MDA1000 vs MCD500 as a DAC

[David]

Which is the best DAC? I have heard the MDA1000: very smooth. How does the MCD500 differ? Which has the more analog like sound. Which has the best 3 D qualities? Lowest noise floor? Which is the most relaxed and palpable?

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by David

Which is the best DAC? I have heard the MDA1000: very smooth. How does the MCD500 differ? Which has the more analog like sound. Which has the best 3 D qualities? Lowest noise floor? Which is the most relaxed and palpable?

Good questions !
Don't have the answers
Can't wait to read them

[jwc]

I've had My MCD500 for about 5 days now. As of now......I'm not hearing enough difference between the two to really make note of here. No preamp.

[-E-]

Ehhh, I haven't had enough time with the MCD500 (or used it as a straight DAC/preamp in A/B vs MDA1K), but I can say that the 1K is very sweet, and besides some quirkyness (how to power it on and off, etc), it is a fabulous machine that will probably never.... ever... die.

[KMC45]

I've got both, and i've really not been able to tell the difference when having someone switch the sources back and forth without me knowing which one was playing the music.

I didn't level match on each source, but it was a pretty good way of proving that things were much more alike than different. I actually bought the MCD1000 because I just wanted to see what it was like. While I don't really think it proved to be better than what I heard in the MCD500, I went and bought the MDA1000 just to match it up, as I wanted a 1000 stack. I do have the MCD500 off to the side for some SACD, and perhaps to run a server through if I get another one.

If I just had to keep the MCD500 I don't think i'd be missing much, if anything at all. If you have a 500 be happy with it and spend the money on something else.

[Still-One]

Since I have only listened to but not owned the MDA-1000, I am not as qualified as others to comment but that won't stop me. As far as sound goes I find there is very little difference between the two. To me it comes down to two questions: 1) Do you need and want SACD capability, if so the 500 is the answer. 2) Do you require more than two digital inputs, if so you need the MDA-1000.

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by David

Which is the best DAC? I have heard the MDA1000: very smooth. How does the MCD500 differ? Which has the more analog like sound. Which has the best 3 D qualities? Lowest noise floor? Which is the most relaxed and palpable?

OK, I haven't heard the MCD500 for more than a few minutes but I've read lots and LOTS of posts on the subject. I believe that the pretty much unanimous conclusion from those who have heard both is that they are both great sounding and that the differences are minimal. I have no problem believing that.

My vote (and cash) would still go to the MCD1000 because:

1) I like to keep transports separate from DAC
2) I like and use the extra inputs
3) I just love the massive and overbuilt looks of the 1000 series

If I didn't have the MDA1000 already and had to choose between a used MDA1000 for, say, $4000, and a new MCD500, I'd still go for the MDA1000 for the above reasons. But the very, VERY, happy MCD500 owners show that you can't go wrong either way.

Alberto

[jwc]

The MDA1000 is a beautiful unit. I pulled it off the shelf for the first time and forgot about its beauty.

I wouldn't be surprised if after days of real comparison that I could like the MDA a tad more, but I can't justify two state of the art DAC's on the shelf.

I'm gonna let the MDA go.

One thing of note. The MCD500 has power up control and also has more analog outputs in the back. Therefore you can have a variable outputs and fixed outputs at the same time. This could be helpful on a second system in which you have a preamp/surround processor to utilize the fixed. This is what I intend to do.

jc

[Double F]

I have not heard the MDA1000 but if they sound similar why would you not go with the MCD500? $3500 cheaper and a CD/SACD player to boot. Another consideration would be if you don't have rack space for a separate DAC.

[David]

Originally Posted by Double F

I have not heard the MDA1000 but if they sound similar why would you not go with the MCD500? $3500 cheaper and a CD/SACD player to boot. Another consideration would be if you don't have rack space for a separate DAC.

This seems to be sound thinking to me. Mac may have to replace the MDA1000 with a better DAC, if that is possible. The MDA would be a tough act to follow. Perhaps they should add advanced filtering like the new Ayre DAC or add some advanced DSP options. Incorporating the Algorithmix K-Stereo Ambience Processor would be an interesting idea.