The McIntosh D1100 is positioned as the ideal combination of a reference stereo preamplifier and a high-end digital-to-analog converter. The 8-channel 32-bit DAC used in the new product operates in Quad Balanced mode, equally divided between two channels. According to the brand, this is McIntosh’s most advanced DAC ever released, delivering an unprecedented level of digital music sound quality that is reproduced with exceptional precision and fidelity.
On the rear panel of the McIntosh D1100 there are 9 digital inputs, including 3 optical, 3 coaxial, as well as one MCT, AES/EBU and USB input. The USB input accepts signals up to 32bit/384kHz, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz. All other digital inputs only accept signals up to 24bit/192kHz. To connect the D1100 to the rest of the audio path, there are three sets of balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors.
McIntosh D1100 is positioned as an easy-to-use device. All inputs can be renamed, and the 4 data ports and triggers are fully programmable. For connection to external control systems, the device has IR and RS232 ports. According to the developers, the built-in high-quality headphone amplifier Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) gives the sound additional depth and spatiality.
As a completely self-contained, full-featured unit, the McIntosh D1100 can be used independently of any other preamplifier. However, McIntosh engineers have provided the possibility of using the new product in conjunction with an analog tube equivalent, the McIntosh C1100 preamplifier. Combining these two units together with a link cable makes them the ideal preamplifier, combining the best features of digital and analogue devices. After connecting the devices, McIntosh C1100 takes over all control of the tandem, offering the user a simple and intuitive user interface.
Characteristics McIntosh D1100
Number of channels 2
Frequency range, Hz-kHz 4 – 68
S/N ratio, dB 111
Harmonic distortion, % 0.0015
Output voltage 8 – 16 V
Audio DAC 8-channel, 32-bit / 384 kHz (Quad Balanced mode)
Supported formats DSD64, DSD128, DXD 352.8, DXD 384
Inputs: Coaxial 3 x S/PDIF (RCA), 1 x AES/EBU (XLR), 1 x BNC, Optical 3 x Toslink, USB 1 x USB type B, Others 1 x 3.5 mm IR, 1 MCT, 4 x Control Port
Outputs: Analog audio 3 x RCA, 3 x XLR, Headphones 1 x 6.3 mm, Others 4 x 3.5 mm trigger
Dimensions, mm 445 x 152 x 483
Weight, kg 11.8