I concur, better to spend $8k than to lose valuable shelf space.

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System 1: McIntosh MC302, MA6600 w/T2, MCD500, Denon DP-72L w/Grado Reference Platinum 1
PMC OB1i, Vienna Acoustics Concert Grand
System 2: McIntosh MA6500, MCD205, MR85, bel canto Dac, MacBook Pro w/AE
McIntosh LS320 - PS112, Klipsch Heresy III

Funny, shelf space was the reason I bought the MD-500 in the first place. I was able to replace a separate DAC used for the MS-300 and the Esoteric X03-se with the 500. I really did not expect it to sound better than the Esoteric unit, but it did. Now that was a real win-win. I will only look at CD-Players that allow me to access their DAC's in the future, or a least 'till I find a super DAC I want to have. )

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AMP's: D'Agostino Momentum's
Pre Amp: Mcintosh C-1000 & C-1000P
Sources: McIntosh MCD-1100 & MS-300, Olive 4HD, SonoS, Pro-Ject 6 PerspeX
Speakers: MBL 111F
Cables: Transparent Ultra MM2 & Reference MM2 & Powerlink MM2x

Still,

you were in my boat, we both had or have the esoteric, so you are really firm on the 500 sounding better. But did i read wrong, doesnt the dac on the blue ray better then the 500?
Also is the mcintosh blue ray player out? I know some said they have it, but a few dealers told me they didnt ship yet. whats the real story?

Also I didnt even see Ivan posting that he got his yet.

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Mcintosh 501(x2) ~ c2300 ~ Mc 303 ~ Marantz 8003 and 7004BD ~ Esoteric DV-60 ~ JL Audio F110 (x 2) ~ Music Hall MMF (Benz silver cart) ~ Audience AU24 E Interconnects/Audio cables/ Power cords ~ Ricard Gray 400 Pro (x3) w/ kubala Power Cords ~Speakers Totem Wind Design-Model one signature Center-Dali Helicon W200 rears

I have not heard that the the MVP881 cd/sacd playback tops the MCD500. If it does that will be quite a machine. The MCD500 serves a totally different purpose ie 2 channel only , 2 DAC inputs and pre amp function if you need that. If your system is combined 2 channel listening and home theater in 1 room then the MVP881 or the oppo make more sense. In my case my home theater and 2 channel room are separate so the MCD500 with the DAC input for my sonos makes me very happy

I have not heard that the DAC's in the 881 sound better. Actually I do not know of anyone who has one that has posted anything about the unit.

See 1KW's post. I think he spells it out perfectly. Although they can do some of the same things CD and SACD, they really are two different units.

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AMP's: D'Agostino Momentum's
Pre Amp: Mcintosh C-1000 & C-1000P
Sources: McIntosh MCD-1100 & MS-300, Olive 4HD, SonoS, Pro-Ject 6 PerspeX
Speakers: MBL 111F
Cables: Transparent Ultra MM2 & Reference MM2 & Powerlink MM2x

I don't think universal players sound as good as a dedicated cdp such as the mcd500 which is outstanding. I would not presume to say what is best for you. For me music was most important so I spent the most on a good cdp and settled for a less expensive BlueRay

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System Marantz MA9S2, SC7S2,SA7S1, Thiel 3.7's, Nordost, Furman 2ea Elite 15i

I am using my MCD500 with my Marantz BD8002 (as transport) and am highly satisfied.

I just sold the Marantz, and am thinking of getting a MVP881 (I have not heard it yet), or a PS3 or Oppo 83 for transport.