McIntosh MCD550 SACD Player + DAC

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General:
McIntosh's Flagship SACD/CD player from a few years back and every bit as capable and versatile as the current model.

In addition to a SACD/CD player this can also be used as a SUPER capable DAC with your existing system, or directly at your desk by itself with headphones thanks to its built-in 16-600 ohms front-panel input.

Volume is adjustable right from the MCD550 front panel with a nice and big rotary volume control, or via the included remote control.

Working and looking perfect with brand new McIntosh remote. Showing very little to no signs of use.

The current version (MCD600) will set you back $9 for a very similar feature set. 

Item will ship in a special official McIntosh double-box which is the only way for these to travel safely.

From McIntosh:
• Quad Balanced Digital to Analog Converter 
The 8 channel 32-bit, 192kHz Digital to Analog Converter is used in a Stereo Quad Balanced Mode, assuring the music is reproduced with a wide dynamic range and extremely low distortion, for both Disc and external sources. 

• Front Panel Level Control 
The Level Control allows varying the music volume level with headphones, matching the volume level of the MCD550 with other components in a system and can drive any Power Amplifier directly. 

• Balanced Outputs 
The MCD550 has both variable and fixed Balanced Outputs, permitting long cable lengths without a loss in sound quality. 

• Advanced Transport 
The MCD550 has a new transport with a Die Cast Tray. It has the latest in advanced digital servo for faster, quieter and accurate operation. The Disc Audio Data is read at twice the normal rate insuring better disc tracking and error correction processing. 

• Special Power Supply 
The Linear Power Supply has both a special R-Core Power Transformer and Multiple Regulators to ensure stable noise free operation even though the power line varies.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Some very light signs of wear at the front seen on CD tray. Excellent condition overall.

Brand Background:
McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, XLR, IEC Power, Optical and Coaxial Digital

General Sound:
Neutral sound with little to no coloration

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested on our bench with both CD and DVD. XLR and RCA working as they should.

Included:
Unit, remote, manual, accessories, and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
Disc Formats 
SACD, CD, MP3, and WMA 

Fixed Output level 
2.0Vrms Unbalanced  
4.0Vrms Balanced 

Variable Output level 
0 - 8.0Vrms Unbalanced  
0 - 16.0Vrms Balanced 

Output Impedance 
600 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced 

Frequency Response 
4 Hz to 40,000 Hz, +0.5, -2dB (SACD)  
4 Hz to 20,000 Hz, ±0.5dB (CD) 

Signal to Noise Ratio 
Better than 110dB (A-weighted) 

Dynamic Range 
Better than 100dB 

Harmonic Distortion 
0.002% @ 1000 Hz (SACD)  
0.002% @ 1000 Hz (CD) 

Channel Separation 
Better than 98dB (1,000Hz) 

Headphone Output Impedance 
47 ohms 

Headphone Load Impedance 
16-600 ohms 

Digital Audio Specifications 
Digital Input Format 
SPDIF (PCM1) 

Digital Input Sample Rate 
Coaxial: 16, 24-Bit/96kHz  
Optical: 16, 24-Bit/192kHz  
USB: 16, 24-Bit/192kHz 

Digital Inputs
Coaxial: 0.5V p-p/75 ohms 
Optical: - 15dbm to -21dbm (TOS Link)  
USB: USB Type B Connector 

Digital Output Format 
SPDIF (PCM\*) 

Digital Output Sample Rate 
Up to 24-Bit/192kHz 

Digital Output 
Coaxial: 0.5V p-p/75 ohms 
Optical: - 15dbm to -21dbm (TOS Link) 
\*PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) Digital Signal type used for CD Discs\_

General Specifications
Transport 
Laser Type: Twin Beam 
Laser Beam Wavelength: 650nm (SACD)/790nm (CD)  
Laser Power: CLASS IIa/CLASS I 

Power Requirements 
USA 120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 35 watts

Dimensions:
Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.4cm)

Height is 6 inches (15.2cm)

Depth is 19 inches (48.3cm) including the Front Panel, Knobs and Cables

Note: When the Disc Tray is opened, the panel clearance required in front of mounting panel is 6-3/4 inches (17.2cm).

Weight:
28 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Digital AES/EBU Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Select Series Reference USB Cable

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Good

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - 14AWG (Gauge) Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:
*CD Process followed by DAC Process. Delete per listing as needed.*
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect resistors and other passive components for signs of overheating. When the unit is first powered on we check the drawer mechanism function.

After the visual inspection we connect the CD Player RCA outputs to our Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates a real world input impedance and allows us to monitor the output on an oscilloscope. We start with a test CD with precision test signals to verify proper output on both channels. If the CD player has balanced outputs these are also tested at this time.

If this check passes, we move onto evaluation with actual music CDs. We listen for clicks, skips, and drops during playback. At this time we also check the transport functions including Play, Pause, Stop, Repeat Track, Next Track, Previous Track, Fast Forward, Rewind, and programming if applicable. If the unit has a remote control, all remote control functions are verified.

If the CD player is capable of SACD playback we test its ability to read SACD layers on multiple discs including standard and hybrid SACD's. At this time we also check the unit’s digital outputs where applicable. If SACD layers are being properly read we should see the digital outputs mute during playback. On redbook CD playback we verify that each digital output maintains proper lock on our bench DAC.

After bench testing is completed, CD players are set up for testing on our long term test rig. During extended testing we make sure that unit can play through several different discs from beginning to end with no skips or lockups.

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect resistors and other passive components for signs of overheating. 

After the visual inspection we connect the DAC's RCA outputs to our Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates a real world input impedance and allows us to monitor the output on an oscilloscope. We are equipped to test optical, coaxial, and USB inputs at Redbook CD Quality.

We start with a test signal to verify signal lock and proper output on both channels. If the DAC has balanced outputs these are also tested at this time. If the DAC has multiple Optical and Coaxial inputs they are all checked for proper lock. USB inputs are tested with a MacBook Pro. 

After proper function is verified, we setup the DAC for a listening test to evaluate general audio reproduction quality and monitor for clicks, pops, or any other audible signs of issues related to dropped signal lock or failing audio output stages. We often connect the DAC under evaluation to our long term test rig for a long test stint to verify stability under real world operating conditions.