McIntosh MCD550 SACD/CD Player and D/A Processor with Quad-Balanced DACs - Complete Set

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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.

Plus 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 remote control.

Working and looking perfect and yes the original remote control is also included. Also showing very little to no signs of use.

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

McIntosh Standout Performance Features Include:
• 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.  

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 - Select Series Reference USB Cable

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

The SkyFi Testing Process for CD Players:

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’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 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 skip, ff, rw, play, pause, repeat, 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 SACDs. 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 lock ups.

Audio Specifications
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

Overall 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 pounds (12.7Kg) net
42.5 pounds (19.2Kg) in shipping carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions
Width is 26-1/2 inches (67.3cm) 
Depth is 24-1/4 inches (62.2cm) 
Height is 11-3/4 inches (29.9cm)

Manual:

McIntosh MCD550 SACD/CD Player and DAC - Owner's Manual