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MCD201, 205 or MVP851 for CD only

S

smholl

Member
I'm trying to decide which player to look into for strictly 2 channel CD only.

The MVP851 has the re-master circuit, but does it really improve the sound? I don't need any of the DVD capabilities of this player. The MCD205is another possibility. The changer would be an extra bonus. I really want the best sound possible.
I like the capabilities of the MCD201, but am skeptical because of all the various issues I've been reading about.
What would be my best bet?
Preamp is C42, amp is MC252.
 
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smholl said:
I'm trying to decide which player to look into for strictly 2 channel CD only.

The MVP851 has the re-master circuit, but does it really improve the sound? I don't need any of the DVD capabilities of this player. The MCD205is another possibility. The changer would be an extra bonus. I really want the best sound possible.
I like the capabilities of the MCD201, but am skeptical because of all the various issues I've been reading about.
What would be my best bet?
Preamp is C42, amp is MC252.
Click to expand...


1) MVP851
2) MCD205
3) MCD201

Money can sometimes be an issue.:thmbsp:
 
Why not the MVP861?

I had a MCD205 before and loved the convience of a changer. I compared the sound to my SCD-1 and it was very close. I was very surprise of that. I regret selling it.
 
I did not consider the MVP861 because I thought that the majority of the price difference over the MVP851 is due to DVD/SACD capabilities.
Does the redbook CD performance between the MVP861 and MVP851 justify the difference in price?
 
Mcd205

I sold my MCD205 last week on Audiogon because I recently aquired an MS300 music server and didn't feel that I would need the cd player much anymore. I never had a problem with it and always felt the sound quality was excellent and being a 5 disc cd changer was a nice convenience. A very nice piece of equipment that you have to keep your eye open for, as it doesn't come up for sale to often.
 
I never compared it with the others you've mentioned. When I first previewed the MCD205 I knew it was the one I wanted. I never regretted it. Being a changer was a nice bonus.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
smholl said:
I'm trying to decide which player to look into for strictly 2 channel CD only.

The MVP851 has the re-master circuit, but does it really improve the sound? I don't need any of the DVD capabilities of this player. The MCD205is another possibility. The changer would be an extra bonus. I really want the best sound possible.
Click to expand...

I have been using a MVP851 as my main CD player for the last 3 years with great results. The re-master circuit on the MVP851 does work, it makes the high frequency sounds (like cymbals) sound smoother and clearer. It is a subtle difference but it is there. Also DVD-Audio discs sound fantastic on the MVP851, the down side with DVD-A discs is that you sometimes need a monitor to select the 2-channel mix from the DVD-A menu.

If you want the best sound of the 3 players this is a no brainer, get the MCD201. It is hard to explain the difference in sound but I found the MCD201 just sounded more real and life like.

I did compare my MVP851 with a MVP861 and I found they did sound different but I could not decide which sounded better so I just kept my MVP851.

After going through a long audio journey the choice I found most enjoyable (by a long shot) for me is a MS300/MS750 and a MDA1000. :yes: If I were you I would get a MS300/MS750 now and save up for a MDA1000. The analog output of the MS300 is very good and should keep you happy for now until you can get a great DA converter like the MDA1000.

Victor
 
I didn't consider the MS300 because I don't have a computer in my 2 channel room. I don't have any place to put computer/monitor.
I'm going to listen to MCD201 at dealer tomorrow.
Have all glitches been fixed?
 
smholl said:
I didn't consider the MS300 because I don't have a computer in my 2 channel room. I don't have any place to put computer/monitor.
I'm going to listen to MCD201 at dealer tomorrow.
Have all glitches been fixed?
Click to expand...
Had trouble with my 201 at the start. Sent to Mac. No more problems with about 300 hours. I think if you order one of the latest units with the new transport and the latest firmware of 7.0 or 7.1. this will most likely mean you won't have it in hand when going out the door. A week to Ten Days wait if he orders it while you are there.:thmbsp:I do now believe the chances of you having any trouble are no greater than any other CDP manufactured today.
Glenee
 
Victor said:
I have been using a MVP851 as my main CD player for the last 3 years with great results. The re-master circuit on the MVP851 does work, it makes the high frequency sounds (like cymbals) sound smoother and clearer. It is a subtle difference but it is there. Also DVD-Audio discs sound fantastic on the MVP851, the down side with DVD-A discs is that you sometimes need a monitor to select the 2-channel mix from the DVD-A menu.

If you want the best sound of the 3 players this is a no brainer, get the MCD201. It is hard to explain the difference in sound but I found the MCD201 just sounded more real and life like.

I did compare my MVP851 with a MVP861 and I found they did sound different but I could not decide which sounded better so I just kept my MVP851.

After going through a long audio journey the choice I found most enjoyable (by a long shot) for me is a MS300/MS750 and a MDA1000. :yes: If I were you I would get a MS300/MS750 now and save up for a MDA1000. The analog output of the MS300 is very good and should keep you happy for now until you can get a great DA converter like the MDA1000.

Victor
Click to expand...
I agree, and can't add much either. The 851 is a great player but the 201 is even better.

I still wonder where the 871 is compared to the 201, didn't hear it yet..
 
Just ordered a used MCD201 from Audio Classics today. They assured me that this unit is in brand new condition, received recently from the factory with the latest transport and firmware installed. They have tested it thouroghly and gave me a one year in-house warranty.
I will get it on Friday and play with it all weekend.
I'll report on Monday.
 
Enjoy your new MCD201. :music:

Don't stay up all weekend, it will be difficult but make sure and get some sleep. :D

Victor
 
smholl said:
Just ordered a used MCD201 from Audio Classics today. They assured me that this unit is in brand new condition, received recently from the factory with the latest transport and firmware installed. They have tested it thouroghly and gave me a one year in-house warranty.
I will get it on Friday and play with it all weekend.
I'll report on Monday.
Click to expand...
When you get the Unit put it on repeat all for the first few days. Switch disc from SACD to redbook and vice versa each night . Also play the CD with the most tracks on it. If it is going to have problems should show up in 3-days. Don't worry if it has 1 or 2 hiccups at the start. Just new. But after 50 hrs should not be any. Mine showed a very large increase in sound quality at about 100-150 hrs. Was funny went from great to average to awesome in that time.
Glenee
 
I have 2 MCD 201s. Had them both for over 10 years. Never had a problem. They sound very good. I think they represent very good value today for the money. Wishing you well in your search!
 
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