I am currently listening to the MCD 500 and the Linn Akurate in my system (Audio Research electronics/Acoustat 1+1, Velodyne ULD-18 sub). Had both about a week. Initial impression: The Linn is much more musical than the Mac. I currently own a Musical Fidelity Tri Vista SACD and find that it and the Linn sound very similar.
The Mac is very detailed but also a bit edgy, or bright. Listening fatigue sets in early.Tried Richard Gray and Kubala/Sosna Emotion power cords...both smoothed things out a bit with the Mac but made no difference with the Linn.
In blind listening tests with two other audiophiles, playing ten tracks from eight different CDs, the Linn was preferred eight out of ten times over the Mac.One listener has owned Mac for ten years, currently has an all Mac system but recently sold his MCD-201 and purchased the Linn Akurate.
Just my thoughts..your mileage may vary.
The Mac is very detailed but also a bit edgy, or bright. Listening fatigue sets in early.Tried Richard Gray and Kubala/Sosna Emotion power cords...both smoothed things out a bit with the Mac but made no difference with the Linn.
In blind listening tests with two other audiophiles, playing ten tracks from eight different CDs, the Linn was preferred eight out of ten times over the Mac.One listener has owned Mac for ten years, currently has an all Mac system but recently sold his MCD-201 and purchased the Linn Akurate.
Just my thoughts..your mileage may vary.