Key Feature

• Premium Digital Performance
• Add digital music playback to an all analog system or replace an older, outdated converter
• Comes with DA2 Digital Audio Module installed
• Supports up to DSD512 and 24-bit/192kHz
• 7 digital inputs: 2 coax, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, 1 HDMI (ARC)
• Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs

Premium Digital Performance.

The MDA200 D/A Converter from McIntosh provides premium digital music capabilities. It can add digital music listening to an otherwise all analog home audio system, or it can also be a useful upgrade to an older D/A Converter that has become outdated and needs to be replaced so you can achieve better playback performance and enjoy current features. It is a stand-alone, outboard D/A Converter that can easily be added to home audio systems of various sizes, ages, and configurations.

At the heart of the MDA200 is the McIntosh DA2 Digital Audio Module. The DA2 has 7 digital audio inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT (for use with their MCT series of SACD/CD Transports), and 1 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 connection. The DA2 is powered by a next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). This audiophile-grade DAC features improved dynamic range and improved total harmonic distortion. The DA2 supports high resolution digital audio playback, as the USB input supports native playback of up to DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while the coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz.

The HDMI (ARC) input allows TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output to be connected to your home stereo system to bring a new level of audio performance to your TV and movie watching that TV speakers or soundbars just can't provide. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback.

The DA2 has received Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs, which can be especially useful if you have an extensive library of digital music. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh has provided equipment to Roon for testing with a variety of different operating systems and computers, and shared information about its design and capabilities.

Additionally, since digital music formats and technologies change and improve over time, it is possible to replace the DA2 in the MDA200 with a newer Digital Audio Module should one be introduced in the future. This protects your investment in the MDA200 and provides peace of mind that it can be enjoyed as a valuable part of your home entertainment system for many years to come.

To connect the MDA200 to your sound system's preamplifier or integrated amplifier, it has a pair of both balanced and unbalanced analog outputs. McIntosh offers both balanced cables and unbalanced cables to make these connections.

The MDA200 comes from the factory in fixed output mode, but it does offer the option of setting its output to variable mode. This provides the ability to directly connect the MDA200 to a power amplifier in an audio system that only has digital audio sources; no other preamplifier would be needed in this setup. Volume could then be changed via the front panel ADJUST knob or with the supplied remote control.

The front of the MDA200 showcases classic McIntosh design cues of a black glass faceplate with an illuminated logo, rotary controls knobs, custom machined aluminum end caps, and an easy-to-read display with adjustable brightness settings. The back panel includes convenient Power Control and data ports.

Treat your ears to pristine sound

McIntosh has over 70 years of experience making exceptional audio gear. Their newest component digital-to-analog converter, the MDA200, puts every bit of the company's audio expertise on display. This DAC has plenty of inputs and outputs for connecting your equipment, and it uses a unique, replaceable DAC module to make the unit future-proof.

A gorgeous illuminated front panel

There's a beautiful simplicity to the MDA200's sleek front panel. The screen in the middle shows you the selected input, volume level, and sampling rate of the track you're listening to. Flanking the screen to the left and right are two knobs: one to control the volume and the other for changing inputs. You can push either of those buttons to access adjustment options, like trimming the volume for each channel and fine-tuning the sound for each of the inputs.

Future-proof DAC module

The MDA200's DAC module features a next-gen, eight-channel 32-bit digital-to-analog converter chip. The circuitry going into and out of the audiophile-grade DAC is balanced, for improved separation and reduced noise. The chip supports PCM sampling rates up to 32-bit/192kHz, DXD up to 384kHz, and DSD up to DSD512, meaning you can listen to your library of high-resolution tracks without missing any of their details. 

One of the cool things about the DAC module is that it's replaceable. When a new Digital Audio Module gets released, you can take the old one out and pop the new one in. Having modularity like that means you can always stay on the cutting edge of DAC technology without having to revamp your system or do away with your expensive investment.

Two output modes

This DAC offers some unique features that make it compatible with a variety of audio systems. For example, the MDA200 comes from the factory in fixed output mode, meaning you'll use the receiver in your system to control volume. However, the DAC also has a variable output mode that lets you use the MDA200 as a preamp. That means you can connect the DAC to an outboard power amplifier and control the volume straight from the DAC's front panel or the included remote control.

Connections

The back of the MDA200 has a plethora of digital audio inputs. There are two coaxial and optical digital connections, one USB Type-B input, and one McIntosh-specific MCT port that works with their MCT series of SACD/CD transports. There's even an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel ARC connection for connecting the MDA200 to your TV. When you connect this DAC to your TV, Dolby® and DTS® multi-channel signals get carefully downconverted into two-channel audio.

This DAC has you covered on the on the output side of things, too. There's a pair of unbalanced stereo RCA connections and a balanced pair of XLRs to connect the MDA200 to other components in your system, like an integrated amp or a receiver.