McIntosh MCD12000 Flagship CD/SACD Player Revealed

McIntosh's new flagship SACD/ CD player, the MCD12000, doubles as a reference-level DAC by enabling up to seven digital devices to benefit from its ESS digital-to-analogue convertors. It is Roon Tested, too!

The MCD12000 SACD/CD player is loaded with two range-topping ESS SABRE PRO ES9038PRO 32-bit/8-channel DACs (one for each channel), benefiting from ESS's patented HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology.

The seven digital inputs include two coaxial, two optical, USB Type-B, AES/EBU and one MCT (SACD) input. The coaxial and optical inputs support up to 24-bit/192 kHz data, with USB rising to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM, with DSD 512 and DXD 384 kHz playback, too.

McIntosh states that separate digital and analogue power supplies keep the power and audio signals free from cross-contamination. In addition, a specially constructed R-Core power transformer is used to minimise noise further.

The outputs are driven by solid-state amplifiers or a blend of valves and solid-state. Solid-state uses a discrete balanced op-amp, and for the hybrid output, 12AT7 and 12AX7A valves are assigned to the left and right audio channels. In addition, coaxial and optical digital outputs offer you further flexibility by enabling you to add external DACs etc.

We are told that the player's disc transport uses a high-precision die-cast aluminium tray resulting in smooth and quiet disc handling, while an advanced digital servo provides fast, quiet and accurate operation.

Finally, the classic McIntosh touches are apparent on the MCD12000 thanks to stainless steel with hairline-brushed black titanium casework, black glass panel, illuminated logo, 60 dB output meters, and large dials, as well as custom machine-brushed aluminium handles.

You can order the McIntosh MCD12000 SACD/CD Player now for around US$12,000, with shipping expected to begin in May 2022 (United States and Canada) and the rest of the world shortly after that.

Visit McIntosh for more information