McIntosh MCD12000 reference level DA converter / CD player

With the MCD12000 SACD/CD player, you can bring all digital music to life in your system. Although the MCD12000 is classified as a CD player, it makes more sense to think of it as a reference-level digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which also includes the high-quality mechanism needed to play SACDs and CDs. Music played through the MCD12000's digital inputs or CDs is processed using professional-grade 8-channel DA converters designed for premium audiophile-level enjoyment and recording studio demands. The MCD12000 is the perfect DA converter and SACD/CD player for use with McIntosh's reference-level C12000 preamplifier or MA12000 integrated stereo amplifier, but the player claims its place in any high-end system.

MCD12000 features:

• A reference-level DA converter that includes a reference-level CD player
• Two 32-bit/8-channel PRO level DAC chips
• 7 digital inputs
• Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs in both transistor and tube outputs

At the heart of the MCD12000 are two ESS SABER PRO ES9038PRO 32-bit/8-channel DACs, one dedicated to the left and the other to the right audio channel. Both DACs use ESS's patented HyperStream® II architecture and time-domain jitter elimination, which deliver unprecedented performance, meeting the needs of even the most demanding digital audio applications. Both ES9038PRO chips are configured in balanced mono mode, where the DAC's eight outputs are used to drive analog audio, ensuring excellent sound quality. Separate digital and analog power supplies keep power and audio signals free from cross-contamination, and a specially built R-Core transformer minimizes interference radiation.

The MCD12000 has seven digital inputs: two coaxial and two optical inputs, one USB-B connection for playback from a computer or music library, one balanced AES/EBU connection and one MCT input that can be used to connect an existing MCT CD player with. The coaxial and optical inputs support up to 24 bit / 192 kHz, while the USB interface is capable of up to 32 bit / 384 kHz, DSD512 and DXD384 transmission.

The MCD12000 offers both balanced and unbalanced fixed analog inputs, and both implemented with both solid state and tube amplification. This cornucopia of output connections gives you flexibility based on, for example, music choices, other audio system components and your personal taste. A pair of output meters with a 60 dB scale shows the level of the signal fed from the analog outputs of each channel. Although the actual volume is controlled by an external preamplifier or an integrated amplifier, the meters of the MCD12000 react precisely to the music's output level and bring a wonderful touch to the device's visuals and functionality.

All outputs are controlled by separate semiconductor amplifiers or a mixture of tubes and separate amplifiers. On the tube output side, one 12AT7 tube and one 12AX7A tube are used per channel. The semiconductor output is implemented in the form of a separately constructed balanced operational amplifier. Digital coaxial and optical output are included so that the MCD12000 can be flexibly connected to all home audio systems.

In addition to commercial SACDs and CDs, the MCD12000 can also play music from self-compiled CDs or DVDs. These discs can play numerous file formats, including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV and WMA. The double laser guarantees optimal reading of all the most common disc types. The mechanism has a precision-cast aluminum slide, which guarantees smooth and quiet plate handling. The advanced digital servo guarantees fast, quiet and precise operation. The audio data on the disc is read at twice the normal speed, which guarantees better disc tracking and more efficient error correction. Power control and data ports enable seamless integration with other McIntosh system components.

The MCD12000's digital-to-analog converter (DAC) has been Roon Labs' Roon Tested, which can be especially useful if you have a large digital music library. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh has supplied devices to Roon for testing on several different operating systems and computers and shared information about their design and features.

The MCD12000 is wrapped in classic McIntosh style. The lower part of the frame is made of stainless steel, which is polished to a mirror surface. The upper part is made of stainless brushed black titanium steel, which goes especially well with the C12000 preamplifier and brings an even richer and more refined impression to your system. The front features our timeless black glass panel, illuminated logo, knobs, push buttons and custom made brushed aluminum handles compatible with the C12000. At the top is a glass panel that displays performance information and a block diagram of the audio signal path.

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 44.45 x 19.4 x 48.3 cm
• Weight: 14.7 kg