New 2 channel SACD player from McIntosh

[F1nut]

Further evidence that 2 channel and SACD are still alive and well.

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/news/news.asp?newsnumber=13290649

[pearsall001]

Further evidence that 2 channel and SACD are still alive and well.

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/news/news.asp?newsnumber=13290649

I never realized that it was dying. It's always been alive & thriving in my book. But when the big boys like McIntosh along with others keep bringing new pieces to the forefront is just more proof that the market is definetely doing well & they want in.

[Face]

The 301 isn't even their newest model anymore.

This was released even more recently.
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/1219.asp

The new McIntosh MCD500 SACD/CD Player with Digital Inputs combines exceptional sound quality and flexibility with a unique parallel DAC topology. Four 24-Bit, 192 KHz PCM/DSD digital to analog converters per channel are arranged in a differential balanced configuration enabling a more faithful reproduction of the analog waveform resulting in outstanding fidelity with very low noise and distortion. The superior low-level linearity achieved by this design reveals extraordinary detail for the kind of transparency normally experienced only during live musical events.

MCD500 Features

• Twin Laser Pickup
The MCD500 incorporates two laser elements, with different wavelengths, that are focused through one lens assembly. This unique design allows reading both the CD and Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) Discs Formats.

• Advanced Transport
The MCD500 has a new transport with a Die Cast Mechanism Base and Disc Tray. It has the latest in advanced digital servo for faster, quieter and accurate operation. The SACD and CD Audio Data is read into memory from the disc at twice the normal rate. The fast read speeds help to insure better disc tracking and error correction processing.

• Super Audio Disc Playback
The MCD500 plays the higher resolution SACD Discs with extreme precision and musical elegance.

• Quad Balanced Digital to Analog Converter
The 8 channel 24-bit, 192kHz Digital to Analog Converter is used in a Stereo Quad Balanced mode. All levels of music are reproduced with a wide dynamic range and extremely low distortion.

• Digital Audio Inputs
The MCD500 has both a Coaxial and an Optical Digital Input for using the internal Digital to Analog Processor Circuitry to Decode PCM Signals from an external source.

• Digital Audio Outputs
There are Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs for external decoding of the PCM Signal.

• Front Panel Level Control
With headphones connected to the MCD500, the Level Control allows varying the volume level of the music. It can also be used for matching the volume level of the MCD500 with other components in the system.

• Multi-Function Front Panel Display
The MCD500 Front Panel display indicates the current disc playback status, digital input status and the variable audio output volume level.

• Drive a Power Amplifier Directly
The Variable Output Connections provide up to 6 Volts. This is more than enough signal to drive any Power Amplifier directly; forming a high quality SACD/CD Disc Playback System.

• Balanced Outputs
The MCD500 has both variable and fixed Balanced Outputs, permitting long cable lengths without a loss in sound quality.

• Power Control
The Power Control Input connection provides convenient Turn-On/Off of the MCD500 when connected to a McIntosh System with Power Control. The Power Control Output connection can control a McIntosh Power Amplifier in a high quality disc playback system.

• Full Function Remote Control
The Remote Control provides complete control of the MCD500 operating functions including adjustment of the volume level. The push-buttons on the Remote Control are illuminated.

• Special Power Supply
The Linear Power Supply has both a special R-Core Power Transformer and Multiple Regulators to ensure stable noise free operation even though the power line varies.

• Extruded Side Panels
The sides of the MCD500 are extruded aluminum panels with a bead blast textured surface and a black anodized finish. In the recessed area of the Top Panel is a screened glass panel with a block diagram of the MCD500 Circuitry.

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The Illumination of the Glass Front Panel is accomplished by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). This provides even Front Panel Illumination and is designed to ensure the pristine beauty of the MCD500 will be retained for many years.

[Hawkeye]

I'm in the market for a new CDP since my 201 is getting old and the drive is starting to get a little noisy when it opens and closes. I was considering the 301 and then they drop in the 500 just a couple of months after the 301. The 201 is going out of production.

I only use the cd side of the player but it is a strong statement that some believe SACD is not dead. Mac is a very conservative company and I can't see them dedicating funds to this if they thought a format is dead/dying.

Now to decide between the 301 or 500 or eat macs and cheese for the next year and get the MCD/MDA1000.

Gordon

[WilliamM2]

It does seem to have died for the hard rock/classic rock fan. I just got into SACD this year. I went to sa-cd.net and saw all the rock titles available, and decided that there were plenty of discs available that I wanted. What I didn't realise, is that 95% of them were no longer being produced. Seems that most the titles I want, are either unavailable, or priced extremely high.

Where is the best source for rock SACD's?

[F1nut]

Music Direct, CD Universe, Amazon, eBay, Elusive Disc and Acoustic Sounds are good choices.

[treitz3]

William, I'm glad to hear you got into SACD's. It takes some time to find what you want, but IME it's worth the time. You might want to check and see if there is a Manifest around you as well. They are my main source for SACD's.

Good luck.

Back to the topic. The first thing that comes to mind is how would this stack up against a MF Tri-Vista? The second thing that comes to mind is that I'm glad to see the higher end manufactures supporting the format. That's good news, indeed.

[snow]

Nice players for a nice format.



REGARDS SNOW

[sir_lagzalot]

So are sacds even worth getting into or is it a dead format.

[ben62670]

So are sacds even worth getting into or is it a dead format.

SACD's are great if you are willing to get a good player. I highly recommend searching for music that you like before jumping into SACD. You will not find SACD's locally.
F1nut posted these sources for SACD's

Music Direct, CD Universe, Amazon, eBay, Elusive Disc and Acoustic Sounds are good choices.
Happy hunting
Ben

[schwarcw]

I saw the Mac junkies talking about this palyer on AK. What I don't understand is why four DAC chips?

[snow]

I saw the Mac junkies talking about this palyer on AK. What I don't understand is why four DAC chips? I know that some SACDs were recorded in 4 channel though I doubt that is why they are doing that. It appears that they are using the 4 DACS in a stereo balanced quad mode for the 8 channels from what I can gather if this helps.




REGARDS SNOW