I honestly don't do a lot of HP listening these days (don't hurt me!) but I've used Senn HD-600, HD-650 and Grado RS-1 with the headphone out on my MCD-500 with very satisfying results. At least comparable to using an RA-1.

Quote:  You appear to have already made up your mind. Different strokes, my friend.

  Quote: And now we return to the continuing saga of the SL1200 vs. anything Rega...   To the OP - if you get the chance, listen to them both and let your ears decide.  

  Quote: +1. You took the words right out of my keyboard!  

Quote: Originally Posted by vcoheda MCD500 or 306 SACD? thinking about making this swap. should i . . . I've never heard the 306 but I couldn't recomend the MCD500 any more highly (YMMV). It does have the McIntosh "house sound" though. What are you looking to hear?

What about bass response in near-field listening? It would seem that the long waves wouldn't have the time or distance to form properly.

Try posting this at AudioKarma.org. There are a lot of vintage equipment "specialists" there that might be able to help you out.

Quote: Originally Posted by Bones13 Looks like something to aspire too, especially if SACD remains viable, something I am doubting. SACDs are great on this machine but it really shines on Redbook playback. Just awesome!

Quote: Originally Posted by freakydrew will the Zero DAC suffice? I think not. While I'm not familiar with this specific device, in general a DAC converts a digital signal to analog for playback. Your TT outputs an analog signal to begin with.

I'd rate it fair for a built-in on a CDP. Not quite the equal of my Grado RA-1. I've done some fairly extensive listening with Grado RS-1 and Senn HD-650.

Quote: Originally Posted by 4N6 Me too. Atta' boy!

Beautiful rigs are fun to look at but at the end of the day, when everybody has gone home and it's just you and your stereo, it's all about how it sounds. I've got to admit though, I have a soft spot for big blue meters...

Simply the most analogue sounding CDP I've ever heard. Mine never ceases to amaze me. The two digital inputs that allow you to take advantage of this machine's incredible DACs with external sources are just gravy. You can buy this one with no regrets.

McIntosh MCD301 and MCD500 - both marvelous 2 ch. SACD/CD players!

McIntosh MCD500 MSRP - $6500.00

Quote: Originally Posted by TwoTrack Also check out the Ronstadt Heart Like A Wheel on Audio Fidelity. Stellar sound. Bought the LP. Very nice!

I recently bought a new CD/SACD player so I picked up a few new (for me) SACDs: Doobie Brothers - Toulouse Street Blood, Sweat & Tears - self-titled Blood, Sweat & Tears - Blood, Sweat & Tears 3 Donovan - Donovan: Storyteller Earth, Wind & Fire - That's The Way of the World Moody Blues -...

My Rega P3-24

Quote: Originally Posted by jpelg Thanks for posting your impressions! Could you post what associated equipment you are using (or complete your profile? ) Have you tried the headphone jack? McIntosh MA6600 integrated amp and a pair of old school DCM Timewindows. And my TT rig...

(Wow, it's been a while since I've been here!) I can attest to how superb the MCD500 is. I've been living with mine for a little over 3 weeks now. It has far exceeded any expectations I had when buying it. It is the most analog sounding CDP I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. For the first...

I guess I qualify...

Jeez...if it wern't for john jcb and JMT, I wouldn't recognize any of this stuff (I'm feeling very, very old).

Try Spybot - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html

Quote: Originally Posted by Edwood Be aware that site tries prompts a pop up to install spyware. Don't care how effective that excercise is, I don't care to spend an entire day working out one set of muscles. Yikes. -Ed This site also loads Trojan.Alwayup onto your...