NEW FLAGSHIP CD PLAYER FROM MCINTOSH

The McIntosh MCD12000 is a new reference-level CD/SACD player with seven digital inputs plus solid-state and valve outputs.

McIntosh has unveiled its new flagship CD/SACD player the McIntosh MCD12000 SACD/CD Player. The new disc-spinner effectively doubles as McIntosh’s reference-level DAC, by enabling up to seven digital devices to benefit from its internal ESS digital-to-analogue convertors. It is Roon Tested, too.

McIntosh MCD12000 SACD/CD Player

MCINTOSH MCD12000 SACD/CD PLAYER

The MCD12000 SACD/CD Player is based around two range-topping ESS SABRE PRO ES9038PRO 32-bit/8-channel DACs (one for each channel), each deploying ESS’s patented HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology.

The McIntosh MCD12000 is their new flagship disc spinner

MCINTOSH MCD12000 SACD/CD PLAYER INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

The seven digital inputs include two coaxial, two optical, USB Type-B, AES/EBU and one MCT (SACD) input. Both the coaxial and optical inputs support up to 24-bit/192 kHz data, with USB rising to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM, with DSD 512 and DXD 384 kHz playback, too.

McIntosh MCD12000 SACD/CD Player rear panel

The outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers or a blend of valves and discrete amplifiers. Solid-state uses a discrete balanced op-amp and for the hybrid output, 12AT7 and 12AX7A valves are assigned to the left and right audio channels. In addition, coaxial and optical digital outputs offer further flexibility for use with external high-end DACs etc.

DISC TRANSPORT

The player’s disc transport uses a high-precision die-cast aluminium tray that provides smooth and quiet disc handling, while an advanced digital servo is designed to provide fast, quiet and accurate operation.

Internally, separate digital and analogue power supplies keep the power and audio signals free from cross-contamination, and a specially constructed R-Core power transformer is used to further minimise noise.

MCINTOSH STYLING

Classic McIntosh styling is everywhere on the MCD12000 in stainless steel with hairline-brushed black titanium, that matches the company’s C12000 preamp, and the front of the unit features the brand’s black glass panel, illuminated logo, control knobs and controls, moving meters, as well as custom machine-brushed aluminium handles.

Plenty of connections around the back

The top of the unit includes a glass panel listing performance specs and a block diagram of the audio signal path. A pair of 60 dB output meters show the signal level from the output of each channel, too.

MCINTOSH MCD12000 SACD/CD PLAYER PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Orders for the MCD12000 SACD/CD Player can now be placed with shipping expected to begin in May 2022 (the MciUnited States and Canada), and the rest of the world, shortly thereafter, for £13,995 or $12,000. In the UK McIntosh are distributed by Fine Sounds UK.

HiFi Pig Says: A very high-end CD and SACD player from McIntosh, they obviously believe the format is worth investing in.