McIntosh MB 50

[bruno2009]

Hi - I'm still looking for a streamer to match my McIntosh. Basically I can always use the integrated DAC of my C52, so a further DAC is not really necessary - seems like all better streamers have an integrated DAC though - so I'll just have to live with two.

I'm looking at two products right now - the Linn Majik and Aurelic Altair. It'd be interesting to know how the mb50 holds up against these two and if there are further alternatives.

[1KW]

Aurender N100H will bring your system to a new level

[bruno2009]

Never heard of it - sounds great though. Will check it out. Seems to have all I need and no unnecessary additional features that need to be payed for but never used (such as integrated DAC etc).

[wawa_chan]

I can't answer for the MB 50, but if you just want to try out streaming why not go with a Sonos connect (run digital out to your C52) and burn a few CDs. I had mine connected to my old K-03 and DP-410 and sounded exactly the same as playing the CD. At least then you can see if you like it. The Sonos is a cheap way to try out streaming (and is very good with digital out, find an open box on Amazon).

Even better, I have a connect that I don't use very much (connected to my Linn Akurate DSM) that you can borrow and try out. That way if you like the concept of streaming, you found out without spending a bunch of money... you can then spending some $ on the one you really want. I think the only limitation with Sonos is 16/44 output (redbook).

[bruno2009]

Wawa Chan - thanx for your thoughts. Call me HiFi snob, but I just can't get used to the thought of adding a Sonos to my System. It does not always have to be the "highest of end" - but a least a good and serious piece of equipment to get started. Hard enough to find a streamer that takes away the thought of just adding a different/poorly boxed computer system to your music and also has the built quality and looks + sound of a good HiFi component.

Linn (Majik) at least gives you a feel of owning a serious HiFi component.

So I`m basically looking for an affordable streamer/server that will reproduce the quality of CD (or better it) look like a serious component with acceptable built quality and not include excessive unneeded extras. A pure streamer will do due to the existing DAC in the C52 - but that`s hard to get, so I probably will end up buying a streamer with built in DAC - bur I`m still looking for alternatives...

[JBT]

Originally Posted by bruno2009

Hi - I'm still looking for a streamer to match my McIntosh. Basically I can always use the integrated DAC of my C52, so a further DAC is not really necessary - seems like all better streamers have an integrated DAC though - so I'll just have to live with two.

I'm looking at two products right now - the Linn Majik and Aurelic Altair. It'd be interesting to know how the mb50 holds up against these two and if there are further alternatives.

The MB50 has been getting nice reviews.


These days in high-end audio, the term “Value” is thrown about with casual abandon. $20K amplifiers and $30K speakers are often referred to with such terms. My system is an excellent example of modern high-end audio excess. In this context, the only way to characterize the McIntosh MB50 Streamer is that of a flat out steal. Whether your system has evolved into one like mine, populated with uber-expensive components, or you are just beginning to build a modest system with hopes to expand up the food chain down the road, you can rest assured that the MB50 will rise to the demands of either and all scenarios. Add the fact that it has optical inputs and outputs as well as volume control capability makes recommending the MB50 the surest bet in some 20 years of reviewing gear. Would I still love a $100K DCS digital stack? Sure I would but for now I’m having a ball with the MB50. – Greg Petan


http://www.theaudiophileapartment.co...b-50-streamer/

April issue of HiFi Plus has very good review. MB50 on the cover.

Streaming excellence from McIntosh.

[bruno2009]

Well - IF McIntosh offers the same quality as Linn in the same price range I`d probably always opt for a McIntosh - just not really sure if this is so. Linn is "apparently" the masterclass for streaming. I have not heard either and I know of no dealer that offers both so that comparing drops out.

I do understand that streaming ripped audiofiles is supposed to be superior to CD reproduction - so I would actually consider selling my MCT 450 Transport and swapping it for a good streamer (main focus lies on vinyl anyways).

Just trying to figure out how to approach this streaming issue--- and what product to choose for a good start into things...

[JBT]

I think McIntosh is getting its act together when it comes to building streaming devices.

[McMan]

Chirstoph, thank you for starting this thread. I find myself looking to improve the sound quality coming from my streaming device (Sonos). I would love to hear from owners who upgraded from Sonos to the MB50. How did the sound quality change for you?

Also, here's a link to another review with some inside photos of the unit.

http://www.av-online.hu/lejatszo/mci...szo-teszt_2044

[bruno2009]

Thanx for sharing - can't read the language though;-)

The mb 50 costs about the same as the Linn Majik ds - I'm trying to figure out if the sound quality is comparable and also superior to CD reproduction via my MCT 450.

As far as I understand - given equal quality of the file/cd and using the same DAC - streaming will always be superior due to the better technology.

Don't know how big the differences between the streamers are though - as I understand a streamer basically replaces the transport.

Will be interesting to find out...