Musical Fidelity M6SCD vs Technics SL-G700M2

I have no opinion on the Musical Fidelity vs the Technics, but you really do need to dump the laptop and get a quality streamer such as Aurender or Innuos.

"I have a balanced hi-fi, so require the XLR connects and USB/DAC."

You require balanced components, not XLR connectors. The components themselves have to be balanced. If both pieces are balanced, XLR is typically the most common type of connector used for balanced operation. But any connector that supports at least 3 conductors will do. Even if the components are labeled balanced, unfortunately you still have to check. If you don't know how to tell, start by looking at the manual for both pieces. Components that are really balanced should list 2 sets of specs. (One set for balanced and one for single ended). If you don't see 2 sets of specs, its a red flag. What happens with most people that mix the 2 is it will still work in most cases, however, only 2 of the 3 pins are used. When that happens, its exactly the same as using RCA cables.

As for the players, both should be good options. If the choice was mine, I would get the Musical Fidelity. I just don't have much trust in the big electronics manufacturers. MF has been making consistent digital products for the lase 40 years or so. They usually rank as well as anything else you can buy for the same money. All of the sudden, CD's and cassettes are making a bit of a comeback, so now you see companies releasing new products. MF never left the market, so they don't have to get back in. That said, if I had a chance to listen to both units, I would buy the one that I thought sounded better. If I couldn't get a demo, then the MF would be my choice. 

@052rc thanks for your insight and explanation. I'm just a hi-fi enthusiast, so I haven't dug deep, I know I should learn more. 

The MF seems like a good choice in that price range.

In my earlier years, I had Sansui (2000A), then Marantz (2245) receivers and Jensen XL700 speakers. 

This was in the early 70's. My car and my stereo were the most important things

to me at the time. I blew all my friends stereos away!

The Jensens were 4 way, and to my young ears, sounded great. My ex-wife stole them in the 80's. 

 Women have come and gone, but my love for quality audio reproduction remains...

I appreciate the advice. 

@tony1954, you're right. I'm done laptoppin' and am going to get an Aurender N150. Thanks for the advice. Took me a minute to face the Truth, man.

The reviews on the Technics SL-G700 M2 as a music streamer are up there with the best in regards to sound quality. It's the user interface that gets poor marks. 

All the best,
Nonoise