SACD Players


Hello,

New member here. I am looking to add an SACD player in order to play the DSD layer of SACD directly. Based on my research I have shortlisted PS Audio Direct Stream Memory player and McIntosh MCT500.

Option 1) I currently own McIntosh MA5300 which means I can use MCT500 with supplied DIN cable connected to MA5300’s DA1

Option 2) Purchase PS Audio Direct Stream Memory player and DirectStream DAC MK1 (Both discontinued)

From what I understand the memory buffering and Air Lens would make the media sound better. Whereas, I haven’t found many reviews on MCT500.

Both options would roughly cost the same. I am looking for the better sound. Which option is better? Any advice or insights would help.

Thank you,

SA

rlsammie

It looks like a FW connection with 8 pins.  As I mentioned such a connection can sound very impressive.  Both my above mentioned players sounded much better that I would have expected from AVRs and other components inputting by conventional means into the Sony and Pioneer AVRs were distinctly less vivid.  Hopefully McIntosh will continue to support such a format going forward 

Great machine.  Enjoy.   The MCT connection is the way to go if you listen to SACD 

Get the Mac. You already have Mac stuff. Stick with the stuff you know and love.

FWIW I have an OPPO 105D into a Bryston DAC3 and I hear no difference between the 2