MCT500

The McIntosh MCT500 is a digital-only SACD/CD transport for playback through a separate digital-to-analogue converter. It has 4 digital outputs: balanced, coaxial and optical connections, together with McIntosh’s proprietary MCT connector. CDs can be played with any product that has standard digital inputs and a DAC, including selected McIntosh home theatre processors, integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers.

For SACD playback, the MCT500 must be connected via the included cable to a McIntosh product with an MCT input. Compatible models include the D1100, C52, C2600, C47 and D150 preamplifiers, the MA9000, MA8900, MA7200 and MA5300 integrated amplifiers, and the MAC7200 receiver. This connection creates a secure digital link for the high-definition audio on SACDs. Regular CDs can also be played through the MCT connection.

The MCT500 plays SACD, CD, CD-R/RW and DVD-R discs. Its twin-laser optical pickup supports disc reading, while the advanced transport uses a precision die-cast aluminium tray for smooth and quiet handling. An advanced digital servo provides fast, quiet and accurate operation, and the disc audio data is read at twice the normal rate to support disc tracking and error-correction processing.

A front-panel USB input accepts USB flash drives. AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD up to DSD128, FLAC, MP3, WAV up to 24-bit/192kHz and WMA files can be played from user-generated CD or DVD data discs and USB flash drives, as well as from commercially produced CDs and SACDs.

Power Control and data ports allow integration with other McIntosh system components. The MCT500 has a polished stainless steel chassis, black glass front panel, illuminated logo and aluminium end caps.