A Streamer or Dedicated DAC With McIntosh MX110Z???

I agree, variable output is a good feature for an mx110z like you and I have.

Don’t forget, you have individual level controls on the top of the mx110z for your AUX and Phono 1 and 2 so you can match the input volume of those inputs. You can find a combo that works well without sacrificing that feature.

As a test, main system, I ran my Laptop’s headphone out to mx110z’s AUX. Worked, nothing special. Upstairs, Office PC, I just changed from headphone out to a USB out to DAC, Topping D10s, made an OBVIOUS improvement in SQ, as well as much more volume.

Just to hear it, I’m gonna try using my Laptop’s usb to topping in the main system.

Elliot, you mention using aux and phono. I thought tape was preferable for adding a streamer. Am I mistaken?

I was just reminding OP about his unit's trim controls. Cannot use phono 1 or 2, RIAA EQ happens at those 2 inputs.

AUX is good for ANY line level device, and AUX has the trim control which OP can adjust as/if needed relative to variable outputs he asked about.

btw, the trim controls are not accessible if the unit is in a case. You need to pull it forward a few inches, they are top mounted near the front left. They exist to equalize signal strength phono 1, phono 2, aux so no volume change is needed when changing inputs.

I do not know about streaming, or using tape inputs, or tape input being preferred. You cannot use Tape HEAD, as tape eq signal boost is involved for that input similar to Phono.

If you use tape monitor in, then you need to use Tape Monitor on the face of the unit to use whatever is in that input.

DIFFERENCE: AUX and Tape Monitor are both 0.3 volt input sensitivity. Tape Monitor Input Impedance is 100k ohms; AUX input impedance is 200k ohms

medialies

I see you are the OP, sorry I didn't realize that.

Once out of a DAC, now analog signal via rca jacks, what is different about streaming?

Just so we all know what the issue might be.

thanks, Elliott

Elliot,Re-researching my info on the tape input of the MX110 and I was mistaken..which is no surprise. Yes, the analog outs will provide the DAC for the MX110. I then plan on using the digital out to connect to a Mac MX123 of which I will use those DACs The MX123’s 32 bit DACs will do very nicely. It’s hooked to a Mac MC257 amp.

So much has happened with streaming devices and services.I use Qobuz and Apple Music. The options are endless,the library’s are endless and the music is Lossless . 

I‘ve had the MX110z for some 45 years. I’m the second owner. First being a retired school bus driver. Cost a whole $200.00. It’s connected to a Mac MC7270. The streamer will provide a DAC for it .Hoping the MX110 will provide that old fashion warm McIntosh sound ….may not even need the DAC. Just got it back from service along with the amp. Otherwise they have been in mothballs. Just finished connecting everything but no chance to test it. Waiting for streamer.

Now to decide which streamer to buy. Have no intention of going over 2k for either a all in one or separates such as one of the Pro-Jects with a separate DAC. If I want to shell out more cash I would rather spend it on speakers, which to me, is where the biggest return is.

Firm believer in Speakers are numbers 1 thru 8 on the top ten most important parts of a system. Number 9 being the room and number 10 everything else.

I know many will disagree.