McIntosh MCD350
McIntosh CD/SACD player fitted with a 32-bit/192kHz DAC and a twin-laser optical assembly, with gold-plated analogue and digital outputs.
Description
The MCD350 is a compact disc and SACD player from McIntosh, designed to take pride of place at the heart of a high-end hi-fi system. It handles both optical disc playback and digital-to-analogue conversion of the signal, or can be limited to digital transmission to an external DAC, preamplifier or home cinema processor.
Its 2-channel digital-to-analogue converter operates at 32-bit/192kHz, a resolution that allows discs to be reproduced with a finely detailed signal. For disc playback, the MCD350 relies on an optical assembly fitted with a dual laser diode: the content of the CD or SACD is read twice, and the data is then stored in a buffer memory before being processed. This process improves error correction and limits playback artefacts, resulting in a more stable audio signal at the output.
In terms of connectivity, the unit offers fixed stereo analogue outputs, available in both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) form, as well as coaxial and optical digital outputs for communicating with external equipment. All the analogue outputs and the coaxial digital output are gold-plated, a treatment that limits contact oxidation and preserves signal transmission quality over time.
This player is aimed at music lovers who enjoy listening from physical media, be it CD or SACD, and who wish to add a high-end source to a system already equipped with quality electronics, or connect the MCD350 as a simple digital transport to a dedicated DAC or processor.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | 4 Hz to 40 kHz, +0.5/-2 dB (SACD) |
| Output impedance | 600 ohms |
| Output level | 2.0 Vrms unbalanced / 4.0 Vrms balanced |
| Analogue outputs | Fixed balanced and unbalanced stereo outputs |
| Weight | 12.7 kg |
| Finish | McIntosh black glass front panel with illuminated logo and aluminium end panels |
What to check before buying used
The twin-laser optical assembly generally remains reliable, but it is worth checking that SACD playback shows no skipping or freezing, as this format is more demanding than standard CD. The tray deserves repeated opening and closing tests to rule out any mechanical play or slow ejection. Checking the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, as well as the coaxial and optical digital links, ensures that no channel or connector has suffered from oxidation or a loose contact.
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