Two years ago McIntosh launched the digital preamplifier D100 costing  around NOK 25,000, - (at time of launch). A HighEnd digital swiss-army knife that is both DAC and digital preamplifier. The new big brother D150 that is launched now is confusingly similar to the D100, but is a development with greater expertise.

We start with files, where a lot has happened to D150 compared with the smaller D100. The repertoire is extended to be able to play DSD and DXD. Via the asynchronous USB input can play DSD64 and DSD128, or DXD with sample rate of 352.8 or 384 kHz. It can also cope with 342-bit PCM. Via the other digital inputs, there is a limit upward at 24bit / 192kHz.

McIntosh D150 utilizes the same DAC chip as D100, a 8 channel 32 bit DAC running in quad balanced mode in stereo.

In addition to the asynchronous USB input we mentioned earlier, D150 holds two optical and two coaxial digital inputs. It also has a digital DIN input intended for connection of eg top model of CD players from McIntosh, MCD1100.

D150 is a pure digital preamplifier, in the sense that it totally lacks analog inputs. In return, it has a rich variety of analog outputs, where we find both variable and fixed-gain outputs in terms of both XLR and RCA. With the fixed outputs D150 is suitable to act as a pure DAC, connected to a HighEnd external preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

There is also a headphone amplifier inside McIntosh D150. Input for headphones we find in front.

Neby AS is distributor for McIntosh in Norway.

Specifications from the manufacturer:

Electronic Specifications:

• Ultra Low Distortion:                                                                     
  0.002%
• Frequency Response, +0, -3dB                                                    
  4Hz to 68,000Hz
• Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)                           
  16/8 V RMS
• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)                                 
  44K ohm, 22K ohm
• Phono Voltage Gain                                                                       
  N/A
• High Level Voltage Gain                                                                
  N/A
• Signal To Noise Ratio                                                                    
  110dB
• Dual Mono Power Supply                                                              
  No
• Dual Mono, Fully Balanced                                                           
  Digital, Fully Balanced

Connectivity

• Headphone Output                                                                            
  Yes 1/4", High Drive
• Inputs Unbalanced                                                                           
  No
• Inputs Balanced                                                                                  
  No
• Variable Outputs Unbalanced                                                   
  1 Stereo
• Variable Outputs Balanced                                                        
  1 Stereo
• Digital USB Input                                                                                
  1 (2.0, 32/192 Asynchronous) 44.1kHz to 384kHz, 32-Bit (PCM) DSD64, DSD128, DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz
• Digital Coaxial Input                                                                       
  2
• Digital Optical Input                                                                        
  2
• Digital DIN Input                                                                                  
  1
• Phono Moving Magnet                                                                     
  No
• Phono Moving Coil                                                                             
  No
• Record Processor Loop                                                                
  No
• Input Level Match                                                                              
  No
• Home Theater Pass Through                                                       
  No

Control

• Tone Controls                                                           
  No
• Tone Bypass and Input Assign                                                     
  No
• RS232 Control Input                                                                         
  No
• Power Control Output                                                                  
  Yes, 1
• Rear Panel Data Ports                                                                   
  Yes, 1 in
• Rear Panel IR Sensor Input                                                                          
  Yes

General Specifications

• Multi-Chassis or Single                                                                  
  Single
• Output Meters                                                                                    
  No
• Tube or Solid State                                                                          
  Solid State
• On, Power Consumption                                                                 
  30 watts
•  

Weights & Dimensions

• Dimensions (W x H x D)                                                                        
  17.5" (44.45cm) x 3-7/8" (9.8cm) x 16" (40.64cm)
• Weight                                                                                                      
  13.5 lbs (6.1kg)