Upgrade to McIntosh

@steve59 My C2700 came with the DA2 module. I haven’t heard the DA1 and cannot give a comparison, but I have zero complaints about the DA2. I stream quite a bit and use Roon all through that module. It’s been fantastic so far. 

Thanks for the quick reply, right now everything’s new and I’m stoked.

I don't normally recommend anything, but my experience is to try it in your home and as part of your system and hopeful against others that you like, before purchasing.

Really!  It extends your "journey" but I suspect that you will be happy that you did.

Enjoy!

I have the 352 running through some A4’s, and an MT5 with a clear audio charisma v2 cart, it sounds incredible and looks amazing. 

@icehawks18  I heard the A4s. They are pleasing speakers.I think the room size/speaker choice is crucial in achieving an optimum sound. I am trying to pair bookshelves with a good sub which takes a lot of trial. Some brands integrate better. REL,SVS micro 3000,Rythmik F12SE... Still hard to make a choice.

How is the low end response with the MA352? Since its SS on the output, I guess youa re satisfied with the bass?

@femoore12 I have my reservations about the internal DAC2 installation. You see the DACs keep improving so do the connection types that come with them. Is it really worth the extra $1000 McIntosh internal DAC2 rather than trying out different external DACs giving you more freedom and opportunities.That is a dilemma.

All tubes here. I have the MC275 VI paired up with a C2300. Listen to it most everyday in my office. I added a RME DAC so I could hook up my streamer. I have a 10x10 room and while I don't listen at reference levels (more in the 70-80dB range ), the MC275 has plenty of power and low end for my Paradigm Studio 20V5s. Whatever you pair with the MC275, the MC275 will not be the weakest link in the chain and is an amp you can keep and enjoy for years. 

@wolfgangamadeusaudiophiliac I haven't compared that DA2 module to other higher end (above $1000) DACs. I've only owned a couple of the Schiit Audio DACs (Modi and Modius) and the module in the C2700 is certainly better. 

This will certainly be a personal choice and I do understand the dilemma. McIntosh does sell the C22 tube preamp without a DAC if a McIntosh tube preamp is your interest. Then you are not tied to a built in if you want to try out others. I might eventually switch to another DAC, but the DA2 was a big improvement for me over what I currently owned.

I have been a long time McIntosh fan and have run MC352, MC601's, MC75 III, and currently MC275VI.  Surprisingly, a Don Sachs II pre amp absolutely out performed my beloved C500T pre amp.  Suspect 6SN7 based system is just better than 12AX7 to my ears.  I ran Cremona Auditor M's, then Guarneri Evolutions and both were excellent.  A move to a much larger room allowed me to run Cornwall IV's and I have no interest in changing anything.  Don't overlook the Don Sachs / McIntosh synergy.....a wonderful match.  Have fun!

@jeffreyw 

I second what you said. I'm running a C2300 with MC601's and I get wonderful, warm tube sound with lots of bass. I also have an MC275 in my system and I can switch between the 601's and the 275, and the difference between the SS amps and tube amp is definitely more subtle than when I had a SS preamp with the same amps.

Interesting you ask. I went down a whole rabbit hole trying to go with bookshelves on speaker stands, + a wireless sub, due to my room limitations. and I was very disappointed by the sound - it was very “small and narrow”. My room is about 20x18. I found the spendor A4s and went with those (the footprint of the A4 is **SMALLER** than that of any speaker stand base). I personally am deeply satisfied with the A4 (could have gone A2 but I got a deal) + subwoofer combo. Depending on what I am listening to, I will or won’t use the sub. The splendors powered by the M352 provide a wonderful, lovely, crisp sound. For “critical listening” I use the built-in headphone functionality with my focal MGs.

how big is your room?

it goes without saying, part of the appeal of the 352 is the simplicity, and the look, which in my case this is my living room, I don’t have room for 2-3 components and it’s wife-approved, were also key. But IMO, the 352 provides specTacular sound in addition to the aesthetic.

@steve59 

@wolfgangamadeusaudiophiliac 

I can comment on how good the DA2 module is. I run an additional Aries Cerat Helene DAC in my system ($17K). The Helene is clearly better in every aspect. However, what most impresses me about my system is just how good the DA2 is when I do an A/B test. DACs have become so good for so little money. I really think you would need to be in the $3K range to better the DA2, and that improvement wouldn't be jaw-dropping; $10K would be needed for that reaction. This is just an example of how good of a value the DA2 brings to the table. 

Just be aware of one of the most remorseful decisions involved in choosing your hi-fi gear:

Purchasing a less expensive piece of gear instead of what you really wanted!

Best of luck

@jeffreyw Thanks for posting that comparison. I’ve been curious what level I would need to be looking at if I ever decided to go back to using an external DAC in my system. This eliminates a lot of guessing. 

I’ve owned one for the past year with the D2 DAC installed. If you’d like more details about it, send me a message.

MC601’s and C2300 Pre with Telefunken smooth plate 12ax7 for both Phono and Line stage driving my Vandersteen 2CE Signature II and I couldn’t be happier.

With McIntosh being roon certified I wonder how much more it would have cost to add full mqa? There’s a lot of albums I’ll pull up on qobuz with most of the songs unavailable and tidal will offer the complete album so without getting into a mqa vs flac debate not having mqa does limit what’s available. If asked I think more often than not the recording itself makes a more audible difference than the format, and it would be an easier decision if buying a da2 made more music available to me. 

I ordered my McIntosh C2700 yesterday. Did I need it? Probably not but I had permission from the boss sooooo! Will just sell my C2600 at that point. 

One of the incentives the dealer offered me was full trade up value for my purchase. Said it was a mac thing. Something to look forward to 

Regarding the originator’s question about separates, I primarily use a McIntosh C2300 (the last, all-analog, tube preamp; I don’t listen to digital files, and wouldn’t want a built-in DAC if I did!), coupled to a McIntosh MC402 amplifier. Although the MC402 is a solid-state amp, it uses Autoformers whose output impedance is similar to a tube amplifier. I have this pair coupled to a pair of B&W Matrix 801 Series III loudspeakers. This combination provides tight, solid bass and warmer mids and highs, Great sound!

Previously, I used a Sunfire Classic Vacuum Tube Control Center (tube preamp) with Sunfire 300 amplifier, coupled to Innersound Isis loudspeakers, so I definitely prefer the tube/solid-state combination. I still own the Sunfire tube preamp (sounds so good I couldn't get rid of it), and occasionally pair it up with various other (solid-state) amplifiers I still own to listen to for a change!

Go with separates, it gives you more flexibility and options.

I really like the DAC2 board in my C2700, I also have my TV in the same room and the ARC input is a godsent for integration of the TV into my audio system. As for if its better then the DAC1 board I cannot say but everything i read says is an upgrade.

I would not hesitate in getting a MAC per-amp with the DAC2 board if you have digital in your system. It was better then the Schiit Gumby multi bit DAC I was using prior ( $1300usd) and better then the Aurender A10 internal DAC i have now. Its quite lively sounding and has good detail and sounds like music, i found the Aurender A10's DAC to be quite dark sounding in comparison. the Schiit DAC is a great value for the money though but not quite up to the DAC 2 board specialty when taking into effect the ARC integration and inputs available. 

I owned two MC275 MkVIs bridged as monoblocks paired with MC52 pre.

Excellent in all respects; drove my vintage Infinity RS IIs no problem.

Traded them  for MC830 monoblocks for more power and to avoid the tube warmup situation.

The DAC2 module uses the ES9028PRO chip which is well respected. Same as benchmark DAC3 that goes for $1800. Having heard both I would stay they are comparable with the Mac having more natural sounding highs to my ears. I have not heard the DA2 in the Mac as a stand alone unit so I can’t really comment on soundstage and finer details as the preamp plays a big part.