McIntosh MCD1000 & MDA1000

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djmartin

New Member
Hello, you guys!

I'm a newcomer - just discovered this site/forum and first impression is outstanding!

I have a dilemma, buy hopefully I could receive some pertinent opinions!

I already own a McIntosh MCD205 - which is a stellar performer in my system.

Would it worth to buy the MCD1000/MDA1000 combo - I mean, would the price/quality ratio be in its favor?

I'm from Romania and I can get the up mentioned devices from my dealer at a
rate of 14,000 Euro (both!) which is less than in other European countries.
A small digression - the US citizens are blissed with unbelievable low prices,
not only for US made high-end equipment but also for European cars!

I didn't have the chance to actually listen to the '1000 combination, I only had a few brochures/materials read on this topic.

Could actual owners 'give me a hand?!'

All in all, would it be a higher sound quality and worthy of the investment?
The fact is that the DAC of the MCD 205 performs oversampling, opposite to the upsampling or the 8 DACs of the 1000 system - and 24 bytes over 16 means more dither, i.e. more noise...Anyway, this is a technical approach.
I look forward to receiving your advice!

One last thing - I would like to mention my configuration, so you might know if it will make a difference in this lay-out:
- 2 x MC 1201 monoblock amplifiers; MC2200 valve pre-amp; 2 x XRT 30 loudspeakers, Oelbach 5* cables.

Thank you!
 
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All in all, would it be a higher sound quality and worthy of the investment?
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You have a system that would let the MCD/MDA combo reach its sonic potential.

A small digression - the US citizens are blissed with unbelievable low prices,
not only for US made high-end equipment but also for European cars!
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Yes, I was surprised the other day when I noticed that Porsche for example sells cars in Germany and USA as if the dollar and Euro were 1:1, except 108k euro, same number the GT3 sells for in US in dollars is not $108k, it is $158K! I wonder how long they can keep that up if the dollar keeps on falling against the euro. :scratch2:
 
That's a great system. I would recommend just the MDA1000 to start. Use your MCD205 as a transport. Instead, invest the difference in a MS750 and join the glorious world of music servers!

Welcome to our little McFreak community!
 
Welcome djmartin :)

Great system!

I agree 100% with JR, the MS750 and MDA1000 make for pure audio enjoyment. I have not heard a MCD1000 but I have compared the MS750 with high end transports from DCS and Chord and the high end transports were a little better but the MS750 sounded surprisingly good as a transport in these systems.

Victor
 
I've heard that there is some fan noise issues with the servers which may be a consideration or may not.

Using the 205 as a transport with the MDA is a pretty good idea in my opinion. It would work very well.

But if you have the funds and want to know in your heart that you are getting every last drop of high fidelity information of that redbook CD, then go for the gold and get the MCD/MDA1000 combo. There is a pride of ownership factor that comes with this top of the line combo and I like just sitting there knowing that I'm listening to my music on the best gear that Mac can build. After comparing this combo to other high end players like Opera Audio droplet and Sim Audio Moon series Andromeda, I'll never give mine up. The musical delivery with this combo leaves nothing left to be desired. It is outstanding.

You can always add a server later perhaps.
 
jesse111 said:
But if you have the funds and want to know in your heart that you are getting every last drop of high fidelity information of that redbook CD, then go for the gold and get the MCD/MDA1000 combo. There is a pride of ownership factor that comes with this top of the line combo and I like just sitting there knowing that I'm listening to my music on the best gear that Mac can build.

Ditto
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The MS300/750 sure are convenient, great way to keep tons of CD's organized and accessible with only a few presses of the button. No need to endlessly search for specific CD's on the shelves. The visual/graphic interface aspect of the MS product line is alluring too, being able to see the artwork of the cover and all the tracks, setting up playlists, listening to internet radio. The sound quality, at least going through the MDA, is very, very close to the MCD itself even though the music itself is stored in compressed format.

The MCD does give you that last ounce of "ambience" buried in the recording, the bass is ever so slightly better too. The MCD also is a matching piece for the MDA, same great looks and build quality. Together, they compliment and complete the system. In my system, I couldn't imagine the MDA without the MCD. The MS300 was an add on later for the sake of convenience and I do use it quite a bit. The MCD also gets use but more so on those "special", critical listening sessions where the lights are dimmed and where I am all "tuned in" and really listening and not just having music as background to other tasks.

In the end, it's great to have both. :yes:
 
PHC1 said:
In the end, it's great to have both. :yes:
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Serge, its always great to have EVERY NEW GEAR from McIntosh.

Having been to the local hifi show last weekend, I am now dreaming of the MTT10 (dont even know here to place it), ....... plus a pre to go along?

Ok, time to stay sober ... NO MORE for 2007 ....... Cheers !!
 
Having been to the local hifi show last weekend, I am now dreaming of the MTT10 (dont even know here to place it), ....... plus a pre to go along?
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Need a good pre too, if the MT10 turns out to be a sonic hit, need a great phono stage, C500/C1000. :yes: Jerry, at this point in your system, you are all set for some time to come, 4 1201's, XRT30's, MCD/MDA, it all must sound great! I would go for the TT to bring a new form of media and more listening opportunities and the pre to tie it all together, then when the timing is right, XRT2Ks followed by MC2KW's. :thmbsp:
 
PHC1 said:
The MS300/750 sure are convenient, great way to keep tons of CD's organized and accessible with only a few presses of the button. No need to endlessly search for specific CD's on the shelves. The visual/graphic interface aspect of the MS product line is alluring too, being able to see the artwork of the cover and all the tracks, setting up playlists, listening to internet radio. The sound quality, at least going through the MDA, is very, very close to the MCD itself even though the music itself is stored in compressed format.

The MCD does give you that last ounce of "ambience" buried in the recording, the bass is ever so slightly better too. The MCD also is a matching piece for the MDA, same great looks and build quality. Together, they compliment and complete the system. In my system, I couldn't imagine the MDA without the MCD. The MS300 was an add on later for the sake of convenience and I do use it quite a bit. The MCD also gets use but more so on those "special", critical listening sessions where the lights are dimmed and where I am all "tuned in" and really listening and not just having music as background to other tasks.

In the end, it's great to have both. :yes:
Click to expand...

I agree with Serge. If you want the best possible sound from digital use the MCD with the MDA. If cost was an issue, I would choose the MCD over the MS300\750 and use a squeeze box w\the MDA for streaming.:D
 
PHC1 said:
Need a good pre too, if the MT10 turns out to be a sonic hit, need a great phono stage, C500/C1000. :yes: Jerry, at this point in your system, you are all set for some time to come, 4 1201's, XRT30's, MCD/MDA, it all must sound great! I would go for the TT to bring a new form of media and more listening opportunities and the pre to tie it all together, then when the timing is right, XRT2Ks followed by MC2KW's. :thmbsp:
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Serge,

You are truly my good friend ... knowing me inside out! :yes: :thmbsp:

Yeah .... C1k (2 piece out of - and most probably tube) ..... The rest will have to depend on timing and finances ... Hopefully, the year 2008 and 2009 bring me "crop" abundance during harvest time. :D

Ok, Ok, better not let this carry me away to dreamland ..... !


Cheers! :banana:
 
Hopefully, the year 2008 and 2009 bring me "crop" abundance during harvest time.
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You reap what you sow. Plant some more money trees around your house and don't forget to water. :thmbsp:
 
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