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Introduction
MCD500 Features
The McIntosh MCD500 SACD/CD Player offers the latest
in audio technology, providing state of the art reproduction
of audio program sources. A full complement of perfor-
mance features allows for the enjoyment of the SACD
special audio format available on discs. Audio CDs are also
reproduced with flawless realism. The advanced mechani-
cal design of the transport ensures many years of smooth
trouble free operation.
• Twin Laser Pickup
The MCD500 incorporates two laser elements, with differ-
ent wavelengths, that are focused through one lens assem-
bly. This unique design allows reading both the CD and
Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) Discs Formats.
• Advanced Transport
The MCD500 has a new transport with a Die Cast Mecha-
nism Base and Disc Tray. It has the latest in advanced
digital servo for faster, quieter and accurate operation. The
SACD and CD Audio Data is read into memory from the
disc at twice the normal rate. The fast read speeds help to
insure better disc tracking and error correction processing.
• Super Audio Disc Playback
The MCD500 plays the higher resolution SACD Discs with
extreme precision and musical elegance.
• Quad Balanced Digital to Analog Converter
The 8 channel 24-bit, 192kHz Digital to Analog Con-
verter is used in a Stereo Quad Balanced mode. All levels
of music are reproduced with a wide dynamic range and
extremely low distortion.
• Digital Audio Inputs
The MCD500 has both a Coaxial and an Optical Digital
Input for using the internal Digital to Analog Processor
Circuitry to Decode PCM Signals from an external source.
• Digital Audio Outputs
There are Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs for external
decoding of the PCM Signal.
• Front Panel Level Control
With headphones connected to the MCD500, the Level
Control allows varying the volume level of the music.
It can also be used for matching the volume level of the
MCD500 with other components in the system.
• Multi-Function Front Panel Display
The MCD500 Front Panel display indicates the current disc
playback status, digital input status and the variable audio
output volume level.
• Drive a Power Amplifier Directly
The Variable Output Connections provide up to 6 Volts.
This is more than enough signal to drive any Power Am-
plifier directly; forming a high quality SACD/CD Disc
Playback System.
• Balanced Outputs
The MCD500 has both variable and fixed Balanced Out-
puts, permitting long cable lengths without a loss in sound
quality.
• Power Control
The Power Control Input connection provides convenient
Turn-On/Off of the MCD500 when connected to a McIn-
tosh System with Power Control. The Power Control Out-
put connection can control a McIntosh Power Amplifier in
a high quality disc playback system.
• Full Function Remote Control
The Remote Control provides complete control of the
MCD500 operating functions including adjustment of the
volume level. The push-buttons on the Remote Control are
illuminated.
• Special Power Supply
The Linear Power Supply has both a special R-Core Power
Transformer and Multiple Regulators to ensure stable noise
free operation even though the power line varies.
• Extruded Side Panels
The sides of the MCD500 are extruded aluminum panels
with a bead blast textured surface and a black anodized
finish. In the recessed area of the Top Panel is a screened
glass panel with a block diagram of the MCD500 Circuitry.
• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The Illumination of the Glass Front Panel is accomplished
by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light
Diffusers and extra long life Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs). This provides even Front Panel Illumination and is
designed to ensure the pristine beauty of the MCD500 will
be retained for many years.
Introduction and Performance Features
