McIntosh has made a lot of good streaming products recently, and they have made it easier to play Hi-res audio from your favorite music streaming platforms. They recently released two new products, the MSA5500, which is a streaming integrated amplifier, and the DS200 streaming DAC. The DS200 is a high-end streaming DAC that is the ultimate solution for music enthusiasts who demand the perfect blend of high-end audio quality and seamless streaming capabilities. This user-friendly streamer offers a variety of built-in casting technologies to play your streamed music. In this article, we will review the McIntosh DS200 and find out if it is the right product for you.
McIntosh DS200 Review
The McIntosh DS200 streaming DAC has the signature McIntosh look with black glass on the front panel. Like all McIntosh products, the DS200 streaming DAC has superb build quality. It also looks good and feels premium with a black finish and silver accents. It has two control knobs, one for volume and the other for input selection. There is a display in the center that can show your source, the settings, volume level, and streaming format. There is an illuminated McIntosh logo right above the display, and there are buttons on the right and left sides for playback and controlling the unit.
On the back panel, the McIntosh DS200 has two coaxial and two optical inputs that support audio up to 24-bit, 192 kHz, along with a USB-B port and an AES/EBU port. If you want to connect your TV or a CD player, the streaming DAC has HDMI ARC. The DS200 has balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, so you can connect it to an integrated amplifier like the McIntosh MSA5500 or a power amplifier. You also have an Ethernet port, RS232 control ports, external control ports, and power control ports on the back.
The DS200 has support for Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Bluetooth 5.0 to connect to your desired music streaming service. The streaming DAC is also Roon Tested and Roon Ready, which means it can integrate with Roon’s playback management systems. There isn’t any dedicated McIntosh app for the DS200, and you can just open your streaming app and cast music to this streamer.
When I looked at the spec sheet of the DS200, there wasn’t any mention of a DAC chip, so we won’t know which ESS chip they put inside this streaming DAC. However, performance depends on the circuitry, so if the chip was implemented correctly, it won’t matter what chip it is.
Inside the McIntosh DS200, there is a Quad Balanced DAC that has an 8-channel, 32-bit DAC architecture to extract every single detail from your audio with low distortion and a dynamic range. The DAC supports Hi-res audio formats up to DSD512 and DXD 384 kHz. The streaming DAC is also Google Assistant compatible for voice control; simply speak to your Google Assistant control device to operate your DS200.
The McIntosh DS200 is also a full digital preamp. It has a Variable Output Mode, and with it, you can connect it to a power amplifier and use the DS200 as the central control unit for your entire system.
McIntosh DS200 Sound Performance
During my listening sessions with the DS200, I was consistently impressed by its ability to render music with exceptional clarity and precision. The streamer excels at retrieving subtle details from recordings without ever sounding analytical or sterile. Bass reproduction is particularly noteworthy, with tight control and natural weight that gives music a solid foundation. The midrange presentation is where the DS200 truly shines, delivering vocals and instruments with remarkable texture and dimensionality that creates a palpable sense of presence in the room. High frequencies extend smoothly without any hint of harshness or digital glare, even with complex orchestral pieces at higher volumes. The soundstage projected by the DS200 is expansive yet precisely defined, with instruments placed naturally within a three-dimensional space. Most importantly, the McIntosh signature sound comes through, warm without being colored, detailed without being fatiguing, and always musical in a way that encourages extended listening sessions.
McIntosh DS200 vs McIntosh MSA5500
The McIntosh DS200 was released with another product, the MSA5500. If you are reading this and you are looking to buy something to elevate your speaker system, then you might be confused as to what device you should buy. Firstly, let’s compare the prices of these products. The McIntosh MSA5500 integrated amplifier retails for $8000, while the DS200 streaming DAC retails for $4000.
Your decision will depend on how you want to build your system. The MSA5500 is an all-in-one stereo integrated amplifier; it has a 100-watt per channel amplifier, a high-performance DAC, and it can stream as well. It is a good choice if you want a system that is easier to set up with fewer components, all while getting the best performance out of your speakers.
The DS200 is for those who want to enhance or have more control over their setup. If you already have an amplifier and a streamer, or an integrated amplifier, then you don’t need to spend your money on the MSA5500. The DS200 can act as an amplifier and connect with your existing amplifier, and it also has impressive DAC capabilities.
Verdict
The McIntosh DS200 is a solid McIntosh product, successfully bridging the gap between convenience and audiophile performance. At $4000, it certainly represents a significant investment, but its versatility as both a high-performance streamer and digital preamplifier provides excellent value for those looking to build or upgrade their audio system. The combination of extensive connectivity options, support for virtually every streaming service and high-resolution format, and McIntosh’s renowned build quality makes the DS200 a compelling option in its price category. For audiophiles seeking to add modern streaming capabilities to their system without compromising on sound quality, the DS200 stands as one of the most complete and satisfying solutions currently available on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions About the McIntosh DS200
What streaming services does the McIntosh DS200 support?
The McIntosh DS200 supports a wide variety of streaming services, including Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Bluetooth 5.0. It’s also Roon Tested and Roon Ready, making it compatible with virtually all major streaming platforms.
Does the McIntosh DS200 have its control app?
No, the McIntosh DS200 doesn’t have a dedicated control app. Instead, it works directly with your preferred streaming service apps. Simply open your streaming app (like Tidal, Spotify, or Qobuz) and cast directly to the DS200.
What high-resolution audio formats does the DS200 support?
The DS200 supports an extensive range of high-resolution audio formats, including DSD up to DSD512 and DXD up to 384 kHz. It also handles all standard PCM formats through its digital inputs with resolution up to 32-bit/384kHz.
Can the McIntosh DS200 be used as a preamp in my system?
Yes, the DS200 functions as a full digital preamplifier with Variable Output Mode. This allows you to connect it directly to a power amplifier, eliminating the need for a separate preamplifier in your audio chain while maintaining excellent sound quality.
How does the DS200 compare to other streamers in its price range?
Compared to other streamers in the $4,000 price range, the DS200 offers exceptional build quality with McIntosh’s signature design aesthetic, superior sound performance with its Quad Balanced DAC architecture, and greater versatility with its preamp functionality—features that many competing products offer only separately.
Is the McIntosh DS200 compatible with voice control?
Yes, the DS200 is Google Assistant compatible. You can control basic functions by speaking to your Google Assistant device, allowing for convenient hands-free operation of your streaming system.
Does the DS200 have MQA decoding capability?
The McIntosh DS200 provides MQA rendering capability, allowing it to process MQA streams from services like Tidal. This ensures you get the full benefit of MQA-encoded high-resolution audio content.
What’s the difference between the DS200 and other McIntosh streamers?
The DS200 represents McIntosh’s dedicated high-end streaming DAC offering, while products like the MSA5500 combine streaming capabilities with amplification. The DS200 focuses purely on digital streaming and conversion excellence, making it ideal for those who already have amplification or want to build a modular system.
Can I connect my TV to the McIntosh DS200?
Yes, the DS200 features an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input, allowing you to connect your television and use the DS200 to enhance your TV audio experience while maintaining the simplicity of your remote control operation.
What kind of warranty does McIntosh offer on the DS200?
McIntosh provides their standard 3-year warranty on the DS200, covering parts and labor. This comprehensive warranty reflects McIntosh’s confidence in the build quality and longevity of their products, which are designed and manufactured to exacting standards.