MCD85

The McIntosh MCD85 is an SACD/CD player with an open chassis design, intended to be displayed as part of a home audio system. Its styling follows the retro approach used for the MC275 and MC1502 vacuum tube amplifiers, MA252 and MA352 integrated amplifiers, and the MC830 solid state amplifier and C8 vacuum tube preamplifier. The MCD85 has a black glass front panel with direct LED backlighting, silver trim, an illuminated logo and rotary control knobs.

As well as commercially produced SACDs and CDs, the McIntosh MCD85 plays music from home-recorded CD and DVD data discs. Supported formats include AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD up to DSD128, FLAC, MP3, WAV and WMA. Its USB Audio input supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz, allowing digital music to be streamed from a computer or another digital storage device. Two coaxial and two optical digital inputs accept PCM signals up to 192kHz.

Digital signals from discs and connected sources are converted to analogue using a quad-balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit/192kHz Digital-to-Analogue Converter. Four DAC channels serve the left audio channel and 4 serve the right. Fixed balanced and unbalanced analogue stereo outputs are provided for connection to a preamplifier, integrated amplifier or other home audio component. The narrower chassis and balanced outputs also allow the player to be positioned close to the listening position, with long balanced cables connecting it to the rest of the system without fear of signal loss.

The MCD85 uses 2x read speed, reading discs at higher speeds so their data can be held in buffer memory for improved error correction and tracking. Discs are loaded into a sturdy die-cast tray with a custom front bevelled nose that follows the angle of the chassis, providing smooth and quiet handling. A twin-laser optical pickup uses a single objective lens with 2 laser units, each employing a different wavelength optimised for SACD or CD playback.

Power Control and data ports support integration with other McIntosh home audio components. Each side of the chassis carries a die-cast aluminium name badge, while the front, top and rear surfaces have a polished mirror finish. The MCD85 can therefore be used alongside the MC275, MC1502, MA252, MA352, MC830 and C8, as well as within other McIntosh home audio systems using its available connections and McIntosh design features.