DAC Shootout Part Deux: Ayre, AMR, Luxman, McIntosh

[cobolla]

Pete, you describe the exact same situation I'm in. But, does the MDA1000 add anything to the stream that's already been processed by the Bryson DAC? Should I be getting just a USB to SPDIF converter like the Berkeley or Audiophilleo? I'm thinking logic and cost here, backed by no technical knowledge!

[briweed]

Originally Posted by cobolla

I have come to this very late but it addresses my current problem directly. I realise the original contributors might not even be around anymore, but would still be grateful for what anyone else might advise. My McIntosh MS750 music server is dead and I have decided to go digital. However, as we all know the MDA1000 does not have a USB input. I don't want to get a D1000 or replace my C46 with a C50. I want to keep the MDA1000.

Is there much point in getting a separate DAC like the Bryson BUC and then feeding it to the MDA1000? To my untutored mind that's just like using 2 DACs on the same music file because the Bryston will be feeding the MDA an analogue stream, having actually done the conversion already (?) Or shall I get a USB/SPDIF converter like the audiophilleo?

Thanks everyone!

The Bryston BUC-1 will work great. Ivan sells them and if I were in your shoes I would go that route and keep the MDA1000. The BUC-1 does not convert to analog, it converts USB (Digital) to other Digital outputs to feed your DAC (digital). The MDA1000 is a killer DAC for what it does. Call Ivan, he will hook you up.

B

[jdandy]

cobolla.......You might be misunderstanding what the Bryston BUC-1 does. It is not a DAC. The Bryston BUC-1 is a USB converter. It provides a high resolution, ultra low jitter digital audio signal interface between your computer or music server's USB output and your MDA1000 coaxial input.

A member here (Vintage Pete) owns the McIntosh MCD1000 and MDA1000. He uses the Bryston BUC-1 to play high resolution downloads from his laptop's USB output to the BUC-1, then from the BUC-1 via a digital coaxial cable to the MDA1000. I have had the opportunity to hear his set up and it sounds outstanding.

[-E-]

Originally Posted by cobolla

I have come to this very late but it addresses my current problem directly. I realise the original contributors might not even be around anymore, but would still be grateful for what anyone else might advise. My McIntosh MS750 music server is dead and I have decided to go digital. However, as we all know the MDA1000 does not have a USB input. I don't want to get a D1000 or replace my C46 with a C50. I want to keep the MDA1000.

Is there much point in getting a separate DAC like the Bryson BUC and then feeding it to the MDA1000? To my untutored mind that's just like using 2 DACs on the same music file because the Bryston will be feeding the MDA an analogue stream, having actually done the conversion already (?) Or shall I get a USB/SPDIF converter like the audiophilleo?

Thanks everyone!

Yes we're still here.

Brian basically answered your question - and I'll second his opinion.

All you need is the Bryston BUC-1 to convert USB-to-SPDIF to input to the MDA1K, then run XLR or RCA analogue to your pre-amp of choice. The MDA1K is still the best DAC in the McLineup - it would be a SQ downgrade to use any of their new DACs.

Become a subscriber and PM Ivan to get a very competitive price on a BUC-1 and thank us later.