New MCD12000

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by JBT

I think the MQA phase has really cooled off.

Many keep saying that but hundreds of new MQA titles are released every week.

[JBT]

MQA is a fraud


https://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=7258

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by prepress

One thing I appreciate about McIntosh is that, though they may use the term "reference" in their ad copy, they don't use that word in the official name of any of their gear. It's almost as if the gear will speak for itself.

I'm so over the term "reference" in equipment names. I think the preponderance of gear with the "reference" tag on it dilutes the special nature the term implies. Now, when I see it in a component's name, my first thought is "Ho hum;" my second thought is "Compared to what?" Since there's no objective standard, everything comes down to opinion or preference. With this new MCD12000, my only concerns would be can I afford it (no), would it sound noticeably better than what I have (most likely yes), and does it fit in with the rest of my gear (I think not). Still, it looks like a masterpiece and I won't be surprised if it sounds like one.

Got that out of my system. I'm okay now.

I believe the term Reference is used two ways in this audio hobby of ours. First, as the current "State of the Art" within a given manufacturers line-up. An example of this would be how Audio Research identifies their latest top of the line offerings. Second, when a audio writer is auditioning a product in his set-up. They often compare the review product against his "reference" (small r) gear that he probably owns. That reference could have nothing to do with a top of the line offering, just whatever he normally listens to.

I have no issues with the use in either instance.

[crwilli]

Some people hate it, some people love it. Just like almost every other topic in this hobby and perhaps life.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by JBT

MQA is a fraud


https://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=7258

Then it is the best fraud I have ever come across in this hobby.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Still-One

I believe the term Reference is used two ways in this audio hobby of ours. First, as the current "State of the Art" within a given manufacturers line-up. An example of this would be how Audio Research identifies their latest top of the line offerings. Second, when a audio writer is auditioning a product in his set-up. They often compare the review product against his "reference" (small r) gear that he probably owns. That reference could have nothing to do with a top of the line offering, just whatever he normally listens to.

I have no issues with the use in either instance.

Another way of looking at the term, and one I'm familiar with, having read a gazillion reviews. I noted on Mac's website that the MCD12000 is referred to as "reference," and the MCD600 as "premium;" the MCD350 and MCD85 didn't get a specific designation. Even as a relative novice, I understand what those terms mean within the context of Mac's SACD player line. In a reviewer's context any of them could be reference. And while my basic thoughts on the term "reference" haven't changed, I do have other, legitimate perspectives to consider if I choose to. Nothing wrong with that.

This is why AA is cool. The perspectives you can get here are usually insightful, and come from people who have been around audio much longer or dug in much deeper than I have. I will wait for someone to spend real time with the 12000 and give a report on how it sounds.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by prepress

Another way of looking at the term, and one I'm familiar with, having read a gazillion reviews. I noted on Mac's website that the MCD12000 is referred to as "reference," and the MCD600 as "premium;" the MCD350 and MCD85 didn't get a specific designation. Even as a relative novice, I understand what those terms mean within the context of Mac's SACD player line. In a reviewer's context any of them could be reference. And while my basic thoughts on the term "reference" haven't changed, I do have other, legitimate perspectives to consider if I choose to. Nothing wrong with that.

This is why AA is cool. The perspectives you can get here are usually insightful, and come from people who have been around audio much longer or dug in much deeper than I have. I will wait for someone to spend real time with the 12000 and give a report on how it sounds.

prepress, if I remember correctly your Mac SACD player is reference gear. It's a keeper.

Best

Charles

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Charles

prepress, if I remember correctly your Mac SACD player is reference gear. It's a keeper.

Best

Charles

Though I had a brief flirtation with the Marantz SA-KI Ruby and even the SA-10 a while back, I think the MCD500 is a keeper as well.

[JWJW]

Is the MCD12000 shipping yet?

[Botill]

Originally Posted by JWJW

Is the MCD12000 shipping yet?

Mine is scheduled to ship next week.