McIntosh D150 Stereo digital preamplifier * Remote * Original Box

Even audio components that focus on digital audio, like the McIntosh D150 preamplifier, owe a big part of their sound quality to analog circuitry. And nobody has more experience with high-performance analog design than McIntosh. The D150 brings world-renowned McIntosh sound quality to the latest high-res digital audio formats.

Along with its sonic attributes, the D150 boasts the classic McIntosh look — black glass front panel, big metal knobs, and illuminated logo. And this gorgeous preamp is designed and built right here in the USA.

Hear what you've been missing from high-res digital files

An array of inputs give you access to the D150's advanced digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This is an 8-channel DAC chip configured to operate with four channels per stereo channel. All that processing power will provide a revelatory improvement to the sound from your computer, disc player, music streamer, or TV.

The D150's optical and coaxial digital inputs support high-res music files up to 24-bit/192kHz. And its USB input handles even higher-resolution files: up to 32-bit/384kHz for PCM, as well as DSD and DXD formats.

And speaking of DSD, the D150 is one of only a handful of components with a digital DSD input. It means that you can play SACD discs on the McIntosh MCT500 SACD/CD Transport and send the DSD bitstream to the D150's superb DAC for decoding.

A preamp/DAC you can use as a preamp... or a DAC

If your music system is built around digital sources, the D150 is probably all the preamp you need. Just connect the D150's variable-level outputs to your amplifier and you're good to go. You'll use the D150's remote to control volume and other functions, just as you'd expect. But if you also listen to analog sources, and already have a preamp or A/V pre/pro you like, you can still take advantage of the D150's superb DAC section. Connect all your digital music sources to the D150, then use its fixed-level outputs to connect to your preamp. In that situation, volume level is controlled via your preamp.

A world-famous audio heritage, made in America

Since its founding in 1949, McIntosh has defined the meaning of high-quality sound reproduction, while setting industry standards for superior performance and reliability. The company is based in Binghamton, New York, where its high-end components and speakers are still individually handcrafted by a team of skilled experts. This uncompromising dedication to quality has made McIntosh one of the most recognized and respected audio manufacturers in the world.

Product info:

Features:

• stereo preamp with built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and digital inputs
• digital inputs let you connect sources like a computer, disc player, media streamer, or TV and enjoy superior sound
• 8-channel 32-bit/500kHz DAC used in Quad Balanced mode (4 stacked channels per stereo channel)
• accepts and plays high-resolution digital audio sources, including PCM, DSD and DXD files
• asynchronous USB technology for reduced timing jitter and better sound when connecting to a computer
• fully regulated power supplies and R-Core Power Transformer ensure stable, noise-free operation
• full-size headphone output
• remote control
• fluorescent front-panel display with adjustable brightness
• fiber optic illuminated glass front panel
• handcrafted at McIntosh's Binghamton, New York factory

Connections:

• variable-level balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs for connecting directly to a power amplifier
• fixed-level balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs for using the D150 as a DAC and connecting to a preamplifier
• 2 Toslink optical digital audio inputs — supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
• 2 coaxial optical digital audio inputs — supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
• USB (Type B) input for connecting a Mac® or Windows® computer (USB driver required for audio playback on Windows computers)
  • supports PCM music files up to 32-bit/384kHz, plus DSD64, DSD128 & DSD256, as well as DXD 352.8kHz & DXD 384kHz
  • USB audio driver required for playback on a Windows PC (free USB driver download available from McIntosh's website)
• proprietary digital DSD connection for playback of SACD audio when paired with the McIntosh MCT500 SACD/CD Transport
• 12-volt output for activating an external accessory
• RS-232 port for automated control systems
• IR input for connecting an IR receiver
• data port allows basic remote control of a connected McIntosh source component
• detachable power cable
• If connecting to a TV, please make sure you can select "PCM" output in its audio menu — the preamp's DAC cannot decode multichannel Dolby® Digital signals

Specifications:

• total harmonic distortion: less than 0.0015%
• signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 110 dB
• 17-1/2"W x 3-7/8"H x 16"D
• weight: 13.5 lbs.