Is the MDA-1000 still viable for rebook

[JemHadar]

Originally Posted by bebop86

Guys thanks for all the advice-found a MDA-1000 that I can get for around $2600- Is that a good price??- also what are your thoughts on the Rega ISIS solid state CD player- I found one that would run the same price as getting the MDA1000 and the MCD-1000- again thanks for all the advice-

I own both the MDA1000 and MCD1000. Together they make a stunning looking pair...but...and you should take this into consideration...the MCD1000 uses a modified Linn Ikemi drive that at the time of the MCD’s launch was already a bit long in the tooth. I have seen units where the tray doesn’t retract all the way back anymore and fear that spare parts could become an issue, if not already.

As far as the MDA is concerned, the application of 8 24 bit 96kHz Burr Brown PCM 1704 R2R ladder dac chips make this DAC one of the best and the last of its kind.

Use the Oppo as a transport and you will be fine. The MDA1000 for redbook cd is timeless, the MCD not so much.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by Jem666

I own both the MDA1000 and MCD1000. Together they make a stunning looking pair...but...and you should take this into consideration...the MCD1000 uses a modified Linn Ikemi drive that at the time of the MCD’s launch was already a bit long in the tooth. I have seen units where the tray doesn’t retract all the way back anymore and fear that spare parts could become an issue, if not already.

As far as the MDA is concerned, the application of 8 24 bit 768 kHz Burr Brown PCM 1704 R2R ladder dac chips make this DAC one of the best and the last of its kind.

Use the Oppo as a transport and you will be fine. The MDA1000 for redbook cd is timeless, the MCD not so much.

Actually, in my experience the issue with the MCD1000 transport is that the bumper that stops the tray becomes worn and hence the tray moves too far back upon closing, and this can eventually cause a problem. I easily remedied this issue by
placing a couple of felt washers at the rear of the linear rail that the tray rides on, and the transport has worked perfectly since.

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

me too!

very happy with the combo!!!

[PHC1]

The MDA/MCD 1000 combo was a very memorable experience for me. If I had kept the combo, I'd still use it today without reservations for redbook playback. Very engaging, musical and organic sounding combo, albeit it was never the last word in resolution nor dynamic slam. As others have mentioned, the MDA1000 carried the lion's share of the musical presentation while the MCD transport was merely a nice matching unit.

[LarsT]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

You bet it is....it is an absolute gem with redbook in my opinion. Mine isn't going anywhere!

I don't worry about the 96K limit either, or the lack of USB input. For hi res I have a Bryston BUC-1 feeding the MDA, and I just have my source (laptop with jriver) cap the output at 96K. I could never tell much, if any difference between 96K and 192K anyway.

Back on topic: it is sublime with redbook.

That picture looks like a display of the Crown Jewels. Awesome!

[bart]

Originally Posted by LarsT

That picture looks like a display of the Crown Jewels. Awesome!

Indeed!
So well done Pete!

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by LarsT

That picture looks like a display of the Crown Jewels. Awesome!

Originally Posted by bart

Indeed!
So well done Pete!

Thanks! There has been some discussion on the nice match to the MDA1000 the MCD1000 was/is. I would disagree that the MCD1000 is nothing more than a pretty face to match the MDA1000. It was indeed intended to match the MDA1000, but also the rest of the 1000 series (C1000 etc). At the time, this was part of what McIntosh intended to be their "dare to dream" system, as they called it. As some others have said, I believe the series was the best of the best from McIntosh, certainly in terms of appearance.

I purchased my MCD1000 from Ivan before I purchased the MDA1000. Prior to that, I was using my beloved MCD7009 as a transport, feeding a Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 DSD SE DAC. When the MCD1000 came in, I did experience a notable performance bump. It wasn't a hard sell for me at that point to go ahead with the purchase of the MDA1000.

The MCD1000 is of course a perfect match for the MDA1000. My system arrangement didn't permit me to situate them together, but fortunately the MCD1000 also is a nice match for other McIntosh components with the "3D" front glass panels as well. In particular, it is a perfect match to the MC501, since that amplifier's center panel area is the same width as that of the MCD1000. It really worked out well for me to situate the MCD1000 right above one of my MC501's (the one I use as a sub amp).

I have my MCD1000 connected to the MDA1000 via a balanced digital connecting cable, as many had recommended.

[gtubes]

Originally Posted by bebop86

Guys thanks for all the advice-found a MDA-1000 that I can get for around $2600- Is that a good price??- also what are your thoughts on the Rega ISIS solid state CD player- I found one that would run the same price as getting the MDA1000 and the MCD-1000- again thanks for all the advice-

$2600.00 is unusually low...if it's real I would jump at that if I were you.

[bebop86]

Thanks so much guys- bought the mda-1000 and picked up a mct-450 from audio classics- should be a good match- thanks again for the newbee advice!!

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by bebop86

Thanks so much guys- bought the mda-1000 and picked up a mct-450 from audio classics- should be a good match- thanks again for the newbee advice!!

Might have been my MCT450? I traded it in a month or so ago to AC’s. If so, great machine. Also trying to sell my MCD550 here on AA. Truly great players.