2. digital
  3. 1357937092

McIntosh MVP891, MVP881, or MCD500, MCD301?

I'm trying to achieve better quality CD playback with my home theater. My current setup is B&W 804S and HTM3S speakers, Outlaw Audio 990 Pre-Amp Processor and 7500 Amp, Adcom 5 Disc CD Player, Pioneer Elite DV-37 DVD Player, MIT speaker cables and interconnects (combination of Oracle 3.2, Matrix, and Shotgun).

My last major system update was 5 years ago when I got the B&W 804S/HTM3S speakers. I'd like to replace my old (but reliable) Adcom CD changer. I did have it connected to a California Audio Labs Sigma II Tube DAC, but when I got the Outlaw 990 processor about 6 years ago, I sold the Sigma II, and the 990 is acting as the DAC for all digital source.

What I'd like to accomplish is better playback of my CD collection. I've heard good thing about McIntosh, and the dealer's B&W 804S was connected to a McIntosh CD player when I was testing speakers 5 years ago. I'm just not sure if I should look for a (used) MCD500 or MCD301 (as the MCD1100 is out of my price), or go with universal player like the MVP891 or MVP881.

Since the only discs I have currently are CDs and DVDs, I technically don't need a player for SACD or BR, but if I got a MVP player, then I could start buying those discs for playback.

What I'd like to know is if for 2ch playback, is it still best to go with a dedicated CD player (MCD500/301), or is the universal player (MVP891/881) just as good?

Thanks for any help.
fauguy
fauguy OP
4 posts
 
Not sure if I'd go with the MVP871 since it loses the better 32-bit DACs, 7.1 pre-outs, and Blu-Ray playback.
miner42
709 posts
 
He is looking for CD playback only. A MVP871 is a fantastic SACD/CD player that happens to play DVD also.
For $1700 used it seems to be in his price range.
fauguy OP
4 posts
 
He is me, as I'm the thread starter.
I wasn't looking for ONLY CD Playback. I as asking if the CD playback from a MCD500 is equal to the MVP891/881. If MVP has good enough CD 2ch audio, then I was thinking of replacing my Adcom CD player and Pioneer DV-37 DVD player with one of the MVP players, since it supports all formats in one unit. But if the CD 2ch audio isn't as good on the MVP891/881, then I'd still have to look for a used MCD500.
miner42
709 posts
 
Ooops - sorry. OK< I had a MVP-871 prior to my MCD500. I got the 871 for audio playback only. I had heard from previous users that is was a very good redbook player and the SACD was exceptional for a multi-format player. I ended up trading in towards a MCD500, and it is very close to the quality of the 500. I would assume the 881& 891 would be close also.
mcdrive7270
1 posts
 
i, like you fauguy- am at a point that i want to upgrade my sources--i run all mcintosh amplification-mc501-mc402-mc252 and a mc7270 from a mcintosh mx135 preamp. however my sources are a denon 3910 dvd player and an ads cd1 cd player---i am asking the same exact question!!!!!!! 2 channel audio of the mvp891 vs. the mcd500--if the audio comes close- the economics of the mvp891 is crystal clear.the reason i am coping you on this is i have seen and heard the mvp 881 and it has been my experience that the load time of the 881 is very sluggish--i myself almost went into an 881 until i seriously scrutinized the 881 at the mac dealer i frequent. its load time alone made me hold off-i understand the load time for the 891 is much better along with better specs.
More to discover