McIntosh C53 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier

[thughes]

the audio is behind the picture hence unwatchable.

I had the same issue on the audio only HDMI of the most recent Oppo Blu-ray player. I had to tinker with the audio synch settings, but I did eventually achieve a good match.

[thughes]

What holds me back on upgrading to one of the new Mc preamps is the lack of a tuner module. I am still using my old C45 with the TM1 tuner module. If I upgrade preamps, I also have to add a tuner.

[damacman]

Originally Posted by Dylan Morris

Have useful in reality is the HDMI input on this new DAC2.

The Audiostream review says a flat panel TV can be connected but surely the audio would be out of sync with the TV ? I’ve an MA8000 (with the older built in 2 channel DAC) and I’ve tried pushing my TV audio through it using the TV’s SPDIF (Toslink) connector (there’s no HDMI input on amp) and the audio is behind the picture hence unwatchable. So I have to use the TV analogue audio output via headphone socket and go into the amp via unbalanced RCA input.

I suppose the HDMI input could be used with audio source components but how many have an HDMI output. And what advantage would this give compared to the way I do this via a digital co-axial cable ?

Is this DAC2 a bit overrated then ?

This is an excellent question. Obviously, ARC HDMI connection points offer two-way communication. One benefit for the apartment dweller (without the space for a full blown home theater system) who desires the audio from his TV to be through his audio system would be waking up the C53 by simply turning on the TV. As for other benefits in comparison to the standard Toslink output from the TV, I have no idea.

[IM3CPO]

Originally Posted by Dylan Morris

Have useful in reality is the HDMI input on this new DAC2.

The Audiostream review says a flat panel TV can be connected but surely the audio would be out of sync with the TV ? I’ve an MA8000 (with the older built in 2 channel DAC) and I’ve tried pushing my TV audio through it using the TV’s SPDIF (Toslink) connector (there’s no HDMI input on amp) and the audio is behind the picture hence unwatchable. So I have to use the TV analogue audio output via headphone socket and go into the amp via unbalanced RCA input.

I suppose the HDMI input could be used with audio source components but how many have an HDMI output. And what advantage would this give compared to the way I do this via a digital co-axial cable ?

Is this DAC2 a bit overrated then ?

Every flat panel TV I have ever owned has had a way to change the delay in the audio to make the TV sync with an external sound device. Not all refer to this using the same terminology, but its usually called "lip sync delay" or something along those lines.

[malba2366]

Originally Posted by gsabath

Thanks all for the info that the MA5300 can be upgraded. Hopefully this will be a reasonable cost. I would rather have the upgade then have to go and buy a non-Mc DAC for the addition performance.

I vaguely remember reading that upgrades were estimated to be in the $2000 price range when they first revealed the switchable DACs on the integrated amps. I don't recall the source or if that was just speculation.

[gsabath]

Ouch!! I can buy a new Benchmark or 2 RME for that amount if true.

[W9TR]

It’s going to be interesting to see how McIntosh plays this out.

Will they offer a multi-bit module?
Will they stay with their current Delta/Sigma DAC architecture?

There are some excellent DAC’s in the $2k price class. I own a Benchmark DAC3 HGC and a Schiit Yggdrasil and they are both very different sounding.

I’m hoping McIntosh is wildly successful with this strategy so the price of older gear, specifically the MA 8000, will drop as people upgrade.

[Msegal]

Originally Posted by W9TR

It’s going to be interesting to see how McIntosh plays this out.

Will they offer a multi-bit module?
Will they stay with their current Delta/Sigma DAC architecture?

There are some excellent DAC’s in the $2k price class. I own a Benchmark DAC3 HGC and a Schiit Yggdrasil and they are both very different sounding.

I’m hoping McIntosh is wildly successful with this strategy so the price of older gear, specifically the MA 8000, will drop as people upgrade.

I doubt Mac is looking for the “cost effective “ option.
I think they are trying to allow owners of older amps to maintain compatibility with newer formats and higher Rez.
I also doubt that sound quality is their driving force for the DAC modules.

Mike S.

[W9TR]

Good point Mike!