McIntosh CD player suggestion

[miner]

I currently have the McIntosh C2200, MC252 combo and using a Rotel RCD-1072 as my digital source. I have done my background checks on McIntosh CDP and am aware of some mechanical problems with certain models. I am looking for recommendations from owners/users for guidance on CDP purchase, mosy likely used.

[MC352]

What models did you hear had problems? The MCD201 had reports of issues.

Look at the MCD301, or MCD500, if you want new.

If you want used, since I have one at the moment and like it, look for a MCD205.

[Formerly YB-2]

After having two (2) MCD201s go bad (both worked for several weeks) I gave up on McIntosh digital for a couple of years. Once the MVP881 came out the MVP871 and MVP861 began showing up at dealers as trade-in gear. Picked up a mint MVP861 for a good price ($1200, was also offered my choice of two MVP871s for $1900 at the same time). I decided on the MVP861 as opposed to the MVP871 as they have substantially the same technology and am strictly 2-channel audio and don't see the need for the extra digital outs of the MVP871 for the difference in cost. Thus far (~2 months) I am very pleased with the overall performance of the MVP861. Excellent sound. And, who knows...........perahps I'll actually watch a DVD on it some day. Check around with your local and not-so-local McIntosh dealers and see what they have. I drove down to the DC area (VA) to pick up mine. The added bonus of both the MVP861 and MVP871 is that they will play HDCDs, which neither the MCD301 or MCD500 will do.

[masanori]

I used MCD 201 with c2200 for two yrs trouble free. Now I use MCD/MDA.

[1KW]

I upgraded from a MVP861 to the MCD500 and was not expecting to hear much of a difference. My main objective in the upgrade was to have the DAC inputs for my music server and the fact that it is also a fully balanced pre amp . is a added bonus. This cdp sounds much better than the MVP861. Even though the MVP861 has bass management the bass is better on the MCD500, each instrument is better deliniated in space and the music is less digital sounding ie less etched sounding. My cd's and music playing from my sonos sounds more like SACD's sound on the MVP861. Depending on your budget think about the MCD500.

[tony-w]

The MCD201 is one the best McIntosh components I've ever owned.

[Carbonman]

Originally Posted by tony-w

The MCD201 is one the best McIntosh components I've ever owned.

It's certainly the best sounding single-box CD player I've owned. The person that bought mine recently had to get the drive replaced because of SACD reading issues.
My MCD205 is very close to the MCD201 in sound; the 201 wins by a few %. I was able to A/B them extensively and was able to send the MCD201 on its way without a twinge. The MCD205 with the MDA700 narrows the sonic performance gap to nothing, though.

[jdandy]

Graham.......When I first got the MCD500 for my main system, I owned the MCD205. I bought it new, and it was the only CD changer I ever owned. I never had any mechanical or audible problems with it. One of the first things I did after installing the MCD500 was to run a digital coaxial cable from the output of the MCD205 to the MCD500. I wanted to see how the MCD205 sounded through the ESS dual quad DACs in the MCD500. Wow! The MCD205 jumped into the big leagues, and sounded very close to the MCD500's performance. The MCD205 uses the reliable and well built Nakamichi Data Bank drive mechanism and transport, the same drive that IBM used for years in many of their industrial level network computers and servers. I agree with you, the MCD205 is a great player, and even though it's DACs are a little long in the tooth due to age and technological advancements, an outboard DAC like Bryston's BDA-1 will breathe serious new life into this fine McIntosh CD player.

I also owned the MCD7009 for 13 years trouble free, and it also sounded spectacular through the MCD500 DACs. The MCD7009 has the Teac transport, and with a modern outboard DAC would make a great addition to a fine system.

[Dj_AmTraX]

I vote for MCD500 or MCD205

[wakkz]

Im currently saving up for a MCD500, I like the ability to use digital inputs since I play alot music from Itunes.