McIntosh Laboratory’s new DS200 blends the latest technologies with the company’s traditional aesthetic language to produce a highly versatile and attractive addition to its digital line-up.
McIntosh Laboratory’s arsenal of digital playback components is now expanded via the new, highly featured DS200 Streaming DAC, also featuring a stream (pun intended) of wireless playback technologies. Said wireless streaming is available via inbuilt Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Bluetooth aptX HD and aptX Low Latency (single Bluetooth and two Wi-Fi antennae provided). Wired ethernet connectivity via RJ 45 is also offered. The DS200 is Roon Ready.
Further connecting options include analogue outputs via both XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced, with either fixed output or a variable output mode which allows direct connectivity to a power amplifier. A total of eight digital inputs features two coaxial S/PDIF via RCA, two optical Toslink, a single XLR AES/EBU, McIntosh Laboratory’s own MCT socket (for compatible digital transports), a USB-A audio port and a HDMI ARC connector. A host of data, remote on/off, and control input/output sockets via 3.5 mm minijack rounds out the available connectivity. Set up of the various audio functions is available conventionally by menu navigation or through voice commands by Google Assistant.
The DS200 features a “next-generation” 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in a Quad Balanced 8-channel configuration. Playback resolutions stretch to DSD512 and DXD right up to 384 kHz through the USB audio port, while the S/PDIF and Toslink sockets offer 24-bit/192 kHz resolution. The HDMI ARC connector allows TV display connectivity which converts Dolby and DTS multi-channel formats into high quality two-channel audio.
It goes without saying that the DS200 sports the unmistakable McIntosh Laboratory design language, featuring the ubiquitous smoked glass fascia, green backlit company logo and button functions, retro styled rotary knobs, aluminium front panel side cheeks, and more. A central display window shows current status, input selection, audio/Bluetooth streaming format, etc.
The new McIntosh Laboratory DS200 Streaming DAC is available for pre-order via importer Synergy Audio’s Australia-wide specialist dealer network.
McIntosh Laboratory DS200 Streaming DAC
Price: AU$8995
Australian Distributor: Synergy Audio
+61 3 9459 7474
www.synergyaudio.com