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SACD Players

Hello,

New member here. I am looking to add an SACD player in order to play the DSD layer of SACD directly. Based on my research I have shortlisted PS Audio Direct Stream Memory player and McIntosh MCT500.

Option 1) I currently own McIntosh MA5300 which means I can use MCT500 with supplied DIN cable connected to MA5300’s DA1

Option 2) Purchase PS Audio Direct Stream Memory player and DirectStream DAC MK1 (Both discontinued)

From what I understand the memory buffering and Air Lens would make the media sound better. Whereas, I haven’t found many reviews on MCT500.

Both options would roughly cost the same. I am looking for the better sound. Which option is better? Any advice or insights would help.

Thank you,

SA

rlsammie
jmalen123
162 posts
 

McIntosh and enjoy the music.

socalml528's avatar
socalml528
135 posts
 

I've had the McIntosh MCD85 for two years and am really pleased with the CD and SACD performance.  Not sure if the retro MCD chrome will match your set up but it is a classic look.

One thing to note; the availability of SACDs is limited; several good sources have been previously noted on this site.  Also, not all SACDs are created equal.  Some rival the warmth and detail of vinyl, others just sound similar to a CD version.

Also, I use the MCD85 more for streaming than SACDs.  I prefer the MDC85 DAC, so I have my Marantz NA6005 connected to the MDC85 optical input.  Output to my McIntosh MA352 IA is via balanced cables.  I find this set up to give me optimal streaming sound quality.  

mahler123
3,320 posts
 

Magnetar universal players are basically the successor to Oppo. I believe the company was founded by the Oppo engineers that designed their UDPs. Their menus are identical to Oppo and you can either play the SACD with the internal DAVs or use them as transports to export the DSD over HDMI to a DAC such as the Bryston DAC3

lanx0003
828 posts
 

I like Pioneer Elite line.

https://www.stereophile.com/hirezplayers/515/index.html

rlsammie OP
9 posts
 

Thank you everyone for your feedback and advice. Since I already own and love the MA5300 integrated amp, I have opted to stay within the Mcintosh ecosystem.  I ended up purchasing a preowned MCT500. This is the easiest and the most straight forward way for me to send raw DSD layer from SACD using the DIN cable.

I should be receiving it over the weekend and report back. 

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