C1000: MCD1100 or MCD1000 + MDA1000

[Golucid]

Since acquiring the C1000 and admiring the beauty of the system. I noticed, and thank you 'VintagePete' for bringing this to my attention, that the look of both the MDA/MCD1000 matches perfectly with the C1000.

I have the MCD1100 but it does not match nearly as perfectly as the MDA/MCD1000.

Is there a drawback in abandoning the MCD1100 and going backwards a bit to the MDA/MCD1000?

[fritzcurtis]

No, especially when you give it to a friend in need......kidding!!!

[MORTIS]

Originally Posted by Golucid

Since acquiring the C1000 and admiring the beauty of the system. I noticed, and thank you 'VintagePete' for bringing this to my attention, that the look of both the MDA/MCD1000 matches perfectly with the C1000.

I have the MCD1100 but it does not match nearly as perfectly as the MDA/MCD1000.

Is there a drawback in abandoning the MCD1100 and going backwards a bit to the MDA/MCD1000?

David: Yeah I personally might prefer the MCD/MDA1000, and not just because it matches better with your new gear. I don't have any interest in SACD or ultra hi-rez files; and from all I've read about the MDA1000, it's apparently quite magical how well it reproduces mere redbook playback, which is mostly what I have.

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by fritzcurtis

No, especially when you give it to a friend in need......kidding!!!

LOL. Dude... email me an update... you know what I mean!!!

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by MORTIS

David: Yeah I personally might prefer the MCD/MDA1000, and not just because it matches better with your new gear. I don't have any interest in SACD or ultra hi-rez files; and from all I've read about the MDA1000, it's apparently quite magical how well it reproduces mere redbook playback, which is mostly what I have.

So... The MCD/MDA1000 ideal for CD playback and then use the MCD1100 as my DAC for the MB100.

Hmmmmm.....

[jdandy]

David.......Cosmetics aside, you will lose SACD playback and USB input to the DAC for playback up to 24Bit/192kHz files.

There are people on both sides of the aisle with respect to the playback performance of one player compared to the other. Many people who own the MCD1000 and MDA1000 combination are satisfied with the well documented analog quality of the player and the DAC. On the other side of the coin, there are just as many people or more who own the MCD1100 and are thrilled with the performance, the SACD playback option, and high-res USB capabilities.

You will need to weigh the options for playback capabilities against your performance needs and your desire to add additional 1000 series components with matching cosmetics to your rack. Before you make any quick decision I suggest you audition the MCD1000/MDA1000 package against your MCD1100. Use the same system, same cables, same music, then make a decision whether a move away from your MCD1100 is a move in the right direction. There are ways you can convert USB to coaxial so that the MDA1000 DAC can work for you with high-res files up to 24Bit/96kHz, but you will lose SACD playback.

Both player/DAC's are exceptional components in my book. If it boils down to just looks and matching your C1000C/P/T preamplifier, then find a clean MCD/MDA1000 and hook it up. Nothing says you have to give up your fabulous MCD1100 to expand your system.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by jdandy

David.......Cosmetics aside, you will lose SACD playback and USB input to the DAC for playback up to 24Bit/192kHz files.

There are people on both sides of the aisle with respect to the playback performance of one player compared to the other. Many people who own the MCD1000 and MDA1000 combination are satisfied with the well documented analog quality of the player and the DAC. On the other side of the coin, there are just as many people or more who own the MCD1100 and are thrilled with the performance, the SACD playback option, and high-res USB capabilities.

You will need to weigh the options for playback capabilities against your performance needs and your desire to add additional 1000 series components with matching cosmetics to your rack. Before you make any quick decision I suggest you audition the MCD1000/MDA1000 package against your MCD1100. Use the same system, same cables, same music, then make a decision whether a move away from your MCD1100 is a move in the right direction. There are ways you can convert USB to coaxial so that the MDA1000 DAC can work for you with high-res files up to 24Bit/96kHz, but you will lose SACD playback.

Both player/DAC's are exceptional components in my book. If it boils down to just looks and matching your C1000C/P/T preamplifier, then find a clean MCD/MDA1000 and hook it up. Nothing says you have to give up your fabulous MCD1100 to expand your system.

I think Dan's post sums it up pretty well. For me, SACD is a non-issue, and I would highly recommend the Bryston BUC-1 to convert USB to coaxial for interfacing hi-re files with the MDA1000. You'll be limited to 96kHz instead of 192kHz for hi-res playback, but as quite a few have pointed out, you'll be hard pressed to tell the difference between 96 and 192, if you can tell the difference at all. It seems the biggest difference between a 96 file and a 192 may be the price, and the drive space it occupies!

Once again, there is no contest when it comes to the cosmetic match of the MCD/MDA with other 1000 series components.

[-E-]

Originally Posted by Golucid

Is there a drawback in abandoning the MCD1100 and going backwards a bit to the MDA/MCD1000?

Not really. (... and you wouldn't be going backwards).

For the most part, both sides of the coin have already been shown above...

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by Golucid

Since acquiring the C1000 and admiring the beauty of the system. I noticed, and thank you 'VintagePete' for bringing this to my attention, that the look of both the MDA/MCD1000 matches perfectly with the C1000.

I have the MCD1100 but it does not match nearly as perfectly as the MDA/MCD1000.

Is there a drawback in abandoning the MCD1100 and going backwards a bit to the MDA/MCD1000?

If an MDA1000 is going backward, I don't want to go forward .

I will premise this by saying that I haven't spent any quality or quantity time with the MCD1100. It might be the greatest thing ever, but some who have done some A/B comparisons preferred the MDA1000. It's a matter of taste.

If you already have an MCD1100 it may not be economically wise to trade, but you'd match the look of your other awesome 1000 series gear.

Having spent the last 5-6 years listening to the MDA practically every day for hours each day, I can say with great confidence that I have never felt the need to change it. It is thanks to the smooth, analog-like, sound presentation of the MDA1000 that I have changed my habits and now listen primarily to streaming (Deezer for hi-res, but also Pandora sounds great.) It's the first DAC that I can fire up and enjoy as much as vinyl.

I also like the fact that the MDA1000 is just a DAC - no moving parts so, hopefully, it will continue to work for a loooooong time without problems.

A few years ago I did this video review of the MDA1000, and I still stand 100% behind everything I've said.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__MAuavKBj4[/ame]

Alberto

PS There are many on this board who have changed and upgraded many components, but decided to stick with the MDA1000. Including me.

PPS Did you get The Delicious One? Did you get a chance to try it?

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by Alberto

If you already have an MCD1100 it may not be economically wise to trade, but you'd match the look of your other awesome 1000 series gear.

Hi Alberto! Oh, I will NEVER sell my MCD1100. It's a lifetime keeper until it dies and is not serviceable anymore. I love. If anything, I will keep that and add the MDA/MCD1000 to the collection.

It's over-kill but heck. I've come this far!

Originally Posted by Alberto

Did you get The Delicious One? Did you get a chance to try it?

It's in route and should arrive in oh... 10 days. Excited!

Originally Posted by Alberto

A few years ago I did this video review of the MDA1000, and I still stand 100% behind everything I've said.

Alberto, great video! Informative and definitely makes me want one more. I like a few of your statements a lot.

1. When listening: "...Not to trust quick judgement"

2. MDA1000 adjectives, etc: "...silky, refined, smooth, takes the edge off digital. Moves it closer to the analog idea".