this space for months,
and the McIntosh (of which I have not been a fan of for YRS) is DEAD QUIET as a line-stage,
which makes for fantastic detail retrieval - so the micro and macro-dynamics of this rig are INSANE.
and as a DAC it's very revealing and smooth, but not glossed-over
 
these are only my initial impressions,
but I can see why @jude bought his review sample already!!
 
I've been using my Audeze LCD-X, 3, and XC's thus far on the combo.
more impressions coming...

mikemercer said:

I just got one in for review!

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Now, this is something I really would like to hear with my own ears.... especially with the LCD-X directly connected to the D100's headphone jack. Looking forward reading your follow-up!

musikaladin said:

Now, this is something I really would like to hear with my own ears.... especially with the LCD-X directly connected to the D100's headphone jack. Looking forward reading your follow-up!

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listening and takin' notes right now!!
 
 
Admittedly I've been so blown away by it merely as a DAC/line-stage - the gain is grainless - the dynamics never falter, and as far as inputs and outputs its a swiss army knife
just like my Mytek Stereo-192 DSD DAC - but as a line-stage/DAC (many people, even McIntosh, LOL, call it a pre-amp - but technically a "pre-amp" is a line-stage WITH a phono 
pre-amp/phonostage, anyway...) - it KILLS the Mytek to my ears! It brings the music forward as you drive it, but not in an overly aggressive/ear-straining way - and it's just damn 
toe-tappingly fun to listen to w/ my ALO Studio Six!!
 
Just starting to check out the headphone amp section right now!!

I own the D100, which lies in the signal path of my home-audio system, between my JRMC-mounted PC and a pair of MC601s, which drive a pair of B&W 802Ds. I own the Sennheiser HD800, which I have used with both the D100 and a Peachtree Nova. 
 
My thoughts:

1. The D100 has a very pleasant DAC, which I believe softens the edges a bit (i.e., not analytic). With the HD800 (stock cables), this results in a very pleasant listening experience.
2. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I am actually more impressed by the D100/HD800 combination than by my floor-standing system.
3. Compared to the Nova, the D100 makes the HD800 sound much more full and natural. The Nova, which in my mind iis sufficient to drive the HD800, does result in an occasional track sounding thin.

 
Cheers,
Tim

dicom said:

  I own the D100, which lies in the signal path of my home-audio system, between my JRMC-mounted PC and a pair of MC601s, which drive a pair of B&W 802Ds. I own the Sennheiser HD800, which I have used with both the D100 and a Peachtree Nova. 
 
My thoughts:

1. The D100 has a very pleasant DAC, which I believe softens the edges a bit (i.e., not analytic). With the HD800 (stock cables), this results in a very pleasant listening experience.
2. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I am actually more impressed by the D100/HD800 combination than by my floor-standing system.
3. Compared to the Nova, the D100 makes the HD800 sound much more full and natural. The Nova, which in my mind iis sufficient to drive the HD800, does result in an occasional track sounding thin.

 
Cheers,
Tim

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Thanks @DICOM!! 
I also own a pair of HD800's  - and tried em because of your post right after my Audeze LCD-X and XC's (as they're easier to drive then my 3's obviously).
I loved the combo! Especially w/ this WyWires HD800 cable prototype and the Cardas Clear cables!!
 
Wonderfully musical, holographic, spot-on imaging and transient attack is lightning fast.
But, most importantly: The soul of the music came through!

Right on Mike. I appreciate your feedback. Do you have any other recommendations for desktop amplifier +/- DAC for the HD800s? Also, what is your opinion of the Cardas cables as they compare to stock? I realize these are both broad/simplistic questions, but I am looking for something to replace my Peachtree Nova in my office.
 
Thanks,
Tim

dicom said:

  Right on Mike. I appreciate your feedback. Do you have any other recommendations for desktop amplifier +/- DAC for the HD800s? Also, what is your opinion of the Cardas cables as they compare to stock? I realize these are both broad/simplistic questions, but I am looking for something to replace my Peachtree Nova in my office.
 
Thanks,
Tim

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hey there!
I would recommend the the Lehmann Linear USB headphone amp (if a 16-bit/44.1kHz DAC is OK for you)  for the HD800's - or the ALO Pan Am, Mytek Stereo-192 DSD DAC (w/ headphone amp),
even the Schiit Vali tube hybrid amp headphone amp w/ a decent DAC in front of it has been great with my HD800's - surprisingly!
 
I also highly recommend the CEntrance HiFi-M8!
It's like having the power of a desktop DAC/amp in a portable solution!!
 
As for the Cardas Clear cables on the HD800's vs. the stock cables:
I love em w/ my HD800's because I get far greater transient attack and speed, the mids are silky, yet utterly coherent, and the highs are extended and natural - all FAR more than with the stock
cables! Plus - the Cardas really give me more air/dimensionality with the 800's - something you really want with those cans!
 
and our FULL review of the McIntosh D100 should be published at Audio360.org SOON!

 
 
hope some of this helped??