CEDIA 2008: McIntosh Adds A/V Components
By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 9/4/2008
Denver — McIntosh Laboratory is coming to the CEDIA Expo with an expanded SACD selection, its second-generation DLP projector, and its first multichannel amp to incorporate a patented technology used before only in its top-end stereo amps.
In SACD players, the $6,500-suggested two-channel MCD500 joins the $3,300 MCD201 and $4,500 MCD301. The new model, already shipping, features two selectable digital inputs for connection to external digital sources, including the company’s MS750 Music Server. The SACD player is therefore capable of improving the performance of connected two-channel music sources by processing their PCM streams and converting them to analog, the company said. The player also features an unusual parallel-DAC topology that features four 24-bit, 192 kHz PCM/DSD DACs per channel arranged in a differential-balanced configuration.
The new three-channel MC303 amp features proprietary Autoformer technology, which enables each channel to deliver maximum power into 2-, 4- or 8-ohm loads while, the company contends, “virtually eliminating noise and distortion.”
The MC303 ships in September at a price that was unavailable. The device features a half-inch-thick glass faceplate, mirror-polished stainless-steel chassis and three peak-reading watt meters.
The $18,000-suggested MDLP2 DLP front projector, replacing the first-generation MDLP1, delivers 1,920 by 1080p resolution; features the TI DC4 chipset for a brighter, higher-contrast image; and accepts both medium- and long-throw lenses. It also features HDMI 1.3 inputs with Deep Color capability as well component video, S-Video, composite-video and analog RGB connections. A vertical lens-shift capability enables installation above the top of the screen.
Other features include remote in/out connections, RS-232C serial control ports and two DC trigger connections, allowing the projector to reconfigure a dual-aspect-ratio projection screen whenever the aspect ratio of a source changes from 16:9 to 4:3 or from 16:9 to 2:35. It also offers what McIntosh called the industry’s only 200-watt DC SuperHighPressure lamp assembly for sharpness, even illumination and accurate, fully saturated colors.
This assures that not only will the picture be razor sharp and evenly illuminated, but the colors will be accurate, pure and fully saturated for breathtaking realism. In addition to having new color filters, the color wheel itself spins at an astounding 10,800 rpm, which correlates to a color frame rate of 6x, drastically reducing the possibility of image-degrading color breakup (rainbow effect or RBE).
The MCD500 features a newly designed transport with a die-cast mechanism base and a wrap-around chassis with a steel top cover to dampen resonance for silent operation, as well as with the latest in advanced digital servo for faster, quieter and accurate operation. The die-cast disc tray runs silently on a single steel bearing, providing an opulent look and feel to the operation of the player. A premium linear power supply features an R-Core transformer and nested regulation.
Sides of the MCD500 are extruded aluminum panels with a bead-blast textured surface and a black anodized finish. In the recessed area of the top panel is a screened glass panel with a block diagram of the MCD500 circuitry. The illumination of the glass front panel is accomplished by the combination of custom-designed fiber-optic light diffusers and extra long life LEDs. This provides even front-panel illumination and is designed to ensure the pristine beauty of the MCD500 will be retained for many years.
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