McIntosh MCD-205 Changer?

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.

I purchased a MCD205 from World of Sound in Marin just a few months ago because I felt it was the best cd changer on the market.

It's a GREAT sounding player. Very detailed and warm sound to it.

The unit itself, like all Mac stuff, is very well built. The Nakamichi musicbank system is what IBM uses on some of their servers.

I love it.

Tom.

After months of debate on which CDP to get, I finally got the MCD 205. Improvements are not subtle. The Ascent came out from singing to magical. The MCD 205 had better dynamics, more body,warmth, detail and very musical. And the built quality is top-notch like you would expect from Mcintosh. (Although it replaced a low end digital source I wasn't quite ready how much improvement to expect)
Now I can enjoy longerrr listening sessions.
Cost/performance ratio is what sold me, you get more bang for your bucks.
Now it leaves me wandering if adding a DAC would be worth it.
Thanks A-goners for all your help and sharing your ideas and experiences on this wonderful site.