McIntosh D1100 Digital Preamplifier

If you’re absolutely sure you don’t need a turntable (and I wont call you a bad Smurf if you don’t) the D1100 from McIntosh is a great way to roll.

With a built in headphone amplifier, and nine digital inputs consisting of three optical, one USB, three coaxial (1-BNC, 2-RCA) an AES/EBU balanced, and a proprietary MCT input. It features balanced and RCA outputs that are variable (to use the D1100 as a preamplifier) and fixed, in case you want a DAC with tons of digital sources.

Around front is the headphone socket and those gorgeous blue meters we all love.

The sound is pure MAC, though this is a solid-state component. It uses McIntosh’s top DAC at the time with an advanced chipset (8 channel 32-bit, but no mfr is listed) so it will decode everything you have in your music library – except MQA, which is now pretty much off everyone’s radar.

The true draw to all McIntosh components is their flexibility and a highly evolved style that you either embrace or don’t. But whether you’re a “mc person” wanting to add a great DAC to your pile of boxes with blue meters, or seriously considering not wanting to bother with vinyl – this is an excellent choice.

Fortunately, McIntosh has stopped making those remotes with the textured feel that get really sticky and gooky after some use. Just like the radios in a 987 series Porsche 911 or Boxster. Some salesman made a fortune selling whatever that coating is to a ton of people! This remote is smooth and shiny. Awesome.

All kidding aside, at a few pennies under $3,920, this is a great value. That’s the best reason to purchase current classics at The Music Room. It’s fully checked out, ready to go, and they’ve included the manual and remote. Just as good as buying new.

Here’s a purchase link to save you a little time. JUST CLICK HERE