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looking for a great cdp or dac

M

montana girl

Member
Hello, I am new to this forum, but have always really liked the McIntosh looks. I am looking to buy a cd player or a dac, preferably to hook up to my computer. I have tube monoblock amps and preamp(Von Gaylord-formerly Legend Audio), Dahlquist 20i speakers-they were considered the top of the line Dahlquist, and so far, no cd player. I am very interested in hooking up my cdp to my computer, but would consider another player if it sounded great. Can somebody let me know what the MCD 301 player sounds like. I read through all the threads, but would like a little more detail. I don't think it has a digital in so I am also interested in the MCD500, would there be a huge difference between the 2? Thank you.
 
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Welcome to AK!!!

If you want a Mc cdp with a dac I think that you will find that not one person on this board who will recommend anything other than the MCD500.

It is a fabulous CD player and the DAC will make you want to listen to all of your digital music all over again.

I do not have personal experience with the 301 but can tell you that the 201 is a wonderful, analog sounding player as well, just not in the same league as the MCD500!
 
Thank you for your reply. I would like to be able to hear both of these but there are no dealers close by, and the ones that are close don't carry these in the store. I am really interested in connecting to my computer so that would leave the MCD500 only, maybe that is the direction I will take. Thank you
 
Hi, thanks for all the replies so far. Yes, I would like to utilize my computer for music as it's so convenient to download songs and play them, but I also don't want to sacrifice sound for convenience. I really don't have a lot of CD's at this time, so if I purchase the MCD500 I will probably buy some SACD's, plus download songs. It definitely won't be MP3 type songs, there are more places that are coming out with high resolution downloads all the time, which sound pretty amazing and that's what I want to get into in the future. I have had a hard time deciding which dac/player to buy, but I am going to pull the trigger soon and get something. I'm also looking into the Audio Research dac7 and the Weiss Media, but I just love the looks of McIntosh.
 
montana girl.......I replaced the MCD301 with a MCD500. It is the very best SACD/CD I have ever owned, and produces incredible audio. I like my MCD500 so much I bought a second one. I use the DAC inputs on both MCD500's, and the internal dual quad DACs in the MCD500 produce unbelievable sound. Pass on the MCD301, and get yourself a MCD500. You will not regret it.
 
jdandy said:
montana girl.......I replaced the MCD301 with a MCD500. It is the very best SACD/CD I have ever owned, and produces incredible audio. I like my MCD500 so much I bought a second one. I use the DAC inputs on both MCD500's, and the internal dual quad DACs in the MCD500 produce unbelievable sound. Pass on the MCD301, and get yourself a MCD500. You will not regret it.
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What Dan said & welcome!
 
Thanks for the welcomes everybody. I guess the consensus is that the MCD500 is an awesome player, so I will definitely pick that one over the MCD301. I'm still looking at a few other players like the Audio Research or Weiss Media, but after these comments, the MCD500 is a top contender also. I was so close to buying McIntosh tube amps, but instead I opted for the amps I got and am very happy with them. I bet an all Mac setup would be heaven though, even if it quit working you could just look at it and be happy (for awhile at least).
 
Forgot to warn you Montana Girl...

You better be careful around here...

They guys will have you in the poor house in no time.... but it will sound really good in the poor house...
:music::music::music::music:
 
Thanks for the head up, if my amps ever break down, I will buy a McIntosh amp. When I first heard Von Gaylord amps they were exactly what I had been looking for: sultry, warm, rich, and very detailed. The Macs were a close 2nd though. Once I finish getting my cd player, I think I will be in music heaven because it's taken me such a long time to accumulate my equipment. I don't upgrade often and want the latest and greatest that my budget will allow.
 
Hi everyone, I just found out that Magnolia in Bellevue, Wa. (Seattle area) has the MCD500 and the 301 on display that I can listen to. I probably won't be able to get over there for a month or so, but at least there's a place fairly close where I can listen to it, I'm pretty excited.:banana:
 
montana girl said:
Hi everyone, I just found out that Magnolia in Bellevue, Wa. (Seattle area) has the MCD500 and the 301 on display that I can listen to. I probably won't be able to get over there for a month or so, but at least there's a place fairly close where I can listen to it, I'm pretty excited.:banana:
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Thanks for the "heads up". I'll have to get over to Magnolia and check out that MCD500.
 
Hey Cougit25, after you listen to them could you get back with us with your viewpoint on the sonic character of each of them. I like to read any reviews on McIntosh sources to help make up my mind, although I have pretty well decided to get the MCD500 after reading the replies here. Thanks
 
montana girl said:
Hey Cougit25, after you listen to them could you get back with us with your viewpoint on the sonic character of each of them. I like to read any reviews on McIntosh sources to help make up my mind, although I have pretty well decided to get the MCD500 after reading the replies here. Thanks
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Just 7 posts & you're already on the right track. :thmbsp:
 
montana girl said:
Thanks for the head up, if my amps ever break down, I will buy a McIntosh amp. When I first heard Von Gaylord amps they were exactly what I had been looking for: sultry, warm, rich, and very detailed. The Macs were a close 2nd though. Once I finish getting my cd player, I think I will be in music heaven because it's taken me such a long time to accumulate my equipment. I don't upgrade often and want the latest and greatest that my budget will allow.
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If you don't mind me asking, are the monoblocks that you own, the ones with an msrp of $48K? If so, let me just say WOW in advance.
 
montana girl said:
Hey Cougit25, after you listen to them could you get back with us with your viewpoint on the sonic character of each of them. I like to read any reviews on McIntosh sources to help make up my mind, although I have pretty well decided to get the MCD500 after reading the replies here. Thanks
Click to expand...

Based on the posts from the folks on this forum the MCD500 is definitely the "cat's meow". :yes:

I'm looking forward to listening, but not to the inevitable tug on my wallet. I'll have to take my wife along to keep the insanity from starting.

I'll report back on my findings?...purchase?...divorce?...:para:
 
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