McIntosh MS500 Music Streamer Review

[JBT]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

I would call CA fair, not tough. Why would you drop $6,000 on a streamer that does not provide bit perfect data? As others have noted, digital is just not McIntosh's bag. Any decent hifi store is bound to offer you several better solutions.

The two best Dacs I've ever owned are Mcintosh. MDA1000 and now the D1100

[JBT]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

I would call CA fair, not tough. Why would you drop $6,000 on a streamer that does not provide bit perfect data? As others have noted, digital is just not McIntosh's bag. Any decent hifi store is bound to offer you several better solutions.

Most people including me don't care about Bit Perfect. Just more mumbo jumbo talk.

http://bitperfectsound.blogspot.com/...itperfect.html

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by jayvis

Not trying to start an argument, but what exactly does bit perfect data do for you if a device can't accurately convert and transmit that data to the end user? I've tried a number of streamers ranging in price from $500 to $6k and have found surprising results when it comes to overall sonic performance. Some of the most highly spec'd items didn't make the final cut. It proves that there is much more to digital music streamers than just a so-called state of the art DAC and glitzy user interface.

Nothing is the correct answer to your question. And I agree completely that the proof of the pudding is in the eating/hearing. But you've kind of changed the subject--I did not propose "a device [that] can't accurately convert...". My point is that for $6,000 you should be getting both.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by JBT

Most people including me don't care about Bit Perfect. Just more mumbo jumbo talk.

http://bitperfectsound.blogspot.com/...itperfect.html

The talk may be mumbo jumbo, but it looks like your systems are excellent, so I would expect that if you compared bit perfect music to compromised files, you could tell the difference pretty quickly.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

The talk may be mumbo jumbo, but it looks like your systems are excellent, so I would expect that if you compared bit perfect music to compromised files, you could tell the difference pretty quickly.

Itunes. Mac Operating system. It's not a big deal.

[1KW]

Once upon a time I thought nothing could sound better than my MCD500 until I heard something better . Mumbo Jumbo may be fine for you and that is fine. Technology moves on and why spend 6 k on a streamer that is not bit perfect ? Do as you like but you did ask for opinions from this form. You only have to please yourself.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by JBT

Itunes. Mac Operating system. It's not a big deal.
__________________
2 MC 601s, C1100, D1100, MCT450 Vandersteen 5A

I don't like to be critical of others' hifi choices, but I am in physical pain as I try to reconcile these two rows of information. Seriously, using iTunes with the McIntosh/Vandersteen setup you describe is similar to using economy tires on a Ferrari.

You will be stunned if you drop just a few thousand more on a server from Aurender or Naim, just to name a couple. If you can't do that, at least check out Amarra software from Sonic Studio.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

I don't like to be critical of others' hifi choices, but I am in physical pain as I try to reconcile these two rows of information. Seriously, using iTunes with the McIntosh/Vandersteen setup you describe is similar to using economy tires on a Ferrari.

You will be stunned if you drop just a few thousand more on a server from Aurender or Naim, just to name a couple. If you can't do that, at least check out Amarra software from Sonic Studio.

I don't need any Hi-Fi advice for you. :

[JBT]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Once upon a time I thought nothing could sound better than my MCD500 until I heard something better . Mumbo Jumbo may be fine for you and that is fine. Technology moves on and why spend 6 k on a streamer that is not bit perfect ? Do as you like but you did ask for opinions from this form. You only have to please yourself.

I know. You heard the D1100.

[sgbroimp]

I don't need any Hi-Fi advice for you. :

Gee, that seems a tad harsh...............