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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
3,826 posts
 

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

cat345
21 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.

nathandfwacoustics OP
5 posts
 

@cat345 - agree. I have auditioned a few speakers since I first asked the question but none of the dealers have DA2. I love what DA1 (MA7200) generates and I’m guessing DA2 will be in the same vein. 

But in the last two days I heard MA 252 and MA352 and ended up purchasing the latter. The streamer + DAC used for it was the hifi rose 150b. BEAUTIFUL music. 
 

Maybe the DA2 will be a purchase in the future for another room. I’m still curious about the source of music for y’all where you’re bypassing all other DACs and use the DA2. 
 

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