C52 and MCD500 vs MCD1100

[Fido]

two questions please:

what are the improvements of C52 over C50?

Is the MCD1100 significantly better than the MCD500?

Thanks

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Fido

two questions please:

what are the improvements of C52 over C50?

Is the MCD1100 significantly better than the MCD500?

Thanks

I can't specifically say about the C50 vs C52 except to say that the C52 appears to be a full function D1100. As such it has all the latest Mac technology in it. The C52 got a very positive review in TAS.

Regarding the MCD1100 vs the MCD500 there are significant differences. Sonically, I suspect they are similar but again I suspect the MCD1100 has better parts, i.e. fewer corners cut. Does this mean better sonics, impossible for me to say? I would say if pushed the differences would be minor.

However, the main difference is the inclusion of the DIN output with the MCD1100 as well as a digital coaxial and optical output. I own a MCD1100 and D1100. Using the DIN output I am able to play SACD's through my D1100 using the MCT input. The MCD500 has no DIN output so a digital SACD output does not exist. Sonically, I can conclusively state that the D1100 is superior to my MCD1100. The difference is significant. Easy to hear. Extrapolating, I suspect that buying a MCT450 and using the C52 as a fully decked out D1100 would yield truly superior results at a great price in terms of highend audio. Also tremendous flexibility not present with a D1100. However, for my tastes the C52 lacks an AES/EBU input which is what I prefer to use to listen to CD. However, I think the MCT input used for SACD is totally adequate for CD also. I do not regard this as a flaw in the C52 input menu. Summing it up, I think the MCT450/C52 combo to be the best buy in highend audio for the above reasons.

[xv21]

McIntosh C52+D1100+MCT450 is better than C52+MCT450. You can hear the difference. I have not heard McIntosh MCD550. I would check McIntosh MCD550, because it is cheaper than D1100+MCT450.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Fido

Is the MCD1100 significantly better than the MCD500?

Fido.......My McIntosh MCD1100 Review may be helpful in answering your question.

[W9TR]

I have owned both the MCD 500 and the MCD 1100. The MCD 1100 is significantly better sonically. Wider soundstage, deeper soundstage, more accurate instrumental timbres, better rendering of the hall sound on orchestral music.

The one thing both players share is the crappy plastic McIntosh remote, a true abomination if there ever was one.

Tom

[1KW]

Having owned a MCD500 for many years and a D1100 for nearly a year I can say you won't be disappointed with either . The D1100 is in a different league as it has USB input for hi resolution DSD 64,128 and 256 (SACD is DSD64) as well as hi resolution PCM files. The MCD500 does not have cheaper parts then a MCD1000, it just came out first. I would not call a C50 a full function D1100 as it is not fully balanced and the D1100 is. Both the MCD500 and MCD1000 are also fully balanced.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Having owned a MCD500 for many years and a D1100 for nearly a year I can say you won't be disappointed with either . The D1100 is in a different league as it has USB input for hi resolution DSD 64,128 and 256 (SACD is DSD64) as well as hi resolution PCM files. The MCD500 does not have cheaper parts then a MCD1000, it just came out first. I would not call a C50 a full function D1100 as it is not fully balanced and the D1100 is. Both the MCD500 and MCD1000 are also fully balanced.

I think it is important to note that any preamp with tone controls (equalizer) cannot be either fully balanced or dual mono. That's the reason I don't like tone controls. I am a purist. However, if you are not a purist and like tone controls, the C52 in my opinion will be far superior sonically to the MCD1100 in terms of USB or anything digital. In addition I understand it has a superior phono section. If you are reading this thread and want the best from Mac at a tremendous price go with the C52/MCT450 combo. My budget may be a little larger than some and I basically buy (within reason) what I want and I don't do vinyl. Never have and never will. But from a pure value standpoint the new stuff from Mac including their new amps represent (to me) the best values in highend audio. For about 27 grand based on Ivan's 2018 retail pricing you can have a system (two 611's/MCT450/C52) that rivals just about anything in terms of beauty, functionality, and sound quality. I think the C52 represents something really special.

[Fido]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Fido.......My McIntosh MCD1100 Review may be helpful in answering your question.

thanks for the replies fellas. I did find your very informative review jdandy! Excellent write up!