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

I recently upgraded my MA8900 to the DA2 module.  I run an Aurender N100C as my only digital source and the DA2 performs very well.  I think you would have to spend a lot more money on an external DAC to notice big differences over the DA2.  I will say that the DA2 is a big improvement over the DA1 module that was originally installed in my amp.  It does not have issues with USB inputs from the Aurender which was a little finicky with the DA1 module.  You would be very well served with any of the Mac integrated amps and the DA2 DAC.

Last year I tried approximately 10 different DAC’s. The DA2 held its own with all of them. Mine is built into a C8. I never had one glitch with the C8 which is more than I can say for all of the other un I tried. There’s something about having the units built by the same manufacturer. also McIntosh owns another DAC manufacture called Weiss, I understand that they are a well respected brand. One last thought, if you buy your unit without the DA2 The dealer can install one for $1500.

Wow, didn’t know Mac owned Weiss!

I now prefer my MA8950’s dac board over the Chord Qutest. The DA2 started to sound better after a few weeks of playing (burn in?) so I won’t go back to the Qutest. Using a Auralic Aries as a streamer.

I have had my MA12000 for 3 yrs now. My first dip into audio was the 70s/80s, hence always leaned towards separates.  I  went to several listening sessions of different amps/preamps and a few integrates before my purchase. One session I had the chance of comparing the McIntosh separates to their integrated MA12000 side-by-side…done deal. They really nailed it…the tube front side with the s.s. backend done in a proprietary pathway is excellent.
The MA12000 does everything well…some exceptionally well. You would be hard pressed to find a better preamp. More connectivity than anyone would every need too. It will drive most speakers easily; never gets warm. As more of an analog guy…I decided to add a phonostage even though the MM/MC sounded really good in the MA12000; PS Audio had a discount promotion on their Stellar phonostages. It was difficult  to tell the difference…the separate phonostage added a little more “depth” at the bottom end, but very little else compared the the MM/MC input on the MA12000. Again, this integrated does everything well and some exceptional well, really no weak areas except it is really heavy ( a two person lift) & big in size.
The D2 card I have not compared side by side yet with a separate Dac. I am looking for a good streamer, currently using the Bluenode which is great for what it does at the pricepoint. Last week I did a lessoning session/audition with the Aurender N20 with a Berkley Alpha 3 Dac = I found my streamer! I think my best path is to go with the Aurender streamer and use it with the MA12000/D2 & add a separate Dac down the road – if needed; D3 may be out by then?  I feel the DAC world will only improve and hopefully the price-points drop…the MSB discrete has positive reviews but at 12K…I can wait. I like the company philosophies of Chord & Schitts and their Dac builds….if a decent used price comes up, may get that to compare with the D2 card.

You will be very happy with the newer McIntosh integrated!