The MCD85 can play store bought SACDs and CDs as well as music from homemade CD or DVD Data Discs. Numerous file formats can be played from these discs including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV, and WMA. The USB Audio input supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz, and can be used to stream digital music from a computer or other digital storage device. There's also two coax and two optical digital inputs that support PCM signals up to 192kHz.

In practical use, the MCD85 delivers a refined, articulate sound. Its advanced DAC and disc mechanism help the player reproduce a wide dynamic range and subtle details, whether from a classic CD or high‑resolution file via USB. Users report excellent clarity, robust imaging, and a sense of musical presence when paired with quality amplification and speakers.

Because it supports SACD and high‑res digital sources, it appeals to those who have extensive physical disc collections and also want future‑capable digital connectivity. Its balanced outputs and serious signal path make it suitable for high‑end stereo systems where source quality matters.

From a system standpoint, it's best used with a good preamp or integrated amplifier and high‑quality wiring and speakers; the player will reveal quality upstream and downstream in the chain.

Design & Features

• Quad Balanced 8‑Channel DAC: The MCD85 uses an 8‑channel, 32‑bit PCM/DSD quad balanced Digital‑to‑Analog Converter (DAC) to convert digital signals to analog with high fidelity, helping preserve detail and dynamics. 

• Disc Playback: It plays standard CDs, SACDs, CD‑R/RW, DVD‑R data discs with audio files (AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA) and supports USB input for digital files via a computer or storage device. 

• Digital Inputs: In addition to the disc transport, the MCD85 includes USB Audio input (supporting high resolutions), coaxial and optical digital inputs for sourcing from other digital devices. 

• Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs: It provides fixed analog stereo outputs in both unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) formats, enabling connection to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier with high quality signal path. 

• Compact & Premium Build: The chassis is relatively narrow and well finished, with attention to aesthetics (mirror‑finish surfaces, McIntosh design cues) and mechanical design (die‑cast tray, twin laser pickup, 2× read speed) for better disc handling and error correction. 

Key Specifications

Here are the major specs of the MCD85:

• Number of Channels: 2 (Stereo) 

• Fixed Output Level: 2.0 Vrms (Unbalanced) / 4.0 Vrms (Balanced) 

• Output Impedance: 100 Ω (Unbalanced & Balanced) 

• Frequency Response: ±0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz 

• Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio (A‑weighted): Better than 100 dB 

• Dynamic Range: Better than 96 dB

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.02% @ 1 kHz 

• DAC Type: 8‑channel, 32‑bit PCM/DSD Quad Balanced 

• Digital Inputs: 2 × coaxial, 2 × optical, 1 × USB (Type B) supporting up to DSD256 / DXD384 (via USB) 

• Outputs: Balanced (XLR) 1, Unbalanced (RCA) 1 (Fixed) 

• Disc Formats Supported: SACD, CD, CD‑R/RW, DVD‑R (data discs with AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD up to DSD128, FLAC, MP3, WAV up to 24‑bit/192kHz, WMA) 

• Dimensions (W × H × D): Approximately 30.9 cm × 19.7 cm × 41.3 cm (12‑5/32″ × 7‑3/4″ × 16‑1/4″) 

• Weight: 9.3 kg (20.5 lbs) net