Digital Drive: REVIEW: McIntosh MCD 205 CD Player/Recorder by shoe

Model:	MCD 205
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$2500
Description:	Multi disk CD player
Manufacturer URL:	McIntosh
Model Picture:	View

Review by shoe on February 24, 2007 at 02:01:59
IP Address: 69.110.71.108

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for the MCD 205

It's darn near impossible to find a review of this player so I thought I'd throw in my two cents.. I've went through a few different players in the last couple of years and can make compairisons, based mostley on memory, so there may be some conjecture here.
This is a very enjoyable player. It has a wonderfull tone and spaciousness that I have not had here before. Better in this area than any player I have had. The midrange opens up and creates an airy illusion that at times seems almost magically delicious. ( An Irish term )
I had the Rega Saturn here for three months before I got the McIntosh. The Saturn is a fantastic player. It has PRAT in spades, let's you hear into every note, has powerful extended bass, is clear and open ( out of this world). The Saturn did all this without edgyness or grittyness.
So why do I like the McIntosh? Maybe it's just musically satisfying. It's not as detailed or as punchy but seems a bit more laid back but not to the point of being booring.. Detail is there, but within the music and not so pronounced.
I do find the McIntosh more easy to listen to, more musical in the sence of having the music be a whole instead of broken into it's separate parts. I am not gritting my ears and analyzing the sound so much. I can relax and enjoy.
Not to mention that it can hold up to six disks and yes I can read the front panel buttons and display without my glasses.

Product Weakness: You may want more zip and slam. Sometimes takes awhile to read disks.
Product Strengths: Open soundstage and refined tone. Build quality is impressive.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bel Canto EvO 2i Gen. 2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	n/a
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	MCD 205 Arcam FMJ 23
Speakers:	Meadowlark Heron
Cables/Interconnects:	Straitwire interconnects &Transparent audio
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Rock & Varried
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 17 x
Room Comments/Treatments:	lots of furniture, rugs,
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	You may want more zip and slam. Sometimes takes awhile to read disks.
Product Strengths:	Open soundstage and refined tone. Build quality is impressive.