McIntosh Labs MCD600 2-Channel SACD/CD Player
The MCD600 turns SACD and CD playback into a spacious, low-noise and dynamically charged experience, with weighty bass, finely resolved detail and vivid stereo focus. Jim Milton found its direct-to-amplifier configuration especially revelatory, while Marc Phillips praised its quiet, musical Quad Balanced DAC. Variable outputs, digital inputs and a capable headphone stage make this a formidable physical-media hub.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
95/100
Build Quality
92/100
Features Usability
87/100
Value for Money
88/100
Pros
SACD playback delivers clear, powerful sound with exceptional detail, dynamic impact and a huge, three-dimensional soundstage.
Variable balanced and unbalanced outputs enable direct-to-power-amplifier use, yielding notably richer tone, focus and precision.
The Quad Balanced DAC produces an exceptionally quiet background and relaxed, effortless high-resolution playback.
Exceptionally substantial construction and flexible digital, disc and headphone functionality support its flagship credentials.
Cons
It cannot play multichannel SACDs or DVD-A discs, limiting its appeal for surround-disc collectors.
The USB input does not support direct connection to a PC or Mac.
Its internal DAC can introduce a slight midrange hardening or subtle digital sheen with some sources.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 95/100
Reviewers consistently describe an unusually open, dynamic and highly involving presentation, with especially strong SACD and high-resolution playback. Its combination of tonal richness, low noise, broad imaging and fine detail makes it a compelling disc player as well as a capable DAC-equipped digital source.
Tonal Balance Musicality
95/100
The MCD600 is repeatedly described as warm, full, smooth and natural without the edgy upper-midrange, pinched treble or synthetic bass sometimes associated with CD playback. Reviewers praise its rich yet neutral character, organic bass, convincing vocal tone and relaxed, effortless musical flow; one called the result “quite, quite beautiful.”
Resolution Detail
95/100
Detail, separation and spatial precision are major strengths. Reviews cite exceptional detail, impressive instrumental separation, strong midrange clarity, sharply focused images and a large, deep soundstage that can make the listening space feel substantially bigger.
Digital Performance
94/100
The Quad Balanced DAC implementation earns strong praise for its near-silent background, powerful and clear DSD playback, low perceived noise and excellent dynamic contrast. One reviewer detected a slight digital sheen, though specifically noted that it was neither bright, edgy nor metallic.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 87/100
This is a generously equipped SACD/CD player with useful system-integration options, variable outputs and strong disc/file support. Review coverage says little about daily navigation or remote ergonomics, while the lack of computer USB input limits flexibility for some desktop or computer-audio users.
Streaming Software
85/100
As a disc-based player, the MCD600 does not depend on a streaming platform, and reviewers do not identify software-control or interface problems. They also provide little detail on long-term menu, remote-control or USB-library usability.
Features Connectivity
92/100
The feature set includes SACD/CD playback, data-disc and USB-flash-drive playback, coaxial and optical digital inputs, balanced and unbalanced fixed or variable outputs, and a High Drive headphone output. Variable output operation allows direct connection to a power amplifier, although the player lacks USB connectivity for a PC or Mac.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
92/100
Reviewers describe the MCD600 as exceptionally solid, with one calling it the heaviest and most solidly built disc player they had reviewed. Its substantial chassis, double-box delivery, integrated purpose-designed transport and classic McIntosh presentation support the impression of a serious, carefully made component.
Value for Money
88/100
At roughly $7,000 to $10,980 depending on market and period, reviewers acknowledge that the MCD600 is an expensive disc player. However, they find its extensive DAC functionality, headphone stage, output flexibility, SACD capability and high musical performance persuasive justification against similarly ambitious high-end alternatives.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- Number of Channels
- 2
- Fixed Output Level
- 2.0Vrms Unbalanced4.0Vrms Balanced
- Variable Output Level
- 0 - 8.0Vrms Unbalanced0 - 16.0Vrms Balanced
- Output Impedance
- 600 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced
- Frequency Response
- 4Hz to 40kHz, +0.5, -2dB (SACD)4Hz to 20kHz, ±0.5dB (CD)4Hz to 40kHz, +0.5, -2dB (Data)
- Signal To Noise Ratio
- Better than 110dB (A-weighted)
- Dynamic Range
- Better than 100dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- 0.002% @ 1000Hz (SACD)0.002% @ 1000Hz (CD)0.002% @ 1000Hz (Data)
- Channel Separation
- Better than 98dB (1,000Hz)
- Headphone Output Impedance
- 47 ohms
- Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type
- Premium 8-channel, 32-bit PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced
- Coaxial Sample Rate
- 16, 24-bit/96kHz
- Optical Sample Rate
- 16, 24-bit/192kHz
- USB Sample Rate
- 16, 24-bit/192kHz
- Digital Coaxial Input
- 0.5V p-p/75 ohms
- Digital Optical Input
- -15dbm to -21dbm
- Digital Output Sample Rate
- Up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Digital Optical Output
- -15dbm to -21dbm
- Digital Coaxial Output
- 0.5V p-p/75 ohms
- Digital Output Jitter
- N/A
- Digital XLR Output
- N/A
- Digital MCT Output
- N/A
- Balanced Fixed Output
- 1
- Unbalanced Fixed Output
- 1
- Balanced Variable Output
- 1
- Unbalanced Variable Output
- 1
- Digital Coaxial Inputs
- 1
- Digital MCT Inputs
- 0
- Digital Optical Inputs
- 1
- Digital USB Input
- 1 (front)
- Digital USB Input Type
- Type A
- Digital Coaxial Outputs
- 1
- Digital MCT Output
- 0
- Digital Optical Outputs
- 1
- Digital XLR Output
- 0
- Headphone Output
- 1/4" High Drive
- Power Control Inputs
- 1
- Power Control Outputs
- 1
- Rear Panel Data Inputs
- 1
- Rear Panel IR Sensor Inputs
- 1
- RS232 Control Inputs
- 0
- Disc Formats
- SACD, CD, CD-R/RW and DVD-R; popular file formats such as AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and WMA
- Disc Capacity
- 1
- Laser Type
- Twin Beam
- Laser Beam Wavelength
- 650nm (SACD)790nm (CD)
- Laser Power
- CLASS IIa/CLASS I
- Standby Power Requirement
- <0.5 watt
- Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
- 17-1/2" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.24cm) x 19" (48.3cm)Note: When the Disc Tray is opened, the panel clearance required in front of mounting panel is 6-3/4 inches (17.2cm).
- Unit Weight
- 28 lbs (12.7 kg)
- Shipping Weight
- 45 lbs (20.4 kg)
Manufacturer's Description — McIntosh Labs
- Premium 8-channel, 32-bit PCM/DSD Quad Balanced DAC
- Plays CD/DVD Data Discs & USB flash drives
- Fixed & variable analog stereo outputs
Enjoy hours of listening pleasure with the MCD600 SACD/CD Player. At the heart of the MCD600 is a newly designed digital circuit highlighted by a new premium 8-channel, 32-bit PCM/DSD digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC is used in Quad Balanced mode, with 4 DAC channels allocated to each of the left and right audio channels, resulting in truly exceptional sound reproduction. All PCM signals are up-sampled up to 32-bit/384kHz.
Besides commercial SACDs and CDs, the MCD600 can also play music from user generated CD or DVD Data Discs as well as USB flash drives. Numerous file formats can be played from these discs and USB flash drives including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and WMA. Flash drives can easily be connected via the convenient front panel USB input.
The MCD600 includes both fixed and variable balanced and unbalanced outputs; the variable outputs combined with volume control allow the MCD600 to be connected directly to your amplifier without needing a preamplifier. Coax and optical digital outputs are included if you prefer to send the digital audio signal to an external processor for analog conversion. Also included is a coax and optical digital input for connecting other digital sources. And for those times when you’re looking for a personal listening experience, the High Drive headphone amplifier section features increased gain and output power and is optimized for virtually all headphone types.
A twin laser optical pickup assures optimal reading of all common disc types, including SACD, CD, CD-R/RW and DVD-R. A new disc transport with a precision die-cast aluminum tray provides smooth and quiet disc handling, while an advanced digital servo provides fast, quiet and accurate operation. The disc’s audio data is read at twice the normal rate insuring better disc tracking and error correction processing. Power Control and data ports allow for seamless integration with other McIntosh system components.
The MCD600 is wrapped in classic McIntosh styling with a polished stainless steel chassis, black glass front panel, illuminated logo, knobs and aluminum end caps. The front panel features new direct LED backlighting for improved appearance. On the top is a screen printed glass panel listing performance specs and a block diagram. Contact your local dealer to learn more.
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for McIntosh Labs MCD600 2-Channel SACD/CD Player
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Acoustic Designs Inc. — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
- Advance Audio — in-store — Wichita, Kansas, United States (website)
- Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
and 225 more verified dealers