5
General Information, Cable Information, Disc Information, Introduction and Performance Features
Introduction
Performance Features
The McIntosh MCD550 SACD/CD Player offers the
latest in audio technology, providing state of the art
reproduction of audio program sources. A full comple-
ment of performance features allows for the enjoyment
of the SACD special audio format available on discs.
Audio CDs are also reproduced with flawless real-
ism. The advanced mechanical design of the transport
ensures many years of smooth trouble free operation.
• Twin Laser Pickup
The MCD550 incorporates two laser elements, with
different wavelengths, that are focused through one
lens assembly. This unique design allows reading both
the CD and Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) Discs
Formats.
• Advanced Transport
The MCD550 has a new transport with a Die Cast
Tray. It has the latest in advanced digital servo for
faster, quieter and accurate operation. The Disc Audio
Data is read at twice the normal rate insuring better
disc tracking and error correction processing.
• Quad Balanced Digital to Analog Converter
The 8 channel 32-bit, 192kHz Digital to Analog
Converter is used in a Stereo Quad Balanced Mode,
assuring the music is reproduced with a wide dynamic
range and extremely low distortion, for both Disc and
external sources.
• Digital Audio Inputs and Outputs
The MCD550 has Digital Coaxial and Optical Inputs/
Outputs along with an USB Input Connection.
• Front Panel Level Control
The Level Control allows varying the music volume
level with headphones, matching the volume level of
the MCD550 with other components in a system and
can drive any Power Amplifier directly.
• Power Control and Full Function Remote Control
The Power Control Input Connection switches the
MCD550 On/Off with other McIntosh Components in
a system.
The Remote Control with illuminated push-
buttons provides complete control of the MCD550
operating functions.
• Multi-Function Front Panel Display
The MCD550 Front Panel display indicates the current
disc playback status, digital input status and the vari-
able audio output volume level.
• Balanced Outputs
The MCD550 has both variable and fixed Balanced
Outputs, permitting long cable lengths without a loss
in sound quality.
• 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.
• Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis
The MCD550 has the famous McIntosh Illuminated
Glass Front Panel and Stainless Steel Super Mir-
ror Finish Chassis ensures the pristine beauty of the
MCD550 will be retained for many years.
• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished
by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic
Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emitting Di-
odes (LEDs). This provides even Front Panel Illumina
-
tion and is designed to ensure the pristine beauty of
the MCD550 will be retained for many years.
1. The MCD550 is designed to play round Compact
Discs do not try other shapes or possible damage
may occur.
2. The MCD550 SACD/CD Player is designed to play
all industry standard “Redbook” CD Audio Discs
as indicated by the Symbol. It will also play
most CD-R, CD-RW and Dual Discs, however
some recorded discs may not be able to play due to
the condition of the recording or manufacturing.
3. Disc with tracks recorded with MP3 and WMA
Formats will playback on the MCD550 when the
writing software used to create them conforms to
the ISO9660 Level 1 standard.
4. Several of the SACD performance features avail-
able on the MCD550 are active only if the SACD
Disc includes the supporting encoded information.
5. The Audio from playback of SACD Two Channel
Layer and Multichannel Layer Discs is available at
the MCD550 Analog Output Jacks and Connectors;
the Digital Outputs will be muted.
Disc Information
controlling the illumination of the Power Output Me-
ters on McIntosh Power Amplifiers. A 3.5mm stereo
mini phone plug is used for connection to the Power
Control Jacks.
