McIntosh MCD85

The MCD85 is a SACD and CD player from McIntosh, designed to occupy a prominent place in a hi-fi system rather than blend into the background. It plays commercial SACDs and CDs, as well as burned CD or DVD data discs containing audio files in various formats. A USB audio input also allows digital music to be streamed directly from a computer or storage device.

Digital-to-analogue conversion relies on an 8-channel, 32-bit / 192 kHz DAC with four-balanced architecture, with four channels dedicated to the left channel and four to the right. This per-channel differentiated design aims for accurate stereo reproduction. The player also incorporates a dual-laser optical sensor disc mechanism, using a single objective lens paired with two laser units of distinct wavelengths, one optimised for SACD, the other for CD.

Playback is carried out at x2 speed: discs are read faster than normal speed, allowing data to be stored in a buffer and improving error correction as well as track tracking. The die-cast tray features a custom bevelled nose matched to the chassis angle, for quiet disc handling.

In terms of formats, the MCD85 supports AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128 from disc), FLAC, MP3, WAV and WMA for disc playback, while the USB input accepts up to DSD256 and DXD 384 kHz. Fixed stereo analogue outputs, balanced and unbalanced, allow the unit to be connected to a preamplifier, an integrated amplifier or other system components. Its narrower width makes it easier to position close to the listening position, with a long-distance balanced connection to the rest of the system.

This player is aimed at a discerning listener already equipped with a well-specified hi-fi system, looking for a versatile physical source capable of playing SACD as well as CD and high-resolution digital files via USB. It will particularly suit those who own a varied disc library, from SACD to burned CD, and who wish for consistent integration with other components of the same brand thanks to dedicated control and data ports.