During our tour of the WoM (World of McIntosh) townhouse in SoHo, we noticed that almost every system had a CD player. McIntosh still sells a lot of high-end CD players. That may raise a few eyebrows, but it’s a nice bit of reality for the naysayers. People own a lot of CDs; and kept buying them (at a much slower pace compared to records) in 2020. McIntosh are very aware of the 800-pound gorilla known as digital streaming and have taken the logical step of developing a new CD/SACD player that also acts as a high-resolution DAC for your streaming source. Enter the brand new McIntosh MCD85 SACD/CD player.
McIntosh are not alone in this realisation, as the market is still flush with high-end CD players from Naim, Luxman, Accuphase, Rega, Cambridge Audio, and Pro-Ject Audio Systems.
The MCD85 with its open chassis design is not only a serious piece of music hardware, but it also shows that you are serious about your love of music. With the great success of McIntosh’s similarly retro styled MC275 and MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifiers, MA252 and MA352 Integrated Amplifiers, and the warm reception of their recently introduced MC830 Solid State Amplifier and C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier that also have retro touches, it’s clear that many people want their home stereo system not to blend in, but instead to be distinctive looking.
The McIntosh MCD85 SACD/CD player can play store bought SACDs and CDs as well as music from homemade CD or DVD Data Discs. Numerous file formats can be played from these discs including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV, and WMA. The USB Audio input supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz, and can be used to stream digital music from a computer or other digital storage device. There’s also two coax and two optical digital inputs that support PCM signals up to 192kHz.
Conversion of the digital data stored on the discs or in the digital music stream into an analog signal for playback is performed by a quad balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit/192kHz Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Four DAC channels are dedicated to the left audio channel, and four to the right audio channel to ensure truly exceptional stereo sound reproduction.
Both balanced and unbalanced fixed analog stereo outputs are available to connect the MCD85 to your preamplifier, integrated amplifier, and other home audio system components.
The MCD85 employs 2x read speed, meaning all discs placed in its sturdy die-cast tray are read at higher speeds, allowing their data to be stored in a buffer memory for better error correction and tracking. The tray features a new, custom front beveled nose to match the angle of the chassis and provides smooth and quiet disc handling. Disc reading is performed in the high-quality disc mechanism by a twin laser optical pickup that uses a single objective lens with two laser units, with each employing different wavelengths that are optimized for SACD and CD playback. Power Control and data ports allow for seamless integration with other McIntosh home audio system components.
A die-cast aluminum name badge is affixed to each side of the chassis. The front, top and rear of the chassis is polished to a mirror finish – just like on the aforementioned MC275, MC1502, MA252, MA352, MC830 and C8 – making the MCD85 a welcome and matching addition to any system using those models. But the MCD85 is not limited to systems using just those models as it has all the necessary connections and McIntosh design traits to fit into any McIntosh home audio system. The MCD85 features a black glass front panel with direct LED backlighting for improved appearance, silver trim, an illuminated logo, and rotary control knobs.
Pricing & Availability
Orders for the MCD85 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in February 2021 to the United States and Canada, and to the rest of the world shortly thereafter.
Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $4,500 USD.
About McIntosh
Founded in 1949, McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. is known for offering distinguished quality audio products, superior customer service and the ultimate experience in music and film. All McIntosh products are handcrafted at the Binghamton, NY factory by over 150 employees with a passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home entertainment experience for discriminating consumers around the world, with the iconic “McIntosh Blue” Watt Meters globally recognized as a symbol of quality audio.
Visit www.mcintoshlabs.com to learn more.
