McIntosh MCD-205 Changer?

I have owned a 205 for a little over 1 year now. I can compare it to the Anthem CD-1 (tubed changer), and the Sony 333 and XA777ES. I have the 205 because I wanted a changer and it can be worked from the same remote as the rest of my MAC gear (MA6900 and MR85). It is a great sounding player - warm, articulate and very musical (I agree with JRD351's description). It is better on redbook than the 333 was and I find it pretty close to the XA777 on redbook (in fact, I would settle by calling them different not placing one over the other). It sounded much better than the Anthem as well.

I used to use my 205 as a transport connected to the MSB platinum plus DAC. Eventually I sold the MSB because I preferred the sound of the 205 by itself over the combo. The MSB did some nice things that the 205 alone did not, but the 205 was just more musical and invovling on its own.

It is a drawback that you have to stop the music to change a disk, but that is the only drawback I can think of as far as an excellent sounding multi-disc player is concerned.

There is one on sale here at audiogon right now for $1800. Good Luck,

The Jupiter is a very different sound than the 205 and I would not say the Jupiter is more musical IMO, but they were playing in different systems.... I seek out musicality above all else and agree with Pardales that the 205 is very musical indeed and looks great. I am glad to hear about the 333 comparison because I want one. I would get the 205 but can't afford it yet. Arthur

Thanks for sharing more feedback on CDPs.
I'm not familiar with D Sony ex series CDPs. Although I have a Sony MDX-5 (5 disc CD carousel player w/MD recorder/player) which I now rarely use since my Pioneer CD/LD player sounded better.

I'm on a hunt to complete my system with a better source.
After reading reviews from various Audiophile websites, here are the 2 contenders(w/ my concerns)in my book: Aero Prima 24/192(Product Support & rare); MC205(Sound quality to price ratio, would b nice if tube output).

Had the chance to auditioned the Meridian 588 CDP w/ their DSP8000 spkrs. That was one smooth ...very smooth..soothing system to listen too..the piano....Diana Krall..just amazing but out of my league.

I'm set to audition these two(Aero & Mc) CDPs next monday w/ my Pioneer CDP for an AB comparison. This definitely should be interesting.

Still on a dilema whether to just add a DAC or get a new CDP.
joel

Jolen laub: Trust what your ears tell you. If you want SACD you might consider one of the Sony's 555 or 333. Good Luck,

I had completed auditioning the Aero Prima and the MCD 205 yesterday in SF. Brought my old CD/LD player for an AB comparison at each store.

Store1: Had KEF speakers, MC402, C39 pre setup- After listening to the system and switching between the MCD 205 and the old player, there definitley was a difference in soundstage and dynamics. The 205 ws more compose, solid bass, and instruments sounded what they should.

Went to Store 2: Theil CS 1.6,Prima Integrated,- found the speakers to be on the bright side. I was so use to the logans that I found it difficult to tell the difference.
But then the store owner played a different CD.
The soundstage and detail definitely was better with the Aero Prima CDP.

Auditions tokk me over 2 hours at each store.

This was a very good learning experience for me. Since room acoutics and associated gears used in these 2 auditions were different from mine I'm convince that I have to bring these units at my home to really appreciate what I'm after.

Next.. I will try and see if this will be possible.
I will take my time in auditioning other CDP b4 I make my decision. Thank all of you audiogoners for the valuable feedbacks on my quest for a new CDP.