HiFiGuy528
Super Member
Deep inside I am hoping the new D100 is a serious headphones amp from BiG Blue. Does anyone know?
Does the new D-100 have....
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'cisco
Well-Known Member
Ron.....I currently have a C50 that has not been updated with the latest firmware...is the DAC in the D100 better than an updated C50? ......or am I going around about this the wrong way?
What would be the correct way to hook this D100 to my C50 if I should want to go this route? btw..... I love the slim-line look. :thmbsp:
I would be grateful for any feedback.
What would be the correct way to hook this D100 to my C50 if I should want to go this route? btw..... I love the slim-line look. :thmbsp:
I would be grateful for any feedback.
ron-c
Addicted Member
D100 can be used with any McIntosh preamp from model C20 through C1000. It has both balanced and unbalanced fixed outputs which can be connected to any high level preamp input such as AUX, Tuner, Tape and so on.
The way to judge sound quality is to connect D100 to one input and compare the sound of this to your other digital solutions such as the digital inputs of your C50. C50 will allow volume offset and matching of your sources that will when balanced in level provide an accurate comparison. If the volumes are not exactly balanced the louder source will always sound the 'best'.
As far as USB inputs unless you have a PC running a high quality music program that will bypass the computer's internal sound processing, you will not know how good USB audio can sound.
C50 or D100 both sound superb when they are used in asynchronous, bit perfect mode. C50/C48, D100 and MCD1100 all correct the digital data stream using the software driven McIntosh digital engine. This processing and correction of the digital data is performed before the signal is sent to the DAC for conversion to analog. Poorly made or recorded CDs and low data rate compressed music are all greatly improved by the McIntosh digital engine which results in superior performance as compared to others using the same DAC chips.
Thanks again,
Ron-C
The way to judge sound quality is to connect D100 to one input and compare the sound of this to your other digital solutions such as the digital inputs of your C50. C50 will allow volume offset and matching of your sources that will when balanced in level provide an accurate comparison. If the volumes are not exactly balanced the louder source will always sound the 'best'.
As far as USB inputs unless you have a PC running a high quality music program that will bypass the computer's internal sound processing, you will not know how good USB audio can sound.
C50 or D100 both sound superb when they are used in asynchronous, bit perfect mode. C50/C48, D100 and MCD1100 all correct the digital data stream using the software driven McIntosh digital engine. This processing and correction of the digital data is performed before the signal is sent to the DAC for conversion to analog. Poorly made or recorded CDs and low data rate compressed music are all greatly improved by the McIntosh digital engine which results in superior performance as compared to others using the same DAC chips.
Thanks again,
Ron-C
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HiFiGuy528
Super Member
Is the D100 Mcintoh's solution to a dedicated headphones amp? Meaning the internal headphones amp was an important part of the design and not an afterthought? I say it not to be mean. I've been hoping for a McIntosh headphones amp for a long time. 
ron-c
Addicted Member
Yes, many will find the headphone amplifier in D100 to be the best sounding SS headphone amplifier for driving hi-end phones. At various shows we have received comments that this headphone amp is very good from headphone fans. Each headphone model is different so you may want to try yours with D100 and let everyone know what you think.
Thanks again,
Ron-C
Thanks again,
Ron-C
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HiFiGuy528
Super Member
D200 in the near future with pretty blue meters and dual headphone outputs? 
Mac isn't Apple, they're not going to release something in 6 months to obsolete their most recent productD200 in the near future with pretty blue meters and dual headphone outputs?
Logan F
Member
Real happy that i sold my MCD500. I was only using it for the DAC since most of my listening is done via streaming. The D100 is the perfect solution for me. A great headphone amp, top line DAC and it's a McIntosh. The price is a bargain and McIntosh is not going to release a higher line version. If you want more features go for the c48 or c50 or the mx121 or mx151 for home theater.
I think McIntosh's biggest problem will be disgruntled customers who sprung for the MCD1100 when this is 1/4 the price and has the same DAC configuration.
I think McIntosh's biggest problem will be disgruntled customers who sprung for the MCD1100 when this is 1/4 the price and has the same DAC configuration.
pagpc
Active Member
usb
why is the usb input not on the front. or at least both the back and the front?
peter
why is the usb input not on the front. or at least both the back and the front?
peter
ron-c
Addicted Member
The USB cable connects to the rear panel like all other inputs and outputs. You can use any length of cable you need to run to your computer. This is not an application where you would be plugging in a USB memory stick, it is for USB music on a computer.
ESS will feature the D100 at their CES show booth next month to show off the implementation of their DAC technology.
Thanks,
Ron-C
ESS will feature the D100 at their CES show booth next month to show off the implementation of their DAC technology.
Thanks,
Ron-C
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mcintoshmagic
Active Member
You would think that at least INPUT and LEVEL would be illuminated as they would on other McIntosh piece. I hope this isn't a new trend for them. :thumbsdn:
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mcintoshmagic
Active Member
Supposedly it's not the same as the one used in the MCD1100 but close. Would be nice to know exactly what DAC it uses. I'm assuming this will be the same DAC used in the forthcoming C2300 replacement.
william.keith
Super Member
I guess you know that if the D100 is connected to a pre-amp its internal digital pre-amp section and volume control are not used. Makes for a pretty expensive DAC.
ron-c
Addicted Member
D100 has fixed or variable outputs just like all McIntosh CD players so you can use it either way, fixed or variable. If you listen to headphones then you will can use the high performance headphone amp with the built in analog stereo volume control while at the same time the fixed output is connected to your preamp.
Much will be said about D100's performance and most will call it what it is, a bargain.
Thanks,
Ron-C
Much will be said about D100's performance and most will call it what it is, a bargain.
Thanks,
Ron-C
william.keith
Super Member
Ron, if you connect the D100 to a pre, e.g., C2300, via variable output do you not then bypass the pre and volume in the C2300?
Also, can you use the fixed output to control a sub while the variable output is connected directly to an amp?
ron-c
Addicted Member
William,
I can not think of a reason to connect the variable output of D100 to a C2300 preamp. With C2300 I would suggest the fixed output. On older preamps that do not have the ability to volume offset sources, so they all have similar playback volume, maybe the variable out would be an option.
While many need all of the input flexibility of a preamp like C2300 there are some that only use digital sources and they will find that D100 covers their needs. If you want to get into USB computer music or update the stereo performance of older digital sources D100 will also allow this with all systems including MX multi-channel processors.
Thanks,
Ron-C
I can not think of a reason to connect the variable output of D100 to a C2300 preamp. With C2300 I would suggest the fixed output. On older preamps that do not have the ability to volume offset sources, so they all have similar playback volume, maybe the variable out would be an option.
While many need all of the input flexibility of a preamp like C2300 there are some that only use digital sources and they will find that D100 covers their needs. If you want to get into USB computer music or update the stereo performance of older digital sources D100 will also allow this with all systems including MX multi-channel processors.
Thanks,
Ron-C
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