There has been a great deal of hand wringing and consternation since the “purchase” to Bose that included Sonus faber, that McIntosh was about to go off the rails into the river in Vestal and stop making world-class high-end audio components and loudspeakers — and that the Italian loudspeaker maker was about to start building $40 tabletop radios in Vietnam. For over 75 years , the folks in Binghamton (even though they are in Vestal…SUNY Binghamton parent) have gone above and beyond none of that is stopping. The new McIntosh DS200 Streaming DAC is here and there are some features to unpack.
Following up on the release of the MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amp this past December 2024, McIntosh has engineered a logical new addition to its lineup for $4,000 — which is borscht in the land of glowing blue glass.
Introduction to the DS200
Unlike the MSA5500, the DS200 drops the onboard amp and some connectivity options (no analog inputs) but for those who already have a home audio system, and don’t have a media streamer, the DS200 provides the option of adding digital streaming capability to that system very easily with its balanced or unbalanced analog audio outputs for connecting to a system’s preamp, amp, or AVR.
Streaming
On the streaming side, the DS2000 supports Apple AirPlay 2, GoogleCast, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect.
Bluetooth streaming support includes Bluetooth 5.0, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), aptX HD and aptX Adaptive. The DS200 is also Roon Ready.
DAC
The CS200 incorporates an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital signals into the analog format needed for playback. The next-generation, quad-balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC has a wide dynamic range and low distortion.
Physical Connectivity
The CS200 provides 8 digital inputs (no analog inputs are provided) for connecting compatible audio components (including USB flash or hard drives). One of the digital inputs is HDMI (ARC). This will deliver better sound from compatible TVs than it own internal speakers or most soundbars. Dolby and DTS input signals will be converted to two-channel audio for output via the analog balanced or unbalanced outputs.
Tip: The HDMI (ARC) input will only play audio from a compatible TV. It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source. A TV must have an HDMI (ARC) output.
As mentioned previously, DS200 has a pair of balanced and unbalanced analog outputs for connection to an external preamplifier, integrated amplifier, or AVR.
The McIntosh Style and Operation
The DS200 features the distinct McIntosh look with a black glass front faceplate, rotary control knobs, an illuminated logo, and custom-machined aluminum end caps. A Data IN port along with Power Control ports allow for integration with other McIntosh components. An RS232 Control port is provided for further custom control needs with other compatible branded components. A wireless remote control is included for convenient user control.
Comparison
| McIntosh Model | DS200 | MSA5500 |
| Product Type | Streaming DAC | Streaming Amplifier |
| Price | $4,000 USD | $8,000 USD |
| Built-in Amplifier | – | Yes |
| Power Output | Not Applicable | 2 x 100W (8 ohms), 2 x 160W (4 ohms) |
| Frequency Response (source dependent) | +/-0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz+0.5/-3dB from 5Hz to 60kHz | +0,-0.5dB: 20Hz to 20kHz0, -3dB: 10Hz to 100kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.005% | 0.005% |
| Fixed Output Level | 2.0Vrms Unbalanced, 4.0Vrms Balanced |
Not Indicated – No Balanced Output |
| Adjustable Output Level | 0 – 8.0Vrms Unbalanced, 0 – 16.0Vrms Balanced |
Not Indicated – No Balanced Output |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) | 100dB | 95dB |
| Dynamic Range | 100dB | Not provided |
| Output Impedance | 100 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced | 4 to 16 ohms (speaker connections) |
| Inputs (Wired) | 2 x Digital Coaxial 2 x Digital Optical 1 x Digital USB 1 x MCT (McIntosh Controlled Transport) 1 x Digital AES/EBU 1 x HDMI Input |
1 x Balanced 4 x Unbalanced 1 x Phono Input Moving Magnet: (fixed loading) 2 x Digital Coaxial 2 x Digital Optical 1 x MCT (McIntosh Controlled Transport) 1 x USB 1 x HDMI (ARC) |
| Inputs (Wireless) | Wi-Fi: a, b, g, n, ac; 2.4/5 GHz Bluetooth 5.0 |
Wi-Fi: a, b, g, n, ac; 2.4/5 GHz Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codec Support | AVRCP, A2DP, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL | (AAC) standard, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Streaming Support | Apple AirPlay 2; Google Cast Spotify Connect; and TIDAL Connect, Roon Ready | Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast Spotify Connect; and TIDAL Connect |
| Output (Balanced) | 1 (can be set to either fixed or variable mode) | – |
| Output (Unbalanced) | 1 (can be set to either fixed or variable mode) | 1 x Unbalanced Variable Preamp Output 1 x Subwoofer Output 1 x Headphone Output |
| Output (Speaker Connections) | – | Standard binding posts |
| Network Connection | 1 (Wired and Wireless) | 1 (Wired and Wireless) |
| Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type | 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced | 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced |
| Digital Coaxial Input Sample Rate | 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz | 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz |
| Digital Optical Input Sample Rate | 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz | 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz |
| Digital MCT Input Sample Rate | 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD) DSD64 (SACD) |
16-bit/44.1kHz (CD) DSD64 (SACD) |
| Digital USB Input Sample Rate | 32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM)DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512, DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz | 32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM) DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz |
| Control Connections | 1 x Power Control Input 1 x Power Control Output 1 x Rear Panel Data Input 1 x Rear Panel IR Sensor Input 1 x RS232 Control Input |
1 x Power Control Output 2 x Rear Panel Data Input 1 x Rear Panel IR Sensor Input 1 x RS232 Control Input |
| Unit Dimensions (WHD) with vertical antenna |
17.5 x 6 x 17 inches (44.5 x 15.2 x 43.2 cm) |
17.5 x 6 x 18.75 inches (44.45 x 15.2 x 47.6 cm) |
| Unit Weight | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) | 38 lbs (17.2 kg) |
The Bottom Line
Let’s face it. They needed to launch something like the McIntosh DS200 with so many network streamers already in the market and we like that it can serve as a digital hub for those who may have other digital sources like a CD transport or DAP.
The omission of an analog input is a mistake for a rather simple reason – those looking for a one-box hub that can handle digital playback and connect to an external phono preamplifier and then serve as a pre-amp for a pair of powered loudspeakers like the ATC SCM50ASL that we just reviewed are out of luck.
When you consider the growing popularity of active loudspeakers and the growing number of audiophiles who want fewer boxes – this feels like somewhat of a lost opportunity.
The $4,000 asking price places it on the higher end for a network streamer/DAC that doesn’t even come with its own proprietary control app, but the typical McIntosh customer is likely to find this very appealing.
Price & Availability
The McIntosh DS200 Streaming DAC is available through authorized McIntosh dealers for $4,000 USD / €5,990 EUR / £5,890 GBP.
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