MCD350 msrp?

[Bob Bubeck]

I own an MCD550 and obtain excellent results with it (using new Transparent G5 balanced interconnects). I suspect that an MCD350 will have very similar (if not identical) sound for playing RB CDs and SACDs and please its owners.

Bob

[Formerly YB-2]

Am another one that can't live without the knobs. Used an MVP861 for ~10yr and thought it was excellent. A bit slow to load, but excellent sound. Am thinking I'll find an MCD500. If I can find one for the $2800 that puresp paid, even replacing the transport/optical block will still be ~$1K ahead of a new MCD350 (which I would have to glue knobs on ).

[xv21]

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

As far as a McIntosh spinner this makes a lot of sense. It would make more sense if it was a tad more reasonably price. Probably a solid player, probably won't bring anyone into the McIntosh fold but will sell to Mc fans.

If you have new McIntosh MA9000, MA8900, C2600, C52 or C47 etc.. then you can also choose MCT450 CD/SACD transport. If you have older McIntosh MA6700 etc... then you can choose the more expensive MCD550, which also contains 8-Channel, 32-bit/192kHz Quad Balanced DAC and USB input for digital aud​io playback.

[eljr]

Originally Posted by jdandy

The MCD350 is exclusively a SACD/CD player with no digital inputs and no variable outputs. Strictly a disc player.

no digital inputs

and

no variable output this player is soooooo limited.

Hey McIntosh, it's 2017!

[GeAllan70]

^^^

[Blueoak]

MCT450 is still a better deal imho.

[xv21]

How MCD350 sounds compared to New McIntosh integrated amplifier DA1 Digital Audio Module + MCT450? MCD350 or MCT450 with new McIntosh integrated amplifier?

[xv21]

I had chance to compare McIntosh C2600+MCD350 to C2600+MCT80. I used MCT port and cable with MCT80. I felt that McIntosh C2600+MCT80 sounded better than C2600+MCD350.

I had also chance to compare McIntosh MA9000+MCD350 to MA9000+MCT80. I felt that this is more difficult choice. I can not say which one is better. Sometimes McIntosh C2600+MCT80 sounded better and somestimes it was C2600+MCD350. You have to hear it yourself and then make a decision.

McIntosh C2600+D1100+MCT80 sounded much better than the C2600+MCD350. Sound improved considerably.

[Evitzee]

I need some advice from the experts! I have two Mac based systems in my home, on the main system I have an MCD201 SACD player along with an MCD205 changer. In my study I have a Marantz SA-8003 bought in 2009 (predecessor to the SA-8005). The Marantz has been excellent, quiet and very good sound using an MA6500 integrated amp driving XR50 bookshelfs. Very nice sound. But the MCD201 in my main system has become less and less reliable, often failing to read a disc and then often skipping on some discs. I bought this unit second hand in 2008 for $1,800 and I know this unit has always been an iffy performer, but it has served me well for the time I’ve owned it. Two weeks ago I took it in to an authorized McIntosh repair facility which I’ve used in the past with excellent results and the diagnosis today was the CD drive mechanism is kaput and the mother ship no longer has replacements for it. I ran into a similar problem a few years ago with a B&O system, mechanical parts were no longer available. I guess you can always repair electronic systems with new transistors, capacitors, filters, power supplies and the like, but the whirling mechanisms are bought in by a manufacturer and once these replacements are gone they are gone.

So I need a new spinner, what do I get? I will move the SA-8003 to the main system since I now do most of my listening in my study late at night. I see a few choices in my price range:

1. McIntosh MCD350 - $4,500
Pricey but there is something cool about sitting in the dark with the blue eyes on and the little logos on the XR50s illuminated, and sipping a cognac. The lack of flexibility isn’t a concern as I either listen to CD/SACD’s or vinyl on a Clearaudio turntable. The flimsy plastic tray on the MCD201 always bothered me but I don’t know if the new unit has a metal tray or not.

2. Marantz SA-14S1 - $2,500
This is an upgrade on the SA-8005, better electronics, better power supply, etc. This is in their top ‘Reference’ category. This would probably fit in well since I already like the performance of the much less expensive SA-800x series.

3. Yamaha CD-S2100 - $3,000
I don’t know much about this unit but the specs are great and Yamaha always built great high end products. Build quality looks fantastic.

-----------------

$4,500 is really the most I want to spend and I can probably get some salvage value out of the MCD201. Money isn’t the biggest factor but I figure this will be my last CD/SACD player. Any ideas, comments or suggestions? Do I just bite the bullet and get the MCD350 and be done with it, or save $2,000 and get the high grade Marantz? Or something else. I suspect sound quality will be comparable among these units. Unfortunately I don't have the opportunity to audition any of these units, where I live high end audio really doesn't exist.

Opinions appreciated and welcome.

[SAPHANA]

I am not an “expert” for sure, but I do own MCD1100, SA8005, and CD2000. Not exactly what you listed, but close.

CD2000 is slightly better than SA8005 sound wise, and much better from build quality perspective. MCD1100 is superb in almost every perspective, except the buggy DAC. Maybe newer McIntosh CD players have DACs with less bugs, but I doubt it, because I don’t think digital is Mac’s strength.