New MCD12000

[Thebenz]

I did the comparison on the website of the top 3 cd players and the specs on this are almost identical to the mcd600. I can't imagine this would sound any better but, modern technology might be the main difference.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by Thebenz

I did the comparison on the website of the top 3 cd players and the specs on this are almost identical to the mcd600. I can't imagine this would sound any better but, modern technology might be the main difference.

The MCD600 doesn't have a tube output stage and 7 digital inputs. I have the Prima Luna Evo100 tube output stage DAC and it's a real giant killer. Amazing!

[Maks]

Yeah, I think the draw here as mentioned on their website is the DAC portion with both the SS and tube outputs along with the array of digital inputs. I would personally not expect the SS outputs to sound much different than my MCD500 + DAC does today, but the tube outputs and all this in a single box is what makes me think about dropping 12k.

An interesting point of reference, the MCD1100 sold from 2011-2016 at an MSRP of $10,000. So you figure in a decade's worth of time, more inputs and dual output stages, $12,000 isn't so bad. Which seems like an insane statement to make for a piece of audio gear.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Botill

Mine is scheduled to ship next week.

Botill, absolute congrats. I know you won't be disappointed. It's good to see you purchasing flagship Mac gear. Together with your 3500's WOW!

Best

Charles

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Maks

Yeah, I think the draw here as mentioned on their website is the DAC portion with both the SS and tube outputs along with the array of digital inputs. I would personally not expect the SS outputs to sound much different than my MCD500 + DAC does today, but the tube outputs and all this in a single box is what makes me think about dropping 12k.

An interesting point of reference, the MCD1100 sold from 2011-2016 at an MSRP of $10,000. So you figure in a decade's worth of time, more inputs and dual output stages, $12,000 isn't so bad. Which seems like an insane statement to make for a piece of audio gear.

Totally agree.

[Bob Bubeck]

Originally Posted by Bob Bubeck

Several years ago I had the pleasure of a lengthy discussion with Ken at a Paragon special event. Most illuminating, informative, and fun. Speculation aside, the sonics of the MCD12000 will be a strong determiner of its perceived worth. This the general public might start to know about mid-June. YMMV. Bob

As I correctly surmised, a few samples of the new MCD12000 would be available for audition by about mid-June. Today I stopped by Paragon Sight and Sound in Ann Arbor and had the pleasure of using and listening to one of these superb units. Auditioning was done using an upper end McIntosh, Sonus Faber system listening to three disks: the new single layer BIS SACD recording of the Stenhammer Symphony No.2 and Serenade performed by Blomstedt/Gothenberg Symphony, the RBCD Trifonov/Philadelphia Orchestra recording of the Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini on DG, and the just released RBCD DG disk of the new John Williams Violin Concerto No. 2 with Anne-Sophie Mutter as soloist and Williams conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra. All three disks are excellent with the new Williams/BSO a being a sonic knockout.

The MCD12000 has great physical presence with the classic window exposing the tubes and the traditional blue meters. The sound is, in a word, superb. It is to stated right up front that although the solid state stage when in use is excellent, the tube high level output stage is noticeably better sounding than the solid state output stage. Instruments occupying the midrange to upper midrange (the usual challenge area with digital) have truer timbre and greater clarity (i.e., the music sounds less ‘shrink wrapped’). Woodwinds, harp, and massed strings are beautifully rendered with very little to no congestion during the big moments. Piano and tympani sound more convincing. The comparison is not unlike comparing the C53 vs. C2700 preamps where the tube unit can be with ease discerned as the more musical and 'there'.

Hopefully, this admittedly brief look is found to be useful. Of course, I have not compared the MCD12000 with the big guns from Esoteric and so forth; however the new player appears to be outstanding in its own right and worth the 12 grand. Unfortunately, there is a 6+ month waiting period for delivery.

YMMV. Happy listening.

Bob

__________________________________________________ ___________
Sources: Clearaudio Jubilee MC/Clearaudio Innovation Wood TT w/Universal Arm 9” and Professional Power 24V; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes with Acoustic Diodes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent SBL2 XLR GEN 6 balanced and SSC8 GEN 6 speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record and CD maintenance : Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic RCM; L’Art du Son CD treatment.

[JBT]

[Thebenz]

I would like to do a blindfolded test between it and the mcd600. (The Pepsi challenge for you old folks ��) I'm wondering what results that would net?

[Maks]

I don't think the 12000 is a competitor to the MCD600. As the lit states, the MCD12000 is more of a SS/tube DAC with a CDP, the MCD600 is a CDP with 2 digital inputs. As an owner of a MCD500 I see the MCD12000 as being the ultimate McIntosh DAC/CDP combo.

ETA: I realize I pretty much already said this above....

[FreddieFerric]

Post 100. McIntosh needs to release an all new total reference TT.

OK, I digress, I know it.