MCD12000 2-Channel SACD/CD Player
 
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 analog 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 think of the MCD12000 as a reference level Digital-to-Analog convertor (DAC) that includes 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 to use with the reference level C12000 Preamplifier.
 
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 analog audio, resulting in outstanding sound quality. Separate digital and analog 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, as well as 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 both balanced and unbalanced fixed analog outputs in both 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 that's being delivered from the analog outputs of each channel. 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 the left and right audio channel. 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.
 
Specifications
 
Audio Specifications
Number of Channels
2
Fixed Output Level
2.0Vrms Unbalanced
4.0Vrms Balanced
Variable Output Level
N/A
Output Impedance
600 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced
Frequency Response
4Hz to 40kHz, +0.5, -2dB (SACD)
4Hz to 20kHz, ±0.5dB (CD)
Signal To Noise Ratio
110dB (A-weighted)
Dynamic Range
Better than 100dB
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.003% @ 1000Hz
Channel Separation
Better than 98dB (1,000Hz)
Headphone Output Impedance
N/A
 
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)
Coaxial Sample Rate
16, 24-bit/192kHz
Optical Sample Rate
16, 24-bit/192kHz
USB Sample Rate
16, 24, 32-bit/384kHz
DXD: DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz
DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
Digital Coaxial Input
0.5V p-p/75 ohms
Digital Optical Input
-15dbm to -21dbm
Digital Output Sample Rate
Up to 24-bit/192kHz
Digital Optical Output
-15dbm to -21dbm
Digital Coaxial Output
0.5V p-p/75 ohms
Digital Output Jitter
N/A
Digital XLR Output
N/A
Digital MCT Output
N/A
 
Connectivity
Balanced Fixed Output
2 (1 for Solid State, 1 for Vacuum Tube)
Unbalanced Fixed Output
2 (1 for Solid State, 1 for Vacuum Tube)
Balanced Variable Output
0
Unbalanced Variable Output
0
Digital Coaxial Input
2
Digital MCT Input
1
Digital Optical Input
2
Digital USB Input
1 (rear)
Digital USB Input Type
Type B
Digital Coaxial Output
1
Digital MCT Output
0
Digital Optical Output
1
Digital XLR Output
0
Headphone Output
0
 
Control
Power Control Input
1
Power Control Output
1
Rear Panel Data Input
1
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input
1
RS232 Control 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
Disc Capacity
1
Laser Type
Twin Beam
Laser Beam Wavelength
650nm (SACD)
790nm (CD)
Laser Power
CLASS IIa/CLASS I
Standby Power Requirement
<0.5 watt
 
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)