I have never heard the Mac or the Black Ice but in general I would go for the best DAC . It sounds like you still play a lot of discs, and imo for streaming the DAC is the more important determinant of the sound. Both the Node and the Sony Universal players have less than ideal DACs, so you will get the best value by using the money for a DAC upgrade.
Mcintosh Streamer or a DAC?
I have a 9.2.7 home theater using Paradigm Active Reference speakers and a Marantz 7702 processor with the pro kit room correction upgrade in a very well treated room. I am using a Blue Sound Node for streaming and a Sony Universal player for CD, Blueray and SACD. I am wondering about getting a Mcintosh MB50 streamer/preamp or a DAC (iFi Signature One or Black Ice Audio FX10 tube dac).
I have seen two youtube reviewers I like that have compared both Mac dacs or dac/ preamps with the iFi and say the iFi holds its own. The Black Ice Audio FX10 would introduce tubes into my all solid state system and I have never tried tubes before. The MB50 is around $1500 on the second hand market, the iFi is around $350 new and the Black Ice Dac around $1200 new. The Paradigm Active speakers are self powered and have both an XLR and RCA connection that I can toggle between so I can easily have two separate components connected at the same time.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
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I recently purchased a McIntosh MA-12000 @ $15000. I had their latest version of DAC and my digital sounded flat/bland. I would guess that this DAC competes in the $1000-$1500 DAC segment In the last couple of months I moved to the Holo May DAC KTE and everything is musical..really nice..but it was expensive. I don't think you should look at McIntosh for value. I don't think it is possible to find an acceptable new DAC for $1000. Read like threads and look at peoples profiles to find people with real long term experience and concentrate on the used market. I'm using a low end streamer the iFi Zen Pro. I added their $299 power supply and isolated ethernet with two ethernet to fiber converters. That is my big compromise and I put my money into the DAC. I haven't a clue as to what DACs you should look at...but there are dealers here and other members that have good advice..I'm sure. |
@vonhelmholtz , your post is very helpful, the Mac MB50 is only available in the used market which means no audition/ no returns. I'll stick with a new dac with a return policy to avoid buyers remorse. I saw a post here about the ethernet fiber converters, what's your opinion on them? |
I think you are mistaken. You can find sources where you can buy used equipment from reputable sellers/dealers. I just purchased a phono preamp from a knowledgeable dealer/audiophile whom I had been following. I purchased an item used that new cost more than my McIntosh..sight unseen and it was exactly as represented. Local dealers sell used equipment..but you do get a warranty with new..make sure that you have servicing in your country. |
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@jonathonkimber , that is very helpful. I am looking at the Mac MB50, not the MS500, can you share any info? Thanks
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