McIntosh MCT500 2-Channel SACD/CD Transport

The McIntosh MCT500 is a pure digital SACD/CD transport for demanding stereo systems. It reads disc media and music files and outputs the signal digitally to an external digital-to-analog converter or suitable McIntosh components. This makes it particularly suitable for systems where the conversion is deliberately left to a separate component.

The most important things about the McIntosh MCT500 at a glance:

• Pure digital transport: The MCT500 focuses on reading and outputting digital audio data and is combined with an external DAC or a suitable McIntosh component.
• SACD playback via MCT: Via the proprietary MCT output, the transport can output high-resolution audio from SACDs to compatible McIntosh devices with an MCT input.
• Flexible media usage: In addition to SACD and CD, the MCT500 also supports CD-R/RW, DVD-R, user-generated data discs, and USB flash drives.
• Quiet disc handling: An advanced disc transport with a precision aluminum pressure plate and digital servo supports quiet and precise operation.
• System integration with McIntosh: Power Control and data ports facilitate integration into suitable McIntosh systems.

Digital system role and SACD usage

The MCT500 has no analog audio outputs. For playback, therefore, a device with a digital input and digital-to-analog converter is required, for example, a suitable home theater processor, integrated amplifier, or preamplifier.

For SACD, the MCT connection is crucial. The proprietary MCT output must be connected via the included cable to a McIntosh product with an MCT input so that the high-resolution audio from SACDs can be played back. Regular CDs can also be played back via this connection.

Media and files in everyday use

The MCT500 plays common disc types such as SACD, CD, CD-R/RW, and DVD-R. In addition, it can play music files from user-generated CD or DVD data discs as well as from USB flash drives.

The USB input is located on the front. This allows you to connect a USB stick without having to go to the back of the system. This is practical if you want to use self-compiled music files in addition to purchased CDs and SACDs.

Transport and operation

The disc transport operates with a precision aluminum pressure plate. A digital servo ensures fast, quiet, and precise operation. The audio data of a disc is read twice as fast, which supports disc tracking and error correction processing.

The front offers buttons for central operating functions such as play, pause, stop, track skip, disc load, input switching between disc and USB, as well as the selection of SACD or CD tracks on hybrid discs. The front display shows playback status, times, and during USB playback also directory, file format, and sampling rate information.

Connection and system integration

For CDs and PCM signals, several digital outputs are available. This allows the MCT500 to be integrated into various digital system concepts, provided a suitable DAC or a device with an internal D/A converter is available.

In McIntosh systems, Power Control can switch the MCT500 on and off together with other components. Basic functions can be operated via the data connection using a suitable McIntosh system remote control. An IR input also enables use with an external IR sensor, for example if the transport is in a closed piece of furniture.

Placement and design

The MCT500 can stand freely on a table or shelf or be built into a piece of furniture or cabinet. For installation, sufficient ventilation and the specified minimum distances must be observed.

Visually, the transport follows the classic McIntosh look with a polished stainless steel chassis, black glass front, illuminated logo, and aluminum end caps. This makes it particularly well suited for existing McIntosh systems.

Awards

• The Absolute Sound Editors' Choice Award 2022

Suitability and notes

Ideal for

• Users looking for a high-quality SACD/CD transport for a digital stereo system.
• McIntosh systems with an MCT input where SACDs are to be played back digitally.
• Systems with an external DAC or components with an internal digital-to-analog converter.
• Users who want to play music files from data discs or USB flash drives in addition to SACD and CD.
• Installations where Power Control, the data port, or an external IR sensor can simplify operation in the system.

Less suitable for

• Systems without a digital input or separate digital-to-analog converter, as the MCT500 is a pure digital transport.
• SACD playback without a compatible McIntosh device with an MCT input.
• Multi-channel SACD playback.
• Very tight furniture without sufficient ventilation or without the required space for the opened disc tray.

Conclusion

The McIntosh MCT500 is a specialized SACD/CD transport for digital HiFi systems and is particularly interesting for owners of compatible McIntosh components. It combines disc playback, USB usage, and McIntosh system integration in a classic McIntosh enclosure.

Important before purchase is the suitable digital counterpart, especially an MCT input for SACD.

• MCT500_brochure_35107700.pdf
• mct500cd1and2-01.pdf
• mct500om02_04183202.pdf