Is the MDA-1000 still viable for rebook

[bebop86]

Guys- We listen mostly to vinyl but want to have something for redbook CD- So thinking of getting the MDA-1000 good reviews and fairly cheap these days - Is it still a good DAC for CD redbook- My thoughts are to either get that and use my OPPO 93 for a transport or I just found in my closet an old Nakamichi OMS-7- Not sure how that would work still today- - thks

[brownbear]

There's a smokin' deal on an MCD550 in the marketplace (not mine) that you might want to consider.

[W9TR]

MDA 1000 is a very special piece that still excels with Redbook sources. It is limited to 24/96 so some people think it is obsolete. I beg to differ. If I didn’t already own 5 DAC’s I’d get one.

I know Vintage Pete has one, perhaps Pete or other owners will chime in.

The overall impressions I’ve read about the MDA 1000 is that is sounds very analog, which should fit in well with your vinyl preferences.

Tom

[JemHadar]

Originally Posted by W9TR

MDA 1000 is a very special piece that still excels with Redbook sources. It is limited to 24/96 so some people think it is obsolete. I beg to differ. If I didn’t already own 5 DAC’s I’d get one.

I know Vintage Pete has one, perhaps Pete or other owners will chime in.

The overall impressions I’ve read about the MDA 1000 is that is sounds very analog, which should fit in well with your vinyl preferences.

Tom

+1

Got one too and brought it out of retirement. It is now fed by an Auralic G2. Still love it and decided never to part with it.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by W9TR

MDA 1000 is a very special piece that still excels with Redbook sources. It is limited to 24/96 so some people think it is obsolete. I beg to differ. If I didn’t already own 5 DAC’s I’d get one.

I know Vintage Pete has one, perhaps Pete or other owners will chime in.

The overall impressions I’ve read about the MDA 1000 is that is sounds very analog, which should fit in well with your vinyl preferences.

Tom

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.

[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.

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

I never felt the envy to replace mine.

It has a very fine, smooth, detailed but not harsh at all, a very "analogic" sound!

Alberto said: a delicious sound; that's it!!

[BuffaloBill]

Unless your hearing is outside the range of 20Hz - 20kHz the MDA1000 will work just fine.