Integrated for Magico A1

Generally, it’s difficult to find a quality DAC in an integrated, most are added to a cost point afterthought.

Hegel 3xx offers a good DAC and Sonics, their newer H600/H400 has an noticeably better DAC.

One of the lowest cost but excellent performance integrated is the Aesthetix Mimas plus their optional DAC and Phono cards which perform to a high level. 

All of the McIntosh integrateds with the exception of the MA252 and the MA352 have phono stages and DACs. In the case of the MSA5500 like the new streamer have a fixed DAC which I believe is the equivalent of the DA2, the disadvantage is the inability to take advantage of new DAC technologies should they become available like you can with their other integrateds as well as the MAC7200 receiver that have the DA1 and DA2 DAC modules. The MA5300 and the MA5500 phono stages are MM only but all the others up the line have MM and MC phono stages which are quite exceptional and rival anything you might find to use outboard.

Thank You all for the responses. I will consider all the options. Hegel is little cold perhaps?

Thank You all for the responses. I will consider all the options. Hegel is little cold perhaps?

That’s exactly why I asked what sound characteristics are most important to you or else this is just a big crapshoot in the dark.  Also, what’s your budget?  C’mon man, help us help you at least a little. 

Around 6.000€ in second hand, I love big and prominent midrange, realism, with some warmth but clarity (I also have Stenheim Alumine Two.Five paired with a Holborne Passion and a Weiss DAC and Holborne Analog 3 tt).

Coming from Harbeth and Devore, tubes and Moonriver amp, Also Tinapparate Model 59 with Phasemation SA-1500.

Jazz, Bossa, Soul, Funk, Classical, Folk, and some reggae and classic 60-79’s rock.