Never compared against the McIntosh, but I have the CD/DVD-1 player and have noticed a significant difference in CD timbre and soundstage over the Sony DVP-7700. The highs and mids are phenomenal. Everything comes through crystal clear. I have auditioned this player against the Mark Levinson 390S for quite some time as well and believe the Classe to be a better price performer than the ML. The sound the ML put out was excellent as was the Classe. The ML could be described as a little bit warmer (if you like that, and I do), but the Classe was that much more crisp, not metallicy, in overall tone. Because of the minimal differences in sound the Classe was my choice.
As for DVD playback, I cannot tell a difference in sound quality, but picture there seems to be a slight increase in sharpness and color that the Sony lacked.
Overall, I feel I have made a very good choice and I am very happy with the unit. If you want to get one cheaper than any US retailer I would contact my dealer in Vancouver British Colombia. I worked with a guy by the name of Gavin Byrne and he gave me $300 off of what you would get in the states plus shipping was included. If you decide to go with the Classe, you can reach Gavin at 604-688-5502.
Take care and good luck in your decision.
As for DVD playback, I cannot tell a difference in sound quality, but picture there seems to be a slight increase in sharpness and color that the Sony lacked.
Overall, I feel I have made a very good choice and I am very happy with the unit. If you want to get one cheaper than any US retailer I would contact my dealer in Vancouver British Colombia. I worked with a guy by the name of Gavin Byrne and he gave me $300 off of what you would get in the states plus shipping was included. If you decide to go with the Classe, you can reach Gavin at 604-688-5502.
Take care and good luck in your decision.