McIntosh MCD12000 2-Channel SACD/CD Player

Reference-level digital playback with tube and solid-state outputs

The McIntosh MCD12000 combines a reference-level SACD/CD player with a high-performance standalone DAC, giving both disc collections and external digital sources access to the same sophisticated digital and analog circuitry.

At its core are two ESS SABRE PRO ES9038PRO 32-bit/8-channel DACs, with one dedicated to each audio channel. Each DAC operates in Octal-Balanced Mono mode, using all eight outputs to drive the analog stage. Separate digital and analog power supplies and an R-Core power transformer are used to minimize interference and noise.

McIntosh Hybrid Drive

The MCD12000 incorporates McIntosh Hybrid Drive technology and provides both vacuum-tube and solid-state analog output stages. Balanced and unbalanced fixed outputs are provided for each, allowing you to choose between the two output configurations to suit your system or listening preference.

The vacuum-tube output stage uses one 12AT7 and one 12AX7A tube per channel, while the solid-state output uses a discrete balanced op-amp. All analog outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers or a combination of vacuum tubes and discrete circuitry.

Seven Digital Inputs

Seven digital inputs make the MCD12000 suitable for use as the digital hub of a high-end audio system. Connections include two coaxial, two optical, USB Type B, AES/EBU, and McIntosh MCT.

Coaxial and optical inputs support signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz. USB supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DXD up to 384 kHz, and DSD up to DSD512.

SACD, CD, and Data Disc Playback

In addition to commercial SACDs and CDs, the MCD12000 can play user-created CDs and DVD data discs containing formats including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD up to DSD128, FLAC, MP3, WAV, and WMA.

A twin-laser optical pickup is optimized for the different disc types, while the precision die-cast aluminum disc tray and advanced digital servo provide smooth, quiet operation. Disc data is read at twice normal speed to improve tracking and error-correction processing.

Classic McIntosh Design

A pair of 60 dB output meters display the signal level from the analog outputs. The chassis combines mirror-polished stainless steel with hairline-brushed black Titanium stainless steel, while the front panel features McIntosh black glass, illuminated branding, machined aluminum handles, knobs, and push-button controls.

A glass panel on top of the MCD12000 displays performance specifications and a block diagram of the audio signal path.

What's Included

• McIntosh MCD12000 2-Channel SACD/CD Player
• Remote control

Specifications

Channels: 2

Fixed Output Level: 2.0 Vrms unbalanced; 4.0 Vrms balanced

Output Impedance: 600 ohms balanced and unbalanced

Frequency Response: 4 Hz–40 kHz, +0.5/-2 dB (SACD); 4 Hz–20 kHz (±0.5 dB) (CD)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 110 dB (A-weighted)

Dynamic Range: Better than 100 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.003% at 1 kHz

Channel Separation: Better than 98 dB at 1 kHz

DAC: Two professional-grade 8-channel, 32-bit PCM/DSD DACs, one per channel

Coaxial Sample Rate: Up to 24-bit/192 kHz

Optical Sample Rate: Up to 24-bit/192 kHz

USB Sample Rate: Up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM; DXD352.8 and DXD384; DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, and DSD512

Balanced Fixed Outputs: 2 pairs (1 solid state, 1 vacuum tube)

Unbalanced Fixed Outputs: 2 pairs (1 solid state, 1 vacuum tube)

Digital Inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB Type B, 1 AES/EBU, 1 MCT

Digital Outputs: 1 coaxial, 1 optical

Disc Formats: SACD, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R

Supported Data Disc Formats: AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD up to DSD128, FLAC, MP3, WAV up to 24-bit/192 kHz, WMA

Disc Capacity: 1

Laser Type: Twin beam

Vacuum Tubes: 2 × 12AT7, 2 × 12AX7A

Standby Power: Less than 0.5 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 7.625" × 17.5" × 19" (194 × 444.5 × 483 mm)

Weight: 32.5 lb.