The MCD550 utilizes an 8-channel, 32-bit/192kHz PCM/DSD digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with a wide dynamic range and extremely low distortion. The 8-channel DAC is used in Quad Balanced mode, which utilizes 4 DAC channels per audio channel, allowing music at all levels to be reproduced with extreme precision and elegance. It can decode PCM signals from CDs and the digital inputs, and DSD signals from SACDs.

“The McIntosh Labs MCD550 is one of the most musically engaging players that I have heard. It gives a performance that is refined and polished to the highest order… It breathes new life into CDs and brings out the best in SACDs.” Winner of an Outstanding Product Award. – The Speaker Shack

Both fixed and variable balanced and unbalanced outputs are present, offering you extreme flexibility in connecting the MCD550 to your system. The variable outputs allow for a direct connection to an amplifier without requiring a separate preamplifier. Also available are three digital inputs: a coax, an optical, and a USB input that allows for direct streaming of computer-stored music at up to 24-bits and 192kHz. Coax and optical outputs are available if you want to send the audio signal to a preamplifier or home theater processor.

“The subtlety with which it paints a musical picture is possibly it’s the greatest strength, the sense of quality is palpable. There are no nasties, musical instruments sound more like musical instruments… everything is just more realistic, snare drums crack, rim shots thwack, bass notes are deep and textured while remaining tuneful. For all it’s subtlety it doesn’t lack in dynamics either, those rim shots really do thwack with more realism.” – HiFi Wigwam

Our new High Drive headphone amplifier features increased gain and output power and is optimized for virtually all headphone types for the ultimate personal listening experience. The MCD550 reads your discs at a higher speed and stores the data in a buffer memory for better error correction and tracking, thus increasing overall audio performance. On the back are gold plated connectors that help maintain a clean audio signal and also resist corrosion. The classic McIntosh black glass faceplate is wrapped in a beautiful stainless steel chassis.