Yes, that’s the ‘only’ way the MEN220 works. And I it does seem most users are quite happy with the results. To rephrase my question - ideally, wouldn’t it be best to do any of that DSP upstream and eliminate the ADA? Is there a good alternative to the MEN220 approach?
Digital Room Correction: Where in the chain?
I’ve been contemplating the purchase of the McIntosh MEN220. I have a challenging room, and I’ve done my best with equipment placement, furnishings, and room treatments. My listening is 80% digital (streaming and discs), 20% vinyl. My digital chain is Roon/Qobuz, Lumin U2 Mini, Denafrips Pontus II 15th, McIntosh C-53, MC312, B&W702 S3 and REL T/7x. Transport is the MCT500 to the C-53 via din connector.
My hesitation is that the MEN220 requires an analog to digital to analog conversion. It seems like it would be best to apply any and all DSP in the upstream digital before my respectable DAC does the conversion. Is this midstream ADA negating my digital front end? Is there inherent loss in the extra conversion cycle? Or am I thinking about this wrong?
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At that price I wouldn’t buy it without an in-home demo. My experience is really good room correction can be more than worth the additional A-D-A conversion, but it can obviously vary depending on system, room, level of treatment, etc. The other option is to buy used and hopefully sell at minimal loss if it doesn’t work out. Best of luck. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650241532-mcintosh-men220-room-correction-system-complete/ |
The problem here is applying the correction to lp. It would be better to apply the correction to a digital signal, before the dac. I assume most audiophiles resist disturbing the all-analogue chain of lp’s and tape (otherwise, what’s the point?) But if you want to apply digital signal correction to lp’s, you’re stuck with a conversion. Putting the correction between the pre and amp at least avoids a double conversion for lp’s, but it will apply the double conversion to the digital signal. |
+1 @lloydc that’s exactly my concern. And the MEN220 does not allow digital inputs. The digital is 24/192 in the MEN220, which on the surface sounds reassuring. But still… Thank you @fthompson251 for pointing out the Legacy Audio Wavelet II. That system includes digital inputs and full preamp functionality. It also obviates my C53 and my existing DAC. This system gets rave reviews as well. |
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