There are few brands in the world of high-fidelity audio as instantly recognizable as McIntosh. The gloss of a black glass fascia, the hypnotic glow of its signature blue power meters, and the classic illuminated green lettering—these are design cues that have remained virtually unchanged for decades. It is a testament to a design language so iconic that McIntosh has seen little reason to alter it. And so, even as we unbox a thoroughly modern device—the DS200 network player and DAC—we are greeted with the same aesthetic that has defined the brand for over half a century. Whether one finds this timeless look appealing is, of course, a matter of personal taste, but its heritage is undeniable.
Key Features:
Quad Balanced, 8-channel DAC
Roon Ready and Roon Tested Certified
Technical Specifications:
Type: Network Player / Preamplifier / DAC
Digital Inputs: Ethernet, 2 x Coaxial, 2 x Optical, AES/EBU, MCT, USB-B, HDMI (ARC), Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Network Services: Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect
Analog Outputs: Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA
Digital Outputs: None
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 60kHz
Distortion (THD+N): 0.005%
Control: Front panel buttons, Remote control
Dimensions (H × W × D): 52 × 445 × 432 mm (2.05" x 17.5" x 17")
Weight: 9.3 kg (20.5 lbs)
While the exterior of the DS200 pays homage to a bygone era, its internal architecture is unequivocally modern. At the heart of the unit lies an audiophile-grade, Quad-Balanced, eight-channel Digital-to-Analog Converter. This advanced DAC is capable of processing high-resolution audio formats up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD512, and DXD384kHz. McIntosh itself makes a point to emphasize the DAC's "huge dynamic range" and exceptionally "low distortion."
The array of digital inputs is exhaustive, ensuring compatibility with virtually any source. It includes two coaxial and two optical inputs (both supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz), an AES/EBU balanced input (24-bit/192kHz), and a high-performance USB-B port that handles the highest resolutions, including 32-bit/384kHz, DSD512, and DXD384kHz. An HDMI ARC input allows for seamless integration of television audio, while McIntosh's proprietary MCT connection provides a perfect digital link to their line of CD/SACD transports. For networking, a hard-wired Ethernet port is provided, guaranteeing the most stable connection possible.
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