hi-end universal players?

The UDP-1 does red book CD as well as anything I have heard, and that is why I bought it. Paired with the MAP-1, which is also what I have, it really shines. The SACD/DVDA/DVDV options were secondary considerations at the time of purchase, but it does those formats well too.

I just heard the McCormack UDP-1 universal player while auditioning loudspeakers. The sound was incredible on CD and SACD (I did not have any DVD-A disks with me at the time). It seemed almost liquid smooth, yet detailed through Audio Refinement amplification and Analysis Plus cables.

I think the time has passed for buying single format players, or even dual format digital disc players. If I were buying today I would only consider a universal player. When I find software I want to be able to play it regardless of digital format, and I can only afford to have one player in my system. Some enlightened hi-end companies realize this trend and are stepping up to offer some truly excellent universal players.

I was interested in some of the answers provided in this forum, but no one seems to have mentioned the McIntosh's? Has anyone had any experince with the MVP-851 or 861? The 861 has all the formats. I heard briefly the 851 it sounded great to me. Thanks!