MCT450 First Impressions...WOW!

[audioguy3107]

As usual, a very nice, clean looking piece. Love it.

[o0OBillO0o]

David is referring to this comment:

Originally Posted by o0OBillO0o

Here is more thinking out-loud.

Is DSD from the internet worth it?

There is no provided physical backup, Online stores tell you to "get bent" if you lose your file. See their policy- my words of get bent.

• Most DSD is sourced from PCM.
• Most PCM is sourced from Analog Tape.
• Most Vinyl is sourced from Analog Tape.
• Most SACDs are source from PCM
• Again, Most PCM is sourced from Analog Tape.

You see where I am going?

By using the LP Vinyl Disc (with the coloration or electromechanical noise from the playback system) to archive/rip to DSD you preserve the recording at a very high standard, one that PCM may not achieve.

SACDs are great, their copy protection is very good and was a factor in their limited acceptance.

What I want to know about is what specifically is transfered across that DIN cable to the D150- is Sony' SDIF-3 or DSD-raw? Then can we use our own method to record our SACDs for back up copies and not have to dumpster dive for a pre 3.55 firmware SACD drive enabled Playstation 3.

[nycjazz]

Originally Posted by Golucid

...Something I have considered is that after reading Bill's [o0OBillO0o] analysis on the matter, I am not inclined to embrace SACD, DSD or DXD at this time...

SACDs (which refers to the physical media for DSD) is not the cure to all ills, but there are clear examples of well recorded/transferred music to that format that make them the definitive versions for most people. Too many examples to cite, but I would start with DSOTM or WYWH and put it in your MCD1100 and let your ears decide. Poor sources or poor transfers to SACD will do nothing to enhance the sound (e.g., CCR SACDs: blah). Greatly mastered/transferred red book CDs have nothing to envy poor DSD or high res transfers. I am in fact listening to an early Japanese "flat transfer" red book CD of Led Zep II and it sounds better than the recent high-res of the same album...

[o0OBillO0o]

Questions I have.

Who prefers the MCT450 over the MCD1100?

Do I have to buy a McIntosh D150 (w/a MCT450) to listen to SACDs?

Its all great, but selling a transport that has to be used with proprietary connection, to play SACDs, forces the D150 purchase. They should be sold together.

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by o0OBillO0o

Questions I have.

Who prefers the MCT450 over the MCD1100?

Do I have to buy a McIntosh D150 to listen to SACDs?

Its all great, but selling a transport that has to be used with proprietary connection, to play SACDs, forces the D150 purchase. They should be sold together.

The MCD1100 has a DIN port

[fritzcurtis]

Yes. Look at the picture above/ Notice right above the Standy/On button. That is usually red on all other Mc pieces. It is green when on now and red when in standby mode. If you which the unit to power save mode the usually red light will remain green whether the unit is on or off indicating you have the unit in power save mode. Pretty cool new feature I suspect Mc will start using on all new equipment.

[Humbuster]

Is your D150 routed directly to an amplifier or is it going in to an integrated or pre-amp/amp?

I am curious as I am planing to go as follows :
MCT450---D150---MA6600

[Mahalo]

fritzcurtis:

So nice to "meet" another fan of Bass ale beer. Been one of my favorites for a long time. However, for some reason the trend in my area has been toward them losing more and more distribution in my area. Unfortunate, as I'm sure you'd agree!

[aclearspot]

Very tempting player, but how does the D150 /MCT450 compare to MCD550/1100 or K03/5 ?

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by aclearspot

Very tempting player, but how does the D150 /MCT450 compare to MCD550/1100 or K03/5 ?

Very interesting question......