Any rumors of a D150 replacement?

[Logan Nolag]

I'm very tempted to sell my C47 and get one of the new C22s but If I do I will need a new DAC since the C22 doesn't have one built in.

I used to have a D150 but I got rid of it when I traded my C220 for the C47.

I guess I could pick up another D150 but I didn't really like it very much and it isn't as good as the DAC in the C47 so it would be a downgrade.

I know there is the D1100 but it's a bit too spendy for me and I don't like how it isn't upgradeable.

My dream would be a DAC with the DA2 module, fixed balanced outs, and fixed unbalanced outs. Nothing else. No headphone jack, No analog inputs, No variable outputs. The front panel would only need a power switch, a source selector knob, a knob or set of buttons for adjusting settings and a screen. Maybe they could call it the D200.

If they released that I would buy it in a second.

[JWJW]

Great post! Been thinking the same thing.

[Yamaki]

I would upgrade to something like that as well.

Basically make an external DSD capable DAC and leave the digital pre-amp/headphone amp features behind. For me they can continue using the ESS chipsets.

[thughes]

My dream would be a DAC with the DA2 module

I use the audio return channel on my Sony TV to the HDMI input on my DA2 module in my C53. The HDMI is a welcome addition.

[damacman]

I own a D150 and it's quite competent indeed. I've not heard anyone say, until now, that the DAC built into any of the Mc preamps is its peer. The D150 is fully balanced - piped into my C200 via XLR, I find it easy to listen to and non-fatiguing. These can be had at bargain prices on the used market - paid $1200 for mine and it's perfect.

Its USB input is temperamental, which is commonly discussed. However, I believe that's as much the fault of Micro$oft as it is McIntosh.

[Logan Nolag]

Originally Posted by damacman

Its USB input is temperamental, which is commonly discussed. However, I believe that's as much the fault of Micro$oft as it is McIntosh.

This was the main problem I had with the D150. The C47s USB works much better especially with the 1.04 firmware.

[Yamaki]

Originally Posted by damacman

I own a D150 and it's quite competent indeed. I've not heard anyone say, until now, that the DAC built into any of the Mc preamps is its peer. The D150 is fully balanced - piped into my C200 via XLR, I find it easy to listen to and non-fatiguing. These can be had at bargain prices on the used market - paid $1200 for mine and it's perfect.

Its USB input is temperamental, which is commonly discussed. However, I believe that's as much the fault of Micro$oft as it is McIntosh.

Originally Posted by Logan Nolag

This was the main problem I had with the D150. The C47s USB works much better especially with the 1.04 firmware.

My D100 had some USB issues as well. I kept having to reload the McIntosh drivers to my Windoze based music server. It was as if Windoze was kicking them out the door!

That music server box has been sold on to another owner and in it's place I have a Raspberry Pi4 that acts as my Roon bridge and my laptop is my Roon End Point/Controller. There are no Windows boxes between the NAS and the DAC now and I've not had to use the drivers nor have I had any unexpected failures.

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by damacman

...

Its USB input is temperamental, which is commonly discussed. However, I believe that's as much the fault of Micro$oft as it is McIntosh.

Nope - I never had to reboot my Esoteric or TEAC DACs to have their ASIO drivers work. I am pretty sure it is the McIntosh design / ASIO drivers.

[damacman]

Originally Posted by Logan Nolag

This was the main problem I had with the D150. The C47s USB works much better especially with the 1.04 firmware.

And that would be welcomed indeed!

[damacman]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Nope - I never had to reboot my Esoteric or TEAC DACs to have their ASIO drivers work. I am pretty sure it is the McIntosh design / ASIO drivers.

Certainly a possibility. I find that if the D150 won't recognize the USB input, I have to update Windows. Then we're all good.