Audio T Verdict
The MCD85 is much more than a beautifully made SACD/CD player. Alongside its disc transport sits a serious Quad Balanced DAC with USB, coaxial and optical inputs, allowing it to become the digital centre of a high-end McIntosh system.
The open polished chassis, black-glass fascia and die-cast aluminium side badges give it the same distinctive appearance as the C8 preamplifier and MC830 monoblocks, while underneath is a twin-laser transport, 2x disc-reading system, buffer memory and an eight-channel 32-bit DAC.
For anyone who still enjoys physical media but also wants to connect a computer, streamer or digital transport, the MCD85 neatly bridges both worlds without trying to become a network streamer itself.
McIntosh MCD85 SACD/CD Player
The MCD85 is a two-channel SACD/CD player and digital-to-analogue converter designed around McIntosh's compact open-chassis aesthetic.
It plays commercially produced SACDs and CDs, CD-R/RW discs and DVD-R data discs, while compatible music files stored on data discs include AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA and DSD.
Unlike a conventional CD player, the MCD85 also provides five external digital inputs, allowing its internal DAC to be used with other digital sources.
Quad Balanced 8-Channel 32-Bit DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an eight-channel, 32-bit PCM/DSD DAC operating in McIntosh's Quad Balanced configuration.
Four DAC channels are dedicated to the left audio channel and four to the right. The converted signal is then available through fixed balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs.
Balanced Output
- Connection: Stereo XLR
- Output level: 4.0V RMS
- Output impedance: 100 ohms
Unbalanced Output
- Connection: Stereo RCA
- Output level: 2.0V RMS
- Output impedance: 100 ohms
Both outputs are fixed level, so volume control is handled by the connected preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
SACD, CD and High-Resolution Data Discs
Alongside conventional SACD and CD playback, the MCD85 can read compatible audio files from CD and DVD data discs.
- WAV: up to 24-bit/192kHz
- AIFF: up to 24-bit/192kHz
- FLAC: up to 24-bit/192kHz
- ALAC: supported
- AAC: supported
- MP3: supported
- WMA: supported
- DSD: up to DSD128 from compatible data discs
The MCD85 is a two-channel player. It can read compatible SACD discs but does not provide multichannel analogue playback.
Five Digital Inputs
The built-in DAC can also process music from external digital sources, giving the MCD85 considerably greater flexibility than a conventional disc player.
- 2 x coaxial S/PDIF inputs
- 2 x optical TOSLINK inputs
- 1 x USB Type-B audio input
The coaxial and optical inputs accept PCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz, making them suitable for CD transports, streamers, televisions and other compatible digital components.
The USB connection allows direct playback from a computer or compatible digital source and supports native DSD and DoP up to DSD256, together with DXD up to 384kHz.
A Disc Player and External DAC
This is one of the main differences between the MCD85 and a simpler dedicated disc player. A streamer or computer can connect directly to the MCD85's digital inputs and use its Quad Balanced DAC, reducing the need for a separate digital-to-analogue converter.
Twin-Laser Transport and 2x Read Speed
The MCD85 uses a twin-laser optical pickup with a single objective lens and separate laser units optimised for SACD and CD media.
- SACD laser wavelength: 650nm
- CD laser wavelength: 790nm
- Disc capacity: Single disc
- Read system: 2x speed with buffer memory
Discs are read at a higher speed than normal playback and their data is stored temporarily in buffer memory. This gives the transport additional opportunity for error correction and accurate tracking before playback.
A sturdy die-cast disc tray with a specially shaped front edge complements the angled chassis design while providing smooth disc loading.
No Digital Outputs
It is important to distinguish the MCD85 from a dedicated CD transport. McIntosh does not provide coaxial, optical, XLR or MCT digital outputs on the MCD85.
Its digital connections are inputs for external sources. Disc playback is converted by the internal DAC and sent through the fixed analogue XLR or RCA outputs.
Planning to Use an External DAC?
The MCD85 cannot send its disc signal digitally to an external DAC. If you specifically require a digital disc transport, consider a dedicated transport such as the McIntosh MCT500 instead.
Audio Performance
McIntosh specifies the following performance for the current MCD85:
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz +/-0.5dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: Better than 100dB A-weighted
- Dynamic range: Better than 96dB
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.02% at 1kHz
- Channel separation: Better than 85dB at 1kHz
Designed for a Complete McIntosh System
The MCD85 was styled to complement McIntosh products including the C8 vacuum tube preamplifier and MC830 monoblock power amplifier.
Power Control connections allow compatible McIntosh components to switch the MCD85 on and off as part of the complete system, while a rear Data input and external IR connection provide additional control integration.
The MCD85 also includes selectable Auto Off, which can place the unit into standby after approximately 30 minutes without audio or user activity.
Polished Open-Chassis Construction
The MCD85 deliberately moves away from the traditional full-width enclosed CD-player design. The front, top and rear of the chassis are polished to a mirror finish, with die-cast aluminium McIntosh badges fitted to each side.
A black-glass front panel uses direct LED illumination, silver trim, an illuminated McIntosh logo and rotary controls, while the narrower chassis makes the MCD85 a natural visual match for the C8 and MC830.
- Width: 30.9cm
- Height: 19.7cm
- Depth: 41.3cm
- Weight: 9.3kg
- Shipping weight: 12.5kg
UK Power Specification
The UK-market MCD85 is factory configured for 230V AC, 50/60Hz operation and consumes 35 watts when powered.
Standby consumption is below 0.5W. McIntosh states that mains-voltage conversion cannot be performed in the field, so the voltage marked on the rear panel should always be checked before connection.
Key Features
- 2-channel SACD/CD player
- Current McIntosh model
- Commercial SACD and CD playback
- CD-R/RW playback
- DVD-R data-disc playback
- DSD128 from compatible data discs
- WAV up to 24-bit/192kHz
- FLAC up to 24-bit/192kHz
- AIFF support
- ALAC support
- AAC, MP3 and WMA support
- Quad Balanced 8-channel DAC
- 32-bit PCM/DSD conversion
- 4 DAC channels per stereo channel
- 2 x coaxial digital inputs
- 2 x optical digital inputs
- USB Type-B audio input
- Coaxial and optical up to 24-bit/192kHz
- USB DSD up to DSD256
- DXD up to 384kHz
- Balanced fixed XLR output
- Unbalanced fixed RCA output
- 4V balanced output
- 2V unbalanced output
- Twin Beam laser mechanism
- 2x disc read speed
- Buffer memory
- Die-cast disc tray
- Power Control input and output
- Rear Data input
- External IR input
- Auto Off
- Black-glass front panel
- Mirror-finished chassis
- Die-cast aluminium side badges
- UK 230V factory configuration
- Three-year limited manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the McIntosh MCD85 play SACDs?
Yes. The MCD85 is a two-channel SACD/CD player and can also play compatible CD-R/RW and DVD-R data discs.
Can the MCD85 be used as a DAC?
Yes. Two coaxial, two optical and one USB Type-B input allow external digital sources to use its Quad Balanced DAC.
Does USB support DSD?
Yes. McIntosh specifies native DSD and DoP support up to DSD256, together with DXD up to 384kHz.
Does it have balanced analogue outputs?
Yes. A fixed stereo XLR output is provided at 4V RMS, alongside a fixed 2V RCA output.
Can I connect the MCD85 to an external DAC?
Not for disc playback. The MCD85 has digital inputs but no coaxial, optical, XLR or MCT digital outputs.
Does the MCD85 stream music?
It does not contain a network-streaming platform. A computer or external streamer can, however, connect to one of its digital inputs and use the MCD85's internal DAC.
What is the benefit of the 2x disc-reading system?
The disc is read faster than normal playback speed so data can be buffered, giving the transport additional opportunity for error correction and tracking.
Which McIntosh products visually match the MCD85?
The C8 vacuum tube preamplifier and MC830 monoblock power amplifier share its compact polished open-chassis styling.
Is this the correct UK version?
Yes. Audio T supplies the UK-market product. McIntosh specifies a factory-configured 230V AC, 50/60Hz version, with field mains-voltage conversion not possible.
What warranty does the MCD85 have?
McIntosh provides a three-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Related McIntosh Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy McIntosh From Audio T?
The MCD85 can operate as both a premium physical-media player and the DAC for other digital sources, so it is worth considering how it will fit into the complete system. Audio T can demonstrate its disc playback, compare balanced and unbalanced connections and help determine whether its digital inputs can simplify your existing setup.
- McIntosh system demonstrations
- SACD and CD demonstrations
- C8 and MC830 system matching
- Balanced and unbalanced connection advice
- Streamer and digital-source matching
- USB audio setup
- External DAC comparisons
- Power Control integration
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a McIntosh MCD85 demonstration or discuss the right digital source for your system.