Is My McIntosh C52 Pre-amp The Weak Link?

Separate DAC gives you much more flexibility.

I just upgraded my MA8900 to the DA2 module and there is a marked difference.  Firmware update plus new and better chipset on the DA2 are superior to the DA1 module.  IMHO, larger soundstage, more detail and resolution and tighter, more defined low end.  Sure, separate DAC will give you more flexibility and maybe more resolution, but the DAC upgrade is around $1000.00 plus install fees so not a bad deal for a lot of improvement.

Thanks chcumo63. sound like a good low cost upgrade, will explore. Certainly less expensive than going from a C52 to a C53.

I can vouch for the DA2 as well.  I am targeting a separate DAC down the road, but the DA2 is really very nice in the meantime.  Make sure it implements the latest firmware and you will see a definite difference compared to the DA1.  That said, I am frustrated with McIntosh in that we have had the DA2 for what, 3 or 4 years at least and there is no DA3 that would be comparable or based on their latest products (MCD12000).  A DA3 that kept up with the latest in high-performing delta-sigma dacs (see T+A DAC200) would be super-desirable for me as a C2700 user, since I do enjoy keeping remote control confusion to a minimum and also keeping things useable for my wife.