McIntosh DA2 – Digital Audio Module Upgrade Kit (Each)

The DA2 Digital Audio Module is our newest and most advanced module for processing digital audio. It comes standard in the C53 and C2700 Preamplifiers and in the MA12000, MA9500 and MA8950 Integrated Amplifiers, allowing these units to take advantage of some of the latest innovations in digital audio technology. McIntosh home audio products equipped with the DA1 can be upgraded to the newer DA2.

The models that can be upgraded to the DA2 are: MA9000, MA8900, MA7200 and MA5300 Integrated Amplifiers; MAC7200 Receiver; and C49 Preamplifier. (Note: These models will continue to come with the DA1 installed. Upgrading to the DA2 is an optional dealer-installed upgrade that must be installed by an Authorized McIntosh Dealer or Authorized McIntosh Service Agency.)

The DA2 Digital Audio Module builds upon the DA1 with an expanded set of capabilities. In addition to having all the same connections as the DA1 (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT) a new audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 connection is included on the DA2. This allows it to be connected to TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output to bring your TV sound to the next level by listening to it through your home stereo system. ARC functionality can provide two-way communication between your DA2-equipped unit and TV, allowing for volume control and lip-syncing functions to ensure the audio and video are perfectly synched. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback through your DA2-equipped unit. When CEC communication is enabled in both the DA2-equipped unit and your TV, your TV remote can control the power and volume of your connected McIntosh unit.

Additionally, the DA2’s USB input can support native playback of up to DSD512, surpassing the DSD256 limit of the DA1. This increased DSD playback support is thanks to the next-generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that powers the DA2. This audiophile-grade DAC is highlighted by both an improved dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The USB input also supports DXD up to 384kHz. The coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for high-resolution audio playback. Rounding out the DA2 is a proprietary MCT input that offers a secure, custom DSD connection for playback of the high-definition audio found on SACDs when paired with our MCT500 and MCT80 SACD/CD Transports to produce the best possible sound quality from your SACD collection.

Due to the technical nature of the DA2 upgrade, it’s a dealer-installed upgrade that must be performed by a qualified trained professional at an Authorized McIntosh Dealer or Authorized McIntosh Service Agency. Please note that if the upgrade is performed by anyone other than an Authorized McIntosh Dealer or Authorized McIntosh Service Agency, under the terms of your McIntosh Limited Warranty any resulting damage or failure of your unit will be excluded from warranty coverage.