McIntosh CD Players & Transports...worth it?

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by W9TR

Does the Uniti play SACD’s?

Sadly, no. That would be a gap for some. It will read the CD file from a hybrid though.

Also, just to be clear--the Uniti Core does not play CDs. It rips them to a hard drive, then plays lossless files from the hard drive.

[JWJW]

Thank you guys. Good input!

[Timobi]

The Luxman I own now has a better build quality & the CD drawer is more solid than the MCD600 I auditioned. The fit & finish on the Luxman is truly first rate.

I think I have become less of a fan with the Sabre Dac too.

[substance]

Mcd205 is based on a nakamichi cd changer. I wouldn’t call it a rebadged unit but the transport is nakamichi.

Mvp831,841 and 851 are panasonic rp81 rebadges, no major mods beside the power supply. Same dacs and all.

Mvp861 is a denon dvd 2900
Mvp871 is a denon dvd 2930
Mvp881 is a denon dvd au1ud.
Mvp891 is a denon dvd 4010ud

These have mcintosh power supplies but that’s it.

Mvp901 is an oppo bdt 101ci.

[substance]

I forgot to mention my opinion whether they are worth it. In my opinion they are worth it. All these players in the list I created above were the best DVD/BD players of their time. Mcintosh furher improved them with better power supplies and balanced xlr outputs.

[Bob Bubeck]

I am able to speak to the MCT500 - DA2 solution, which is sonically excellent (for the money) with the latest firmware update for the DA2. The MCT500 is well-built and operates smoothly and quietly without a hitch and it supports SACD as well as RBCD. An advantage to this arrangement is that the integrated DAC in my preamp is up-gradable over time as new developments come along.

To address the OP's question, the Bryston is a lovely unit but does not play SACDs, which is a drawback for me. Many of the very best sounding disks in my collection are on Single Layer and Hybrid SACD. With the industry leading TEAC drive, the Esoterics are excellent units and have been very favorably reviewed here and elsewhere, but depending on model they are priced by multiple factors to that of the current McIntosh routes. Audition the Esoterics if money is a lesser consideration.

Happy listening!

Bob
_____________
Sources: Clearaudio Jubilee MC/Clearaudio Innovation Wood TT w/Universal Arm 9”; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent G5 balanced and speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record cleaner: Kirmuss KA-RC-1 ultrasonic.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by substance

Mcd205 is based on a nakamichi cd changer. I wouldn’t call it a rebadged unit but the transport is nakamichi.

Mvp831,841 and 851 are panasonic rp81 rebadges, no major mods beside the power supply. Same dacs and all.

Mvp861 is a denon dvd 2900
Mvp871 is a denon dvd 2930
Mvp881 is a denon dvd au1ud.
Mvp891 is a denon dvd 4010ud

These have mcintosh power supplies but that’s it.

Mvp901 is an oppo bdt 101ci.

How do you know this? What is the source of your information?

[JBT]

Originally Posted by Charles

How do you know this? What is the source of your information?

I"d like to know that myself

[JBT]

Originally Posted by Charles

How do you know this? What is the source of your information?

They use the Denon transport. Everything else is Mcintosh. Goes back to D&M Holdings era of Mcintosh.

[kingofstoneage]

I am happy with my new MCT500. Before the MCT500 i had a MCD301 and later a MCT450 both had problems with some CDs......which are gone with my MCT500...at the moment i use the DIN connection to my C49 pre.
Maybe i will try a better COAX cable for CD and USB listening........because DIN is also limited to 96/24 for PCM......