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

@rlsammie

 

Congrats on the purchase. Please share feedback on the setup experience. 

I have an Oppo 205 and it sounds really good, especially with high quality SACDs like Mofi. They still service these players, just in case you need it. I have owned two Oppo players and they are really well built and I never had any problems with either one. I also use it for watching concert Blue rays or Dvds with sound going through my stereo. It's also made for surround.

The 105 also has the HDCD chip and the HDCDs sound really good too. The 205 sounds better than the 105, but no HDCD chip. I prefer the 205. I recommended oppo to a friend of mine and he bought a used 103 which he loves and it was cheap. Read about the features of each player if you are interested.

Japan is the home of SACD production and listening today. As a result they have the most quality players available. Marantz is a quality brand with high quality players from $3K to $12K. Available on the used market as well