[devin_mm]

I am looking at a new source to go with my REF1/Phoenix combo and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the MCD201 CD player? It does look gorgeous.

 

[vcoheda]

i recall reading unfavorable things about the player - build quality/transport issues.

 

[devin_mm]

That's a shame because it looks so good.

 

[Dinan]

I don't recall the transport being great but it wasn't a big problem. An Electrocompaniet ECD-1 DAC or EMC-1 Up plaer will smoke the Mac.

 

[devin_mm]

Yeah, I primarily don't use my mac as a transport I would be upgrading a Audio Note CDT-Zero that feeds my Audio-GD Reference DAC 1. I see there is a G08 for sale on the forums maybe I'll look into that.

 

[vcoheda]

the G08 is solid. i highly recommend it.

only complaint is that it doesn't play SACD, has no digital input, and if you sit right next to it (i mean arm's length) you can sometimes hear the disc spinning. but at around 2k, it is a very solid redbook and fully balanced player.

 

[Carbonman]

I owned an MCD201 for 2 years. It's an incredible sounding player, no ifs, ands or buts. The headphone output is as good as I've seen from a CD player or preamp; almost as good as my maxed-out PPA. The volume for variable and headphone out is continuously adjustable via a front knob or the remote. The fixed outputs can be used at the same time.
I sold mine for 3 reasons:
Hated the long time to read the TOC,
Found a mechanical 'click' between tracks (not through the speakers) annpying,
Wanted a changer again.
Still sometimes I miss it a little. The internal DAC is extremely good; don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
My MCD205 and MDA700 really rocks, so I don't feel hard done by.

 

[El_Doug]

I cannot say enough good things about the new Sony player - I would put serious consideration into the XA5400ES

 

[vcoheda]

^^ yes. i like that it has both variable and fixed output. generally don't see that on the mid-tier units. i just saw on a'gon a 201 sell for 1500. at that price there seems to be little risk in giving one a try. the MCD player i am personally interested in is the 500. i would like to audition that, if possible, at some point. who knows. so much i would like to hear.

 

[OneMalt]

the MCD player i am personally interested in is the 500. i would like to audition that, if possible, at some point.

Do it! Prepare to be stunned...you'll absolutely love it!