Audio T Verdict
At a time when many digital products are trying to stream, network, app-control and generally do everything at once, there is something rather refreshing about the McIntosh MCD350. This is an unapologetically luxurious disc player built to get the very best from a collection of CDs and SACDs.
The engineering is appropriately serious. A twin-laser transport reads discs at twice normal speed and stores the data in a buffer for improved error correction and tracking, while a balanced 2-channel 32-bit/192kHz PCM/DSD DAC handles conversion. Fixed analogue outputs are provided on both balanced XLR and RCA, with optical and coaxial digital outputs for use with an external DAC.
Add McIntosh's traditional black-glass fascia, aluminium end caps and substantial 12.7kg construction and the MCD350 feels every inch the luxury source component. If you have built up a serious physical music collection and have no intention of abandoning it, this is precisely the sort of player that makes sense.
McIntosh MCD350 SACD/CD Player
The MCD350 is a dedicated 2-channel SACD and CD player built around McIntosh's high-quality disc transport and internal 32-bit/192kHz PCM/DSD digital-to-analogue converter.
Its focus is deliberately straightforward: insert a disc, extract its data as accurately as possible and deliver the result through high-quality balanced or unbalanced analogue outputs.
The MCD350 supports:
32-Bit/192kHz PCM and DSD DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled internally by a balanced 2-channel, 32-bit/192kHz DAC designed for both PCM and DSD signals.
The analogue output stage provides fixed-level connections in two formats:
Balanced XLR
A fixed 4.0V RMS stereo output provides balanced connection to a suitably equipped McIntosh or third-party preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
Unbalanced RCA
A conventional fixed 2.0V RMS stereo output is provided for connection to standard line-level RCA inputs.
Output impedance is specified at 600 ohms for both balanced and unbalanced connections.
Twin-Laser Transport and 2x Read Speed
The disc transport is one of the most important parts of the MCD350. Rather than relying on a generic optical mechanism, McIntosh uses a twin-laser optical pickup with two laser units optimised for the different requirements of SACD and CD.
- SACD laser wavelength: 650nm
- CD laser wavelength: 790nm
- Transport: Twin Beam
- Disc capacity: Single disc
Discs are read at twice normal playback speed and their data is stored temporarily in buffer memory. This allows additional time for error correction and tracking before the audio data reaches the DAC.
The disc itself sits in a rigid aluminium die-cast tray, helping provide a stable platform for the optical mechanism.
Dedicated SACD and CD Performance
McIntosh publishes separate audio specifications for SACD and conventional CD playback.
SACD Playback
- Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz, +0.5/-2dB
- THD: 0.003% at 1kHz
CD Playback
- Frequency response: 4Hz to 20kHz, +/-0.5dB
- THD: 0.002% at 1kHz
Across the player, McIntosh specifies a signal-to-noise ratio better than 108dB A-weighted, dynamic range better than 100dB and channel separation better than 98dB at 1kHz.
Use the Internal DAC or Add Your Own
The MCD350 can operate either as a complete disc player through its analogue outputs or as a digital transport for compatible material.
Digital outputs comprise:
- 1 x coaxial S/PDIF
- 1 x optical TOSLINK
- Digital output capability up to 24-bit/192kHz
This allows compatible CD, MP3 and WMA playback to be sent to an external DAC, digital preamplifier or AV processor if preferred.
SACD and the Digital Outputs
SACD audio is converted internally by the MCD350 and is not available through the coaxial or optical digital outputs. To hear SACD playback, use the player's balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA analogue outputs.
A Dedicated Disc Player, Not a Digital Hub
The MCD350 is deliberately different from some of McIntosh's more feature-heavy source components. It does not include USB audio, optical or coaxial digital inputs, network streaming, Bluetooth or a headphone amplifier.
Its internal DAC is dedicated to playback from the built-in disc mechanism rather than external digital sources.
This makes the MCD350 particularly appealing for a system where SACD and CD remain important sources and streaming duties are already handled by a separate component.
MCD350 or MCD85?
The MCD350 focuses primarily on premium SACD and CD playback. The McIntosh MCD85 adds external digital inputs including USB, coaxial and optical connections, making it the more appropriate choice if you also want the disc player's DAC to handle external digital sources.
View the McIntosh MCD85 SACD/CD Player
McIntosh System Control
The MCD350 can integrate neatly with other compatible McIntosh components rather than behaving as an isolated source.
- Power Control input: allows compatible McIntosh equipment to switch the MCD350 on and off
- Power Control output: passes the control signal to another compatible component
- Data input: allows basic MCD350 functions to be controlled through a compatible McIntosh control centre
- External IR input: supports remote operation when the player is installed out of direct sight
The player also incorporates an Auto Off function which can place it into its power-saving standby mode after an extended period without playback.
Classic McIntosh Construction
The MCD350 has the traditional appearance expected of a full-size McIntosh source component, with a black-glass front panel, illuminated McIntosh logo, aluminium end caps and a substantial chassis.
The rigid aluminium die-cast disc tray extends from the centre of the fascia, while clear front-panel controls provide direct access to the principal playback functions.
- Width: 44.45cm
- Height: 15.24cm
- Depth: 48.3cm including front panel, knobs and cables
- Weight: 12.7kg
- Shipping weight: 19.2kg
When the disc tray is fully open, McIntosh specifies that an additional 17.2cm of front clearance is required, something worth considering if the player is being installed behind cabinet doors.
UK Power Specification
The UK-market MCD350 is configured for 230V AC, 50/60Hz operation and consumes 35 watts when powered on.
Standby consumption is less than 0.5W. As with any imported high-value component, the voltage stated on the rear panel should always be checked before connection to the mains.
Key Features
- 2-channel SACD/CD player
- Current McIntosh disc player
- CD playback
- SACD playback
- MP3 playback
- WMA playback
- 2-channel 32-bit/192kHz PCM/DSD DAC
- Balanced analogue output
- Unbalanced analogue output
- 4V balanced output
- 2V unbalanced output
- Coaxial digital output
- Optical digital output
- Digital output up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Twin Beam laser mechanism
- Separate SACD and CD laser wavelengths
- 2x disc read speed
- Buffer memory
- Error-correction processing
- Rigid aluminium die-cast disc tray
- Better than 108dB signal-to-noise ratio
- Better than 100dB dynamic range
- Better than 98dB channel separation
- Power Control input
- Power Control output
- McIntosh Data input
- External IR input
- Auto Off functionality
- Black-glass front panel
- Illuminated McIntosh logo
- Aluminium end caps
- UK 230V configuration
- Three-year limited manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the McIntosh MCD350 play SACDs?
Yes. The MCD350 is a dedicated 2-channel SACD and CD player.
Does it have a built-in DAC?
Yes. It uses a balanced 2-channel, 32-bit/192kHz PCM/DSD digital-to-analogue converter.
Does the MCD350 have balanced outputs?
Yes. A fixed stereo balanced XLR output is provided at 4V RMS, alongside a 2V RMS unbalanced RCA output.
Can I use the MCD350 with an external DAC?
Yes. Coaxial and optical digital outputs are provided for compatible digital audio from CD, MP3 and WMA playback.
Can SACD audio be sent to an external DAC?
Not through the MCD350's coaxial or optical outputs. SACD audio is converted internally and should be taken from the balanced or unbalanced analogue outputs.
Does it have digital inputs?
No. The MCD350's DAC is dedicated to its internal disc transport. There are no USB, optical or coaxial digital inputs.
Does the MCD350 stream music?
No. It is a dedicated physical-disc player with no network streaming or Bluetooth functionality.
What is the benefit of the twin-laser mechanism?
The MCD350 uses separate laser wavelengths optimised for SACD and CD playback rather than relying on a single laser design for both disc formats.
Why does it read discs at twice normal speed?
McIntosh reads the disc at 2x speed so data can be stored in buffer memory, providing additional opportunity for error correction and tracking before playback.
Does the MCD350 have a variable output?
No. Its balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs are fixed level, so volume is controlled by the connected preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
Does it have a headphone output?
No. A separate headphone amplifier or a suitably equipped amplifier or preamplifier is required.
Can it be controlled with other McIntosh equipment?
Yes. Power Control and Data connections allow integration with compatible McIntosh components, while an external IR input is also provided.
What are the dimensions?
The MCD350 measures 44.45cm wide, 15.24cm high and 48.3cm deep including the front panel, knobs and rear cables.
How much does it weigh?
The player weighs 12.7kg before packaging.
Is this the UK version?
Yes. Audio T supplies the UK-market MCD350, configured for 230V AC, 50/60Hz operation.
What warranty does the MCD350 have?
McIntosh provides a three-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Related McIntosh Products
Why Buy McIntosh From Audio T?
A source component of this calibre deserves to be heard in the context of the complete system. Audio T can demonstrate the MCD350 through suitable McIntosh and third-party amplification, compare its balanced and unbalanced outputs and help you decide whether its dedicated disc-player approach or a more flexible digital source best suits your system.
- McIntosh system demonstrations
- SACD and CD demonstrations
- Balanced and unbalanced connection advice
- External DAC comparisons
- Amplifier and preamplifier matching
- Digital source guidance
- Installation advice
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a McIntosh MCD350 demonstration or discuss the right source component for your system.