McIntosh MCD600 – SACD/CD Player with Digital Converter and Variable Output

The McIntosh MCD600 is a 2-channel SACD/CD player for SACDs, CDs, data discs, and USB flash drives.

In a system, it takes on the role of a high-quality digital source with its own D/A conversion.

With fixed and variable analog outputs, it can be connected to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier as well as directly to a power amplifier.

What Makes the McIntosh MCD600 Special

• SACD, CD, and File Playback in One Device – You can use commercial SACDs and CDs as well as self-created CD or DVD data discs and USB flash drives.

• Integrated PCM/DSD Digital-to-Analog Converter – Digital music sources can be converted into analog audio signals via the MCD600.

• Variable Outputs with Volume Control – The player can be connected directly to an amplifier without the need for a preamplifier.

• Front-Panel USB Port – Music files on a USB flash drive can be conveniently connected from the front.

• High-Drive Headphone Output – For personal listening, a front-panel headphone jack with its own volume control is available.

Digital Source and DAC in One Component

The MCD600 plays classic media and digital music files and converts the signals internally into analog audio signals.

The 8-channel 32-bit PCM/DSD DAC operates in quad-balanced mode, using four DAC channels for the left audio channel and four for the right.

PCM signals are upsampled to up to 32-bit/384 kHz.

Disc and File Playback

The MCD600 is suitable for listeners who want to continue using their SACD and CD collection and additionally play music files from data discs or USB flash drives.

Supported formats include SACD, CD, CD-R/RW, and DVD-R, as well as music files in formats such as AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD up to DSD128, FLAC, MP3, WAV up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and WMA.

The disc transport operates with a precisely manufactured die-cast aluminum tray; the audio data is read at double normal speed to support disc tracking and error correction.

Connection to Preamp, Power Amp, and Digital Sources

With fixed and variable, balanced and unbalanced stereo outputs, the MCD600 can be flexibly integrated into various systems.

When using the variable outputs, you control the volume directly on the device or via the remote control; this allows the player to be connected directly to a power amplifier.

Optical and coaxial digital inputs allow the connection of external digital sources, while optical and coaxial digital outputs can pass the signal to an external processor or converter.

Please note: SACD audio signals are only available on the analog audio outputs; during SACD playback, the optical and coaxial outputs are muted.

Operation and System Integration

Source selection is made via the front panel or the remote control and includes disc, USB, as well as coaxial and optical digital inputs.

The front display shows playback status, times, track information, and additionally directories, file format, and sampling frequency for USB flash drives.

Power-Control and Data connections facilitate integration into McIntosh systems, for example, to turn matching components on and off together.

Placement and Design

The MCD600 can stand freely on a table or shelf or be built into furniture or a cabinet.

When installing, we recommend sufficient ventilation; the device should also not be installed directly above a heat-generating component such as a powerful amplifier.

Visually, the player follows the classic McIntosh look with a black glass front, illuminated logo, aluminum end caps, polished stainless steel chassis, and glass top.

Awards

• Hi-Fi i Muzyka 2020 SACD/CD Player Product of the Year
• Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity 2019 Thumbs Up Award
• Diapason d'Or 2019 Hi-Fi Award.

Who Is the McIntosh MCD600 Suitable For and What Purposes?

The MCD600 is suitable for music lovers who want to integrate SACDs, CDs, and music files into a stereo system via a high-quality digital source.

It fits into systems with a preamplifier or integrated amplifier as well as reduced setups where the player drives a power amplifier directly via its variable outputs.

It is also interesting for listeners with additional digital sources, because external components can use the MCD600's internal DAC via optical and coaxial digital inputs.

What Is the McIntosh MCD600 Less Suitable For?

The front-panel USB port is intended only for USB flash storage and not for connection to a computer or another USB device.

Anyone who wants to output SACD audio signals digitally via optical or coaxial outputs should note that these signals are only available on the analog audio outputs.

The MCD600 is also not intended for digital XLR or MCT connections.

Conclusion

The McIntosh MCD600 is a versatile digital stereo source for SACD, CD, music files, and external digital players.

Its variable output stage makes it particularly flexible, as it fits both classic systems with a preamplifier and directly before a power amplifier.

Before purchase, the USB usage as a pure flash drive connection and the analog output of SACD signals should be taken into account.