According to average colloquial conversations and even a quick hip check into marketing demands, it seems ultimately apparent that CDs are still a thing. I’ve have myself witnessed literal walls of collections stacked in audiophile homes firsthand and are personally responsible for a few MoFi options as test tracks on occasional as well. McIntosh isn’t giving up on the silver spinning disc just yet either, as apparent by this week’s announcement of the the new McIntosh MCD85 SACD/CD player.
If you are wondering why the image above deviates from the boppin’ blue meters of some of the Binghamton company’s other products, that because it’s designed to be a more matching piece for the classic MC275 aesthetic, which also now jives well with the bigger MC1502 amp, MA252/MA352 integrated, MC830 solid state, C8 tube pre and even McIntosh’s latest tube headphone amplifier.
It is a pretty cool look, and one I think carries some nostalgia and weight with consumers – both for new and long time followers of the brand. As far as specs go, formats for the McIntosh MCD85 run abundantly across options with AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV, and WMA burned to disc. There is also an on board USB input for outside options. From the PR release:
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. Thanks to its narrower width and balanced outputs, it can be placed close to your listening position for ease of loading discs, with long balanced cables connecting it to your audio system without fear of signal loss.
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.
The McIntosh MCD85 will retail for $4,500 with pre orders available through the dealer network starting now. Shipping expected to start this month for the US and Canada.
More info: McIntosh MCD85
