McIntosh DA2 Digital Audio Module Upgrade Kit (dealer install only)

The McIntosh DA2 Digital Audio Module brings McIntosh's latest generation of digital audio processing to compatible McIntosh integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and receivers.

Designed as the successor to the DA1 Digital Audio Module, the DA2 adds an upgraded Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC, increased DSD playback capability, and perhaps its most useful new feature: HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connectivity for integrating your television directly with your McIntosh stereo system.

For owners of compatible DA1-equipped McIntosh components, the DA2 provides a dealer-installed path to significantly expand the digital capabilities of equipment you already own.

Upgrade Your McIntosh Instead of Replacing It

One of the great things about McIntosh's modular approach is that advances in digital technology don't necessarily mean replacing your entire amplifier or preamplifier.

Compatible McIntosh components originally equipped with the DA1 can be upgraded to the newer DA2 Digital Audio Module.

The DA2 upgrade is compatible with:

Integrated Amplifiers: MA9000, MA8900, MA7200, MA5300
Receiver: MAC7200
Preamplifiers: C49, C8

Because this upgrade involves installation inside the component, the DA2 must be installed by an Authorized McIntosh Dealer or Authorized McIntosh Service Agency.

The Grid is an Authorized McIntosh Dealer and can assist with determining compatibility and arranging installation.

HDMI ARC Brings Your TV Into the System

One of the biggest improvements over the DA1 is the addition of an audio-only HDMI ARC input.

Connect a compatible television to the DA2 and your McIntosh stereo system can handle your TV audio—allowing the same high-quality two-channel system you use for music to dramatically improve movies, sports, concerts and everyday television.

With compatible equipment, HDMI ARC also enables two-way communication between the television and McIntosh component.

That can provide convenient features including:

TV remote volume control
Power control via HDMI CEC
Lip-sync functionality

The DA2 also supports popular Dolby and DTS multichannel audio formats, converting them to two-channel audio for playback through your McIntosh system.

For someone who wants exceptional music reproduction but doesn't necessarily want a full surround-sound system, this is a particularly useful addition.

Next-Generation Quad Balanced DAC

At the heart of the DA2 is a Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter.

This next-generation DAC provides improvements in both dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared with the previous DA1 module.

McIntosh's Quad Balanced implementation uses multiple DAC channels to help improve performance and reduce noise and distortion.

The result is a digital section worthy of being integrated into a serious McIntosh two-channel system.

Native DSD512 and DXD 384kHz

The DA2 also significantly increases high-resolution playback capability through its USB input.

Where the DA1 supported DSD playback up to DSD256, the DA2 supports native DSD playback up to DSD512.

USB also supports DXD up to 384kHz.

For conventional high-resolution PCM sources, the coaxial and optical digital inputs support playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.

That gives the DA2 the flexibility to handle everything from conventional digital sources to extremely high-resolution computer audio.

Built for Digital Sources

In addition to the new HDMI ARC connection, the DA2 retains the broad digital connectivity of the DA1.

Connections include:

• 2 coaxial digital inputs
• 2 optical digital inputs
• 1 USB digital input
• 1 proprietary MCT input
• 1 HDMI ARC input

That makes the DA2 capable of becoming the digital hub of a McIntosh system, accommodating streamers, televisions, computers, disc transports and other digital sources.

A Direct Digital Connection for SACD

McIntosh's proprietary MCT input provides another important capability for physical-media enthusiasts.

When paired with a compatible McIntosh SACD/CD transport, the MCT connection provides a secure digital path for the high-resolution DSD audio found on SACDs.

This allows compatible McIntosh transports such as the MCT500 and MCT80 to send SACD audio digitally to the DA2 for conversion by its internal DAC.

For anyone with a substantial SACD collection, that's a major benefit.

DA1 vs. DA2

For owners considering the upgrade, the biggest differences are straightforward.

The DA2 retains the digital connectivity and functionality of the DA1 while adding:

HDMI ARC connectivity
Quad Balanced 8-channel 32-bit DAC
Native DSD512 support
DXD playback up to 384kHz
Improved dynamic range and distortion performance

If you already own a compatible DA1-equipped McIntosh component, the DA2 gives you a way to modernize its digital capabilities without replacing the component itself.

Dealer Installation Required

The McIntosh DA2 is not a user-installable accessory.

Due to the technical nature of the upgrade, McIntosh requires installation to be performed by an Authorized McIntosh Dealer or Authorized McIntosh Service Agency.

Installation by an unauthorized party can also affect warranty coverage for any resulting damage or failure.

If you're unsure whether your McIntosh component is compatible, contact us before ordering.

The Grid's Take on the McIntosh DA2

This is exactly the kind of upgrade we like to see from McIntosh.

Instead of making a great amplifier or preamplifier obsolete simply because digital technology has advanced, McIntosh designed these products with an upgradeable digital architecture.

The DA2 gives compatible DA1-equipped components a meaningful update.

The improved DAC and DSD512 capability are important, but for many customers the biggest everyday improvement will actually be HDMI ARC.

It makes it much easier to build one serious two-channel system that handles both music and television without adding an AV receiver or surround processor simply to get TV sound through the system.

If you own a McIntosh MA9000, MA8900, MA7200, MA5300, MAC7200, C49 or C8, contact The Grid HiFi & Home Theater and we'll help confirm compatibility and arrange proper authorized installation of the DA2.