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SACD Player/Transport Choices

I am planning to acquire a McIntosh MCT500 to go with my C53 (proprietary MCT connection).  But I am wondering if there are other good SACD transport choices that will send a true DSD stream to an external DAC on a non-proprietary basis, either through USB or I2S.  I’m trying to research this, but it’s difficult to find definitive answers regarding the actual digital stream from SACD - often I discover that the stream is converted to PCM.  I do know PSAudio has a scheme similar to McIntosh.

I realize simply purchasing DSD and streaming from an SSD is probably more practical these days.  But I am sort of fixated on a physical disc player.  Budget-wise, most interested in transports around or below that of the MCT500 (~$5K). Thanks for your thoughts and advice.

mattsca
upstateaudiophile
43 posts
 

I went from DSD, streaming etc back to CD/SACD MCT500/MA8950 because I find the sound quality better on the MCT500. AB blind testing on the MCT500 between optical and MCT cable clearly showes the MCT cable is best to me. 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,787 posts
 

I got some answers here

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/sacd-players-models-with-dsd-processor-used-and-new-not-dsd-conver?highlight=sacd%2Bpcm

also, I searched, learned bit by bit, and chose Sony XA5400ES, 

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/sony-sacd-player-scd-xa5400es-yay-or-nay/post?highlight=sony%2B5400&postid=2315429#2315429

jallan's avatar
jallan
339 posts
 

I have a Sony 5400ES, and my streaming setup is much superior sounding (Quboz/N200/Yggdrasil). Bypassing the Sony’s internal DAC greatly improves performance, but the streaming is still better. My two cents.

gimmer
27 posts
 

I ordered the Onix that @milpai referenced earlier this week primarily due to the I2S output and the fact that it is a top loader.  I have a large SACD collection and liked the idea of being able to use an external DAC rather than whatever chipset is included in a player.  

 

hifipassion
18 posts
 

Where can you order the Onix Zenith XST20 SACD transport and what is the price and shipping cost?  Is this unit now shipping or is it in preorder status?

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