On Mar 6, 4:02 pm, "Bret Ludwig" wrote:
A unique feature is a precision analog volume control on both the
front panel and remote that allows direct connection to a power
amplifier for a CD player only system. An amplifier and speakers are
all that is needed with the MCD201! Both balanced and unbalanced
variable outputs swing up to 6 volts to effortlessly drive any power
amp directly.http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/s...asp?hid=1&id=1...
I would add that I have auditioned the MCD201. Its performance with
SACDs is about the same as much (much much) less expensive universal
players, which is still very good. With CDs its performance is quite
good, better than the universal player alone, but using the Benchmark
DAC is a small improvement. However, using the cheap universal player
as a transport vis-a-vis the Mc is absolutely indistinguishable when
the outboard DAC is employed, and the pair are much cheaper than the
Mc.
The Mc CD players are not very good sounding, but then in my opinion
neither are Mark Levinsons or Jeff Rowland's.
I still have my Gary Galo design mod Philips. I actually prefer it to
much later players, but the Benchmark DAC has a lot of appeal and I am
set to buy one. Is there any disadvantage to getting the new one with
USB as well as the traditional inputs?
Another disappointment with Mc players in the past has been that
unlike their analog products, Mc has totally ended support on earlier
optical disc players when the transport becomes unobtainable. Given
the large sums they sell for I think that's very poor support. It
would certainly be possible for Mc to update older player chassis with
a more modern transport and a controller and firmware.
Yes. Plus, Mc dealers are sometimes really obnoxious. Herb Mooney has
to be the worst. I understand the guy in Paramus, NJ, would give him a
good fight for the title though.