During our visit to the WoM (World of McIntosh) Townhouse in SoHo, we noticed that almost all systems had a CD player. McIntosh still sells a lot of high-end CD players. It may raise a few eyebrows, but it’s kind of the reality for the naysayers. People own a lot of CDs; and continued to purchase them (at a much slower rate compared to records) in 2020. McIntosh is very aware of the 800-pound gorilla known as digital streaming and has made the logical decision to develop a new CD / player. SACD which also acts as a high resolution DAC for your streaming source. Enter the brand new McIntosh MCD85 SACD / CD player.

McIntosh isn’t the only one realizing this, as the market is still teeming with high-end CD players from Naim, Luxman, Accuphase, Rega, Cambridge Audio and Pro-Ject Audio Systems.

The MCD85 with its open frame design is not only serious musical equipment, but also shows that you are serious about your love of music. With the great success of McIntosh’s similar retro style MC275 and MC1502 vacuum tube amplifiers, MA252 and MA352 integrated amplifiers, and the warm welcome of their newly introduced MC830 solid-state amplifier and C8 vacuum tube preamplifier. which also have retro touches, it’s clear a lot of people want their home stereo system not to blend in with the decor, but rather to be distinctive.

The McIntosh MCD85 SACD / CD player can play store bought SACDs and CDs as well as music from homemade CD or DVD data discs. Many 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 384 kHz and can be used to stream digital music from a computer or other digital storage device. There are also two coaxial and two optical digital inputs that support PCM signals up to 192 kHz.

The conversion of digital data stored on discs or in the digital music stream into an analog signal for playback is performed by an 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.

Balanced and unbalanced fixed analog stereo outputs are available to connect the MCD85 to your preamplifier, integrated amplifier and other components of your home audio system.

The MCD85 uses a 2x read speed, which means that all discs placed in its sturdy die-cast platter are read at higher speeds, allowing their data to be stored in a buffer for better correction and better error tracking. The chainring features a new front bevel nose customized to match the angle of the chassis and provides smooth, quiet disc handling. Disc playback is performed in the high quality disc mechanism by a dual laser optical sensor that uses a single objective lens with two laser units, each using different wavelengths optimized for SACD and CD playback. Power control and data ports allow seamless integration with other components of the McIntosh home audio system.

A die-cast aluminum name badge is affixed to each side of the chassis. The front, top and rear of the chassis are 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 these models. . But the MCD85 isn’t limited to systems using just these models, as it has all the necessary connections and McIntosh design features to fit any McIntosh home audio system. The MCD85 features a black glass front panel with direct LED backlighting for an enhanced appearance, silver trim, illuminated logo, and rotary control knobs.

Pricing and availability

Orders for the MCD85 can now be placed through authorized McIntosh resellers and shipping is 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 all customs duties related to the standards in force in each country are excluded): US $ 4,500.

About McIntosh
Founded in 1949, McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. is known for delivering distinguished quality audio products, superior customer service, and the ultimate music and movie experience. All McIntosh products are handcrafted in the Binghamton, NY factory by over 150 employees who are passionate about music and the McIntosh heritage. McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home entertainment experience for discerning consumers around the world, with iconic “McIntosh Blue” power meters recognized worldwide as a symbol of audio quality.

Visit www.mcintoshlabs.com to learn more.