McIntosh Labs MCT500 2-Channel SACD/CD Transport
Built for McIntosh systems, the MCT500 delivers reference-level disc playback and direct DSD SACD transfer through its proprietary MCT link. The Absolute Sound found its partnered performance among the finest encountered, while broad CD, SACD, and data-disc support makes this a compellingly focused transport for a serious physical-media collection.
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.
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
82/100
Features Usability
83/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
With compatible McIntosh DAC-equipped electronics, playback was judged among the finest SACD/CD and DAC performances the reviewer had experienced.
The proprietary MCT connection provides direct access to SACD DSD data when paired with compatible McIntosh components.
Handles a wide range of disc types, including hybrid SACDs and MQA discs at Red Book resolution.
Cons
Full-resolution SACD DSD output requires a compatible McIntosh component with the proprietary MCT input.
As a transport without an onboard DAC, its final sonic character depends on the partnering component.
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 94/100
Used with compatible McIntosh DAC-equipped electronics, the MCT500 was described as equaling all but a very few SACD/CD players or DACs heard by the reviewer. Its performance is inseparable from the partnering McIntosh component, but the reported result is exceptionally accomplished.
Overall Sound
95/100
The Absolute Sound reports that, partnered with McIntosh C52 and C53 preamps, playback was as good as the reviewer had experienced from any SACD/CD player or DAC, bettered by none and equaled by very few. The review also rightly notes that the final sonic character comes from the connected DAC-equipped McIntosh component rather than the transport alone.
Digital Signal Integrity
92/100
The proprietary MCT connection provides direct access to SACD DSD data when used with a compatible McIntosh component, supporting DSD128 for SACD and data-DVD playback. The review's exceptional listening result with the MCT link supports confidence in its digital delivery, although there is no separate measured or comparative jitter assessment.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 83/100
This is a purpose-built disc transport rather than a network player, and its usefulness is strongest within a compatible McIntosh system. It combines broad physical-disc and file-format support with generous conventional digital outputs, while SACD's full-resolution path is restricted to the proprietary MCT connection.
Streaming Software
80/100
As a CD/SACD transport, the MCT500 has no streaming platform or associated control app to assess. The supplied material says little about tray operation, display clarity, remote control behavior, or everyday disc-navigation experience.
Features Connectivity
89/100
The MCT500 offers coaxial, optical, AES/EBU XLR, and proprietary MCT digital outputs, plus a front USB Type-A input and support for SACD, CD, and several data-disc file formats. The MCT output is a meaningful advantage for owners of compatible McIntosh DAC modules because it carries SACD DSD data, but that benefit is limited to the brand's ecosystem.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
82/100
The supplied specifications describe a substantial 26-pound, full-width chassis and a twin-beam laser mechanism, with dedicated control and data connections for system integration. Reviewers provide little direct commentary on construction, mechanism durability, or long-term reliability.
Value for Money
85/100
The Absolute Sound buyer's guide lists the MCT500 at $5,500, while the supplied market range is $6,500 to $7,990. Neither source compares its asking price directly with competing transports or offers a clear judgment on whether it represents especially strong or weak value.
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
- N/A
- Variable Output Level
- N/A
- Output Impedance
- N/A
- Frequency Response
- N/A
- Signal To Noise Ratio
- N/A
- Dynamic Range
- N/A
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- N/A
- Channel Separation
- N/A
- Headphone Output Impedance
- N/A
- Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type
- N/A
- Coaxial Sample Rate
- N/A
- Optical Sample Rate
- N/A
- USB Sample Rate
- N/A
- Digital Coaxial Input
- N/A
- Digital Optical Input
- N/A
- Digital Output Sample Rate
- Coaxial: Up to 24-Bit/192kHzOptical: Up to 24-Bit/192kHzXLR: Up to 24-Bit/192kHzMCT: Up to 24-bit/96kHz (CD); DSD128 (SACD and Data DVD)
- Digital Optical Output
- -15dbm to -21dbm
- Digital Coaxial Output
- 0.5V p-p/75 ohms
- Digital Output Jitter
- ≤ 32ns with 1kHz test tone
- Digital XLR Output
- 5V p-p/150 ohms
- Digital MCT Output
- 3V @110 ohms
- Balanced Fixed Output
- 0
- Unbalanced Fixed Output
- 0
- Balanced Variable Output
- 0
- Unbalanced Variable Output
- 0
- Digital Coaxial Inputs
- 0
- Digital MCT Inputs
- 0
- Digital Optical Inputs
- 0
- Digital USB Input
- 1 (front)
- Digital USB Input Type
- Type A
- Digital Coaxial Outputs
- 1
- Digital MCT Output
- 1
- Digital Optical Outputs
- 1
- Digital XLR Output
- 1
- Headphone Output
- 0
- 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
- 26 lbs (11.8 kg)
- Shipping Weight
- 40.5 lbs (18.4 kg)
Manufacturer's Description — McIntosh Labs
- Plays CD/DVD Data Discs; USB flash drives
- Balanced, coax, optical, MCT outputs
Be transported into your music with the MCT500 SACD/CD Transport.
The MCT500 is a digital only unit and features 4 digital outputs: industry standard balanced, coax and optical outputs plus our exclusive MCT connector. To enjoy your CDs, it can be paired with any product that has standard digital inputs and a digital-to-analog convertor (DAC). This includes select McIntosh home theater processorsintegrated amplifiers and preamplifiers
For SACD playback, the MCT500’s proprietary MCT output needs to be connected (via the included cable) to a McIntosh product with an MCT input. This includes the D1100C55C2800C49 and D150 preamplifiers, MA9500MA8950MA7200 or MA5300 integrated amplifiers or MAC7200 receiver. When the MCT500 is connected to one of these devices, a secure digital connection is created, allowing for the playback of the high definition audio found on SACDs. Regular CDs can also be played over the MCT connection.
All common disc types can be played on the MCT500, including SACD, CD, CD-R/RW and DVD-R. A twin laser optical pickup assures optimal disc reading. A USB input is conveniently located on the front panel for easy access. In addition to store bought CDs and SACDs, popular file formats such as AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and WMA can be played from user generated CD or DVD Data Discs and USB flash drives.
Disc handling is smooth and quiet thanks to an advanced disc transport with a precision die-cast aluminum tray. An advanced digital servo provides fast, quiet and accurate operation. A disc’s audio data is read at twice the normal rate insuring better disc tracking and error correction processing.
Integration with other McIntosh system components is achieved via the Power Control and data ports. The MCT500 is wrapped in classic McIntosh styling with a polished stainless steel chassis, black glass front panel, illuminated logo and aluminum end caps. Contact your local dealer to learn more.
1) The maximum resolution of the MCT output is 24-bit/96kHz. For resolutions higher than this, the balanced, coax or optical output must be used.
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for McIntosh Labs MCT500 2-Channel SACD/CD Transport
- 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