Mcintosh MCD-500 vs Esoteric X-05

I have a McIntosh. Had a Meridian. Get the Meridian it is the best at any model price point

Esoteric X-05 hands down. I had sold the McIntosh MCD500 and bought the Esoteric X-05 once I compared them at home.

McIntosh has great products and really standout with there amplifiers.

Esoteric is one of the leaders in designing digital gear.

Esoteric X-05 is probably the best bargain in High End Audio SACD/CD players.

I own the Mac MCD-500, I purchased it after spending time with the X-05 and the Ayre, and I also auditioned the Audio Research CD7.

The MCD-500, in my opinion, has more flesh to it, it's more "real" sounding then the other players.

I should also include that I had 3 weeks with the Marantz SA7S1, and I preferred the Mac to that player as well.

CD/SACD players are like everything else, they are system dependent, some systems will benefit from certain qualities and others will not.

I can't imagine anyone not being happy with the MCD-500.

I will include however, if I were doing this again I would purchase the Luxman D-06 without hesitation.

Good Luck.