McIntosh MCD85 SACD/CD Player

The McIntosh MCD85 is a distinctive entry point into McIntosh disc playback — a compact narrow-chassis SACD/CD player that also functions as a full USB DAC for external computer or streamer sources. It shares the same premium 8-channel 32-bit PCM/DSD Quad Balanced DAC architecture as the MCD600 (four DAC channels per audio channel for a very low noise floor), delivered in a chassis roughly a third narrower than the standard McIntosh footprint at just over 12 inches wide.

The digital-input side is what separates the MCD85 from the MCD350. Two coax and two optical digital inputs accept PCM signals up to 192 kHz. A USB Type B input accepts up to DSD256 and DXD 384 kHz from computer audio sources — meaning the MCD85 can serve as the DAC for a computer-based Roon core, an Aurender streamer, or any streaming device that outputs USB audio. Fixed balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs connect to any McIntosh preamp or integrated amp with a line-level input.

Playback covers SACD, CD, CD-R/RW, and DVD-R data discs with AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV, and WMA file support. Twin laser optical pickup with format-optimized laser units. 2x read speed with buffer memory. Precision die-cast aluminum tray with beveled nose that matches the sloped chassis angle.

The narrow-chassis form factor matches the MHA150 headphone amplifier, MB50 streamer, and other McIntosh narrow-chassis components — useful when floor space or rack width is a design constraint. Pairs naturally with McIntosh integrated amps or preamp/amp separates. Available at LMC — walk in during business hours or book ahead.