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SACD Player/Transport Choices

I am planning to acquire a McIntosh MCT500 to go with my C53 (proprietary MCT connection).  But I am wondering if there are other good SACD transport choices that will send a true DSD stream to an external DAC on a non-proprietary basis, either through USB or I2S.  I’m trying to research this, but it’s difficult to find definitive answers regarding the actual digital stream from SACD - often I discover that the stream is converted to PCM.  I do know PSAudio has a scheme similar to McIntosh.

I realize simply purchasing DSD and streaming from an SSD is probably more practical these days.  But I am sort of fixated on a physical disc player.  Budget-wise, most interested in transports around or below that of the MCT500 (~$5K). Thanks for your thoughts and advice.

mattsca
mahler123
3,648 posts
 

I have an Oppo 105 output DSD over HDMI into a Bryston DAC3.

The Shanling transport sounds interesting but no HDMI?  

armyslowrdr's avatar
armyslowrdr
33 posts
 

THe Onix can also be ordered direct from the US distributor:  Forte Distribution for USD 2399. plus your state sales tax... and free shipping.  However, even though Onix is partnered with Shangling, the Forte first time Shanglin buyer 10% discount will not work for this product.

I need to wait more until summer before I can pop for this.  I hope the price isnt jacked to 4K or more by then...

armyslowrdr's avatar
armyslowrdr
33 posts
 

PS Paul does say there will be a new SACD transport soon.  Well the last one sold for 7K,  so this Shanling/Onix is a bargain.  I suppose should wait for the first reviews to flow in though.  I understand it is shipping around mid month. By the end of May perhaps there will be several reviews...

faustuss's avatar
faustuss
158 posts
 

Sony rigidly controls access to how DSD is utilized and I believe McIntosh is the only manufacturer that has an exclusive means of sending "native" DSD over a wire.

I've been using an MCT80 for quite some time, first with a DA 1 then the DA 2 in the MDA200. I'm set for life!

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,226 posts
 

There is a new CDT from Metronome called the DST that can resample 16/44.1 to DSD256 but not SACD. Srajan at 6moons has a preview of it on his site while he waits for the unit to arrive. It's a slot loader who's drive is made by StreamsUnlimited €4950. 

All the best,
Nonoise

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