McIntosh MEN220 Review

[krustycat]

The MEN220 really helps to the listening experience.

If you just could get a demo at your home, then the answer would be easier for you.

I am happy with the results in my small room.

[Blueoak]

Originally Posted by Family Progtitioner

If you're anxious about losing the benefits of the d1100 then I would recommend a mini-dsp with dirac. It can be configured with digital in and out so you can keep the benefits of your d1100.

That said, imo the benefits of room correction VASTLY outweigh any benefits a DAC can give. Audiophiles talk about "jaw dropping " and "night and day" differences between components which is mainly bs. Room correction, though, is the real deal. Put a great system into a poor room and you get a poor system.

Hi. Do you have a recommendation of a DSP with DIRAC that would work with my D1100?

Thanks!

[Blueoak]

Originally Posted by krustycat

The MEN220 really helps to the listening experience.

If you just could get a demo at your home, then the answer would be easier for you.

I am happy with the results in my small room.

I wish I could find a dealer that would let me demo one. I'm in the Bay Area, but no one that I know of has a MEN220

[Family Progtitioner]

Originally Posted by Blueoak

Hi. Do you have a recommendation of a DSP with DIRAC that would work with my D1100?



Thanks!

https://www.minidsp.com/dirac-series/ddrc-22d

[Blueoak]

Originally Posted by Family Progtitioner

https://www.minidsp.com/dirac-series/ddrc-22d

Oh wow. I assume because everything is kept digital, it's superior to the MEN220?

Does it connect like so?

Digital source -> miniDSP -> D1100 -> MC601 -> XR100s

Thanks!

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Blueoak

Oh wow. I assume because everything is kept digital, it's superior to the MEN220?



Does it connect like so?



Digital source -> miniDSP -> D1100 -> MC601 -> XR100s



Thanks!

For what it's worth, previously I had the DSpeaker Anti Mode 2 before my MEN220, which can also be used only in the digital domain, and was one of the internet super-products too.

Simply put, I'd didn't hold a candle to the MEN220. Ultimately, I appreciate the plug & play approach of the MEN220.

Place the microphone, and let it do its thing. It's likely the single most significant component in terms of improvement.

I'm still shocked at the balance, bass, etc. with my MEN in the chain. I wouldn't have bought dual subs had I purchased the 220 earlier.

Having the active crossover is a plus (granted i still have yet to find the sweet spot).

Before you commit to anything, I'd urge you to find a way to demo it in your system.

Good luck!

[Blueoak]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

For what it's worth, previously I had the DSpeaker Anti Mode 2 before my MEN220, which can also be used only in the digital domain, and was one of the internet super-products too.

Simply put, I'd didn't hold a candle to the MEN220. Ultimately, I appreciate the plug & play approach of the MEN220.

Place the microphone, and let it do its thing. It's likely the single most significant component in terms of improvement.

I'm still shocked at the balance, bass, etc. with my MEN in the chain. I wouldn't have bought dual subs had I purchased the 220 earlier. O

Having the active crossover is a plus (granted i still have yet to find the sweet spot).

Before you commit to anything, I'd urge you to find a way to demo it in your system.

Good luck!

Thanks! BTW I didnt see the MEN220 in your signature!

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Blueoak

Thanks! BTW I didnt see the MEN220 in your signature!

Looks like I need to "update". I got it in May

[Family Progtitioner]

Originally Posted by Blueoak

Oh wow. I assume because everything is kept digital, it's superior to the MEN220?



Does it connect like so?



Digital source -> miniDSP -> D1100 -> MC601 -> XR100s



Thanks!

I actually have always thought the men220 is a fabulous device. The ad->da conversion is completely transparent. I had a ps audio directstream DAC at the time so I wanted to try an all digital route into it then to my preamp.

You can't go wrong with the men220. It's a perfect collaboration between lyngdorf, the creator of room perfect and McIntosh, the makers of awesome analog outputs.

[Family Progtitioner]

And yes, that is how the minidsp would connect. That would be a nice streamlined system