McIntosh CD Players & Transports...worth it?

[JWJW]

Would like to hear opinions on Mc players and transports. Cut through the b.s., are these simply “rebadged” players from another manufacturer (like Marantz) with some Mc lipstick? Or are these ground-up designs? Has anyone ever really did a deep dive into this?

“Mc aesthetics” aside, would your money go further buying a player from Esoteric, Bryston or even Simaudio?

[W9TR]

I own a McIntosh MCD 1100. It looks fantastic and sounds good. It is not re-badged, all the pcb’s inside are McIntosh. The MVP 891 video player has all McIntosh pcbs in it as well. Not sure about the latest MVP 901.

Depreciation is killer on these players, the video ones are the worst. It is probably the same for the other brands you mentioned, not sure.

Tom

[Maks]

I picked up a MCD500 on here years ago, it is an excellent CDP and not a re-badge. As I look to downsize the digital side of my system, I'm not sure I'd do it again, but it looks great, sounds excellent (even using the built-in DAC) and has top notch build quality. I have heard some Simaudio CDPs and really enjoyed them, if you plan on using an outboard DAC I'm not sure you'd hear a huge amount of difference, if any. The older I get, the cheaper I get so I'd keep my eyes peeled on the market here.

[cleeds]

I have an MVP-881 and think it's terrific. I use it in a two-channel system where video is virtually an afterthought, so I'm not sure how it compares with the competition if you're interested in surround sound and the latest in video quality. But it's my main spinner and it sounds excellent even through the built-in DAC.

[brownbear]

I have the MCT450 and its been rock solid. The main thing I like about it is being able to play SACDs with the MCT cable even though its only a transport. Additionally, the Shunyata Venom V14 Digital PC, elevating it on Stillpoints ultra minis and placing HRS damping plates on top take it to another level.

[JBT]

I have a MCD 500 and MCT 450. Both outstanding spinners. Rock solid build and and they look and sound great!

[Charles]

The MCD 7000 was the first CD player I heard that had a natural open sound. It had one D/A converter that was used for both channels. It sounded so much better that any other CD player of its vintage, I still remember it well. I bought one.

When I met Gordon Gow, I asked him about it. His response was, "It saved our company". In those days Mac was struggling.

Mac has a proven track record in digital. They also have a proven track record with loudspeakers. They have been manufacturing both digital and speakers for a long long time. I agree that the MVP881 is a fine player. I never plan on selling mine.

Best

Charles

____________________
Charles Updated System
Most recent updates: AQ Diamond USB replaces AQ Coffee; Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx replaced by Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; new subwoofer crossover; new Galaxy Grey Thors Hammer
Amps: McIntosh 1.25KW’s (3) set on floor on custom made cultured marble slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCD1100 SACD player, MVP881 BR player, MVP851 DVD player, MR87 tuner, Marantz 510LV Laser Disc player, ASUS laptop USB (JRiver Media Center 23)
Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie and Wilson Watch Controller (abbr: WC)
Cables main system: Audioquest Wel Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); Wel Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for BR player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Diamond USB cable; McIntosh MCT cable for SACD playback; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for tuner; cables for DVD player not listed
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from WC to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to WC; Hurricane HC (2) and Dragon HC (1) power cords
Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines with no. 10 wire straight out of fuse box
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) solid walnut cabinet on large casters; holds all sources and preamp; also, Niagara 7000; 11 feet minimum distance from speakers
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes
AC: Dedicated to this room only, an ultra-high efficiency and quiet recently installed Ruud split system 3-ton heat pump.
Room (mancave): 40’L x 15.5’W A-frame; max ceiling height 8’ min 5’; wall within wall construction built of 2 x 6’s; built over garage with custom hardwood floor with gym seal with over 40 Lowes stiffened wooden I-beams supporting floor; complete isolation from rest of house

[John Jordan]

JW-

I have been using a MCD 205 for about 15 years. I am the second owner, the original had it for about 6 months. It has been flawless; the 5 CD changer works fine. I do use the Bryston DAC now as it is slightly better than the one built into the mc.

[PeterMusic]

If you're after bang for buck, I would recommend a Naim Uniti Core. Rip the CDs to its hard drive. I'm pretty sure you'll get better sound, and I'm certain playback will be easier

[W9TR]

Does the Uniti play SACD’s?