MCINTOSH MCD500

Second-hand. In good conditions. Shows signs of wear as seen in the pictures. Comes with original packaging and remote controller

The MCD500 is a high-end SACD/CD player that embodies McIntosh’s technological excellence and distinctive design. Featuring an advanced mechanical transport with a die-cast aluminum tray, it ensures precise and silent disc reading. The optimized digital servo system allows for faster and more stable operation, while the dual-speed data reading enhances tracking accuracy and efficient error correction.

At the core of the MCD500’s exceptional sound performance lies its 8-channel digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with Quad Balanced architecture, built around the renowned ESS Sabre Reference 9008 DACs. Operating in a balanced configuration with four DACs in parallel per channel, it delivers an extraordinarily detailed musical reproduction with a wide dynamic range and minimal distortion. Every nuance of the music is faithfully reproduced, offering a truly uncompromised listening experience.

On the power supply side, the MCD500 is equipped with an R-Core transformer and multiple regulators, designed to ensure a stable and interference-free current, regardless of fluctuations in the power grid. This guarantees consistent performance and an extremely low noise floor, making the sound even purer and more crystalline.

The aesthetic design stays true to McIntosh’s iconic style, featuring a black glass front panel with green backlighting, an intuitive button layout, and a robust mechanical build. One of its most distinctive features is the presence of two separate displays: one dedicated to track and playback time information, and the other displaying the volume level for variable outputs.

Thanks to its versatile connectivity options, the MCD500 can function as both a reference SACD/CD player and a high-end digital-to-analog converter. It offers both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) outputs, allowing users to seamlessly integrate it into their audio setup. Additionally, the presence of variable outputs enables direct connection to a power amplifier, bypassing a traditional preamplifier for a more streamlined audio chain.

The MCD500 is much more than just a digital player—it is a masterpiece of engineering, designed for those who consider music an essential passion. Every listening session becomes an immersive experience, revealing hidden details and nuances that transform each track into an emotional event. This is a product destined to become a timeless classic, staying true to McIntosh’s philosophy of blending tradition and innovation in the pursuit of sonic perfection.

Technical specifications:

• Disc format: Compatible with CD and SACD
• Digital converter: ESS Sabre ES9008S DAC
• CD mechanism: SF-HD850 for precise and stable reading
• Frequency response:
  • CD: 4Hz – 20kHz
  • SACD: 4Hz – 40kHz
• Dynamic range:
  • CD: 100dB
  • SACD: 100dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
  • CD: 110dB
  • SACD: 110dB
• Channel separation:
  • CD: 98dB
  • SACD: 98dB
• Total harmonic distortion (THD):
  • CD: 0.0015%
  • SACD: 0.0015%
• Line output:
  • Unbalanced: 2V
  • Balanced: 4V
• Digital connections: Coaxial and optical
• Dimensions: 445 x 152 x 419 mm
• Weight: 12.8 kg
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