The McIntosh MCD600 is a high-end two-channel SACD/CD player designed for serious music lovers who want top-tier digital playback in a stylish and powerful enclosure. It combines McIntosh’s legendary build-quality and aesthetics with advanced modern digital and analog circuitry, making it a fit for both legacy CD/SACD collections and mixed digital-media setups.

In real use, the MCD600 delivers excellent clarity, dynamic range, and depth of soundstage. The use of the quad-balanced DAC architecture means that both subtle details and large dynamic swings (e.g., crescendos, bass impact) are handled with composure. Reviewers note improved bass presence, three-dimensional imaging, and mid-range naturalness. For those who still value physical media (CDs, SACDs) but also consume digital files/USB playback, this player offers the best of both worlds.

From a system integration perspective: because it has variable outputs with built-in volume control and also digital inputs, it can serve either as a front-end for a stereo system (connected directly to a power amp) or as part of a larger integrated system hub. The availability of balanced outputs and high-quality analog section ensures that sonic fidelity remains high through the connection chain.

The build quality and aesthetic also make it a centrepiece — visually appealing, well-machined, and designed to match other McIntosh gear in both looks and setup logic.

Design & Features

• At its heart, the MCD600 uses a premium 8-channel, 32-bit PCM/DSD quad-balanced DAC (four DAC channels per stereo channel) for exceptional audio conversion fidelity. 

• It supports multiple disc formats: SACD, CD, CD-R/RW and DVD-R, and can play data discs and USB flash drives containing audio files (e.g., AAC, ALAC, FLAC, DSD up to DSD128, WAV up to 24-bit/192 kHz) via the front USB input.

• It features both fixed and variable analog outputs (balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA), which means you can connect it directly to a power amplifier (bypassing a preamp) by using the variable outputs with volume control. 

• Additional flexibility is provided with digital inputs (coax, optical, USB) allowing the MCD600 to function in some setups as a DAC for other digital sources. 

• The mechanical design is premium: twin-laser optical pickup (for better disc reading), a precision die-cast aluminium tray, and a quiet advanced servo for stable disc playback. All wrapped in McIntosh’s signature styling: black glass front panel, illuminated logo, stainless end caps, etc. 

Key Specifications

Here are the main specifications for the MCD600:

• Number of Channels: 2 (stereo) 

• Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): Premium 8-channel, 32-bit PCM/DSD Quad Balanced. 

• Disc Formats Supported: SACD, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R; also data discs and USB flash drives with formats AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV (up to 24-bit/192 kHz), WMA. 

• Frequency Response:

  • SACD: 4 Hz to 40 kHz, +0.5 dB / –2 dB 

  • CD: 4 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB 

  • Data: 4 Hz to 40 kHz, +0.5 dB / –2 dB 

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.002% (various sources indicate at 1 kHz)

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): Better than 110 dB (A-weighted) 

• Fixed Output Level: Unbalanced 2.0 Vrms; Balanced 4.0 Vrms 

• Variable Output Level: Unbalanced 0-8.0 Vrms; Balanced 0-16.0 Vrms 

• Output Impedance: 600 ohms (both unbalanced and balanced) 

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 17-1/2″ (44.45 cm) × 6″ (15.24 cm) × 19″ (48.3 cm) 

• Weight: 28 lbs (12.7 kg) net 

• Digital Inputs: 1 Coaxial, 1 Optical, 1 USB (Type A) 

• Digital Outputs: 1 Coaxial, 1 Optical