MAC3 vs Krell HTS-2
The HTS-2's signal-to-noise is 93 dB against the MAC3's 100 dB and its thd 0.001% against 0.005%. Both share bit depth (20-bit).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
DigitalDigital ProcessorsDiscontinued
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$950
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the MAC3
The McIntosh MAC-3 is a high-end 5.1 channel home theater surround decoder and digital preamplifier from 1997-1998, featuring Dolby Digital AC-3 decoding, Dolby Pro Logic, and THX re-equalization. It offers multiple digital inputs for DVD, LV, SAT, CD, plus analog stereo input, with 20-bit D/A converters for six channels and 24-bit DSP processing using Motorola processors. Designed for connecting digital sources like CD transports to amplifiers, it provides McIntosh's signature sound quality and build, including bass management, level calibration, and surround modes. Original MSRP was $2500, now available used.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 20-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 48 kHz
- MQA Support
- No
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- THD
- 0.005%
- SNR
- 100 dB
- Output Voltage
- 2.0V RMS
- Output Impedance
- 420Ω
- Max Output Voltage
- 8.0V RMS
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Digital Inputs
- Optical, Coaxial
- Analog Inputs
- RCA
- Analog Outputs
- Left Surround, Center, Left Front, Right Surround, Subwoofer, Right Front
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Available Colors
- Teal, Gold
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions