MCD12000 2-Channel SACD/CD Player
MCD12000-AN (75th Anniversary) 2-channel, Reference Level SACD/CD Player £14495
MCD12000 2-channel, Reference Level SACD/CD Player £13995
75th Anniversary Edition, available in 2024
A reference-level DAC that includes a reference-level CD Player
Includes our Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance
Balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs in both solid-state and vacuum tube configurations
(2) 32-bit/8-channel professional grade DACs
7 digital inputs
Two-in-One: A Reference Level DAC and a Reference Level CD Player.
Bring all your digital music to life in your home audio system with the MCD12000 SACD/CD Player. While classified as a CD player, it is better to consider the MCD12000 as a reference-level Digital-to-Analog converter (DAC) with reference-level SACD/CD playback capabilities. Music played through any of the MCD12000's digital inputs or from compact discs is processed by professional grade 8-channel DACs designed for premium audiophile performance and recording studios. The MCD12000 is the perfect DAC and SACD/CD Player with the reference level C12000 Preamplifier.
MCD12000 (bottom) shown with the two-chassis C12000 Preamplifier. MCD12000 and C12000 sold separately.
At the heart of the MCD12000 are two ESS SABRE PRO ES9038PRO 32-bit/8-channel DACs, with one DAC dedicated to the left audio channel and the other DAC dedicated to the right audio channel. Each DAC uses ESS’ patented HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator to deliver an unprecedented performance level that will satisfy the needs of the most demanding digital audio applications. Each ES9038PRO is configured in Octal-Balanced Mono mode, where the DAC’s eight outputs are used to drive the analogue audio, resulting in outstanding sound quality. Separate digital and analogue power supplies keep the power and audio signals free from cross-contamination, while a specially constructed R-Core power transformer minimizes noise radiation.
"Production quality: materials and appearance are typical for McIntosh, i.e. exemplary. Sound quality is the same using either solid state or vacuum tube outputs. Basically, there are no weak points to either, but there are advantages to both. The list could go on for a long time. The most important thing is detail and precision, combined with a phenomenal stage presentation. However, the amount of information does not lead to fatigue, because the sound is characterized by the highest quality." Winner of 2023 High-End CD Player of the Year Award. - Hi-Fi i Muzyka
There are seven digital inputs on the MCD12000: two coax, two optical, plus one USB (Type B) for computer-based audio, one AES/EBU, and one MCT input which can be used with any of our existing MCT SACD/CD Transports that you may already have. The coax and optical inputs support up to 24-bit/192kHz. The USB input supports up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD512 and DXD384kHz.
The MCD12000 includes our Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance. It offers balanced and unbalanced fixed analogue outputs in vacuum tube and solid-state configurations. This abundance of output options gives you the flexibility to decide which to use based on the music selection, the audio components in the rest of your home audio system, and your personal sound preferences. A pair of 60dB output meters show the signal level being delivered from each channel's analogue outputs. While the volume is controlled by your preamplifier, integrated amplifier, or other control device, the meters on the MCD12000 will respond to the music being played through it and move back and forth accordingly.
All outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers or a blend of vacuum tubes and discrete amplifiers. For vacuum tube output, one 12AT7 tube and one 12AX7A tube are assigned to each of the left and right audio channels. Solid state output is via a discrete balanced op-amp. A digital coax and optical output are included for added flexibility to connect the MCD12000 to the rest of your home audio system.
In addition to commercial SACDs and CDs, the MCD12000 can also play music from user-generated CDs or DVD Data Discs. Numerous file formats can be played from these discs, including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV, and WMA. A twin laser optical pickup assures optimal reading of all common disc types. The disc transport has a precision die-cast aluminium tray that provides smooth and quiet disc handling, while an advanced digital servo provides fast, silent and accurate operation. The disc’s audio data is read twice the normal rate, ensuring better disc tracking and error correction processing. Power Control and data ports allow seamless Integration with other McIntosh system components.
The Digital-to-Analog converter (DAC) in the MCD12000 has received Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs, which can be especially useful if you have an extensive digital music library. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh provided Roon equipment for testing with various operating systems and computers and shared information about its design and capabilities.
The MCD12000 is wrapped in classic McIntosh styling. The bottom part of its chassis is made from stainless steel that is polished to a mirror finish; the top part is made from hairline-brushed black Titanium stainless steel that matches the C12000 and brings enhanced richness and refinement to your home audio system. The front features our timeless black glass panel, illuminated logo, knobs, push-button controls, and custom-machined brushed aluminium handles that match the C12000. A glass panel listing performance specs and a block diagram of the audio signal path are on the top. A remote control is included.
AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Channels:
2
Output Impedance:
600 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced
Dynamic Range:
Better than 100dB
Headphone Output Impedance:
N/A
Fixed Output Level:
2.0Vrms Unbalanced
4.0Vrms Balanced
Frequency Response:
4Hz to 40kHz, +0.5, -2dB (SACD)
4Hz to 20kHz, ±0.5dB (CD)
Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.003% @ 1000Hz
Variable Output Level:
N/A
Signal To Noise Ratio:
110dB (A-weighted)
Channel Separation:
Better than 98dB (1,000Hz)
DIGITAL AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type:
Professional Grade 8-channel, 32-bit PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced, 1 DAC per channel (2 DACs total)
USB Sample Rate:
16, 24, 32-bit/384kHz
DXD: DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz
DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
Digital Output Sample Rate:
Up to 24-bit/192kHz
Digital Output Jitter:
N/A
Coaxial Sample Rate:
16, 24-bit/192kHz
Digital Coaxial Input:
0.5V p-p/75 ohms
Digital Optical Output:
-15dbm to -21dbm
Digital XLR Output:
N/A
Optical Sample Rate:
16, 24-bit/192kHz
Digital Optical Input:
-15dbm to -21dbm
Digital Coaxial Output:
0.5V p-p/75 ohms
Digital MCT Output:
N/A
CONNECTIVITY
Balanced Fixed Output:
2 (1 for Solid State, 1 for Vacuum Tube)
Unbalanced Variable Output:
0
Digital Optical Input:
2
Digital Coaxial Output:
1
Digital XLR Output:
0
Unbalanced Fixed Output:
2 (1 for Solid State, 1 for Vacuum Tube)
Digital Coaxial Input:
2
Digital USB Input:
1 (rear)
Digital MCT Output:
0
Headphone Output:
0
Balanced Variable Output:
0
Digital MCT INPUT:
1
Digital USB Input Type:
Type B
Digital Optical Output:
1
CONTROL
Power Control Input:
1
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input:
1
Power Control Output:
1
RS232 Control Input:
1
Rear Panel Data Input:
1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
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
Laser Beam Wavelength:
650nm (SACD)
790nm (CD)
Disc Capacity:
1
Laser Power:
CLASS IIa/CLASS I
Laser Type:
Twin Beam
Standby Power Requirement:
<0.5 watt
WARRANTY PARTS AND LABOUR:
3 Years
Weights & DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D):
17-1/2" (44.45cm) x 7-5/8" (19.4cm) x 19" (48.3cm) Note: When the Disc Tray is opened, the panel clearance required in front of mounting panel is 6-3/4" (17.2cm).
Unit Weight:
32.5 lbs (14.7 kg)
SHIPPING Weight:
48 lbs (21.8 kg)