McIntosh MCD600
McIntosh MCD600 SACD/CD player featuring an 8-channel 32-bit Quad-Balanced DAC and variable outputs allowing direct connection to an amplifier.
Description
The MCD600 is a high-end disc player from McIntosh, designed for playback of SACD, CD, CD-R/RW and DVD-R, as well as playback of digital audio files from a USB drive connected on the front panel. It is aimed at lovers of physical music who also wish to enjoy their Hi-Res file libraries without multiplying the number of devices.
The heart of the unit relies on a new digital circuit paired with an 8-channel, 32-bit digital-to-analogue converter, compatible with PCM and DSD. This DAC operates in Quad-Balanced mode, meaning 4 DAC channels are dedicated to each audio channel, a configuration intended to limit noise and improve playback accuracy. All PCM signals are upsampled to 32-bit / 384 kHz.
On the file playback side, the MCD600 recognises a wide range of formats: AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD up to DSD128, FLAC, MP3, WAV up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, and WMA. It features coaxial and optical digital inputs and outputs, as well as variable balanced and unbalanced outputs. This latter feature, combined with a built-in volume control, allows it to be connected directly to a power amplifier without going through a separate preamplifier. A McIntosh High Drive headphone amplifier completes the package.
This player is particularly suited to a high-end setup where one wishes to simplify the electronic chain, thanks to its variable outputs which allow a direct connection to a power amplifier. It will also suit those who own both a disc collection and high-resolution audio files stored on a USB drive.
What to check before buying used
The optical drive remains the weak point on this generation of McIntosh players: a tray that struggles to open or hesitant SACD playback points to laser wear, which is more costly to repair than to anticipate. It is also worth checking that the front USB port works properly and that the various hi-res formats actually play, as some capacitors in the output stage can age over time. Checking that the XLR and RCA connectors at the rear are properly tightened completes the inspection before purchase.
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