WHO, in this time and age, would want a transport-only player? McIntosh Labs obviously believes there still is a market for this, albeit in the high-end sector, which is why the company has launched the MCT450.
This one will play CD, CD-R, CD-RW (with MP3 and WMA files) and, wait for it, SACD. It can be paired with any McIntosh product that has digital inputs… or, we’re certain, any such product from other manufacturers.
The MCT450 has digital balanced, coaxial, optical and DIN outputs, taking care of the connectivity options. And with SACDs, the DIN can be output to other McIntosh products with a matching input for purer sound quality.
According to the literature, “a twin laser optical pickup assures optimal disc reading while 2x read speed provides better reading of damaged CDs and CD-R/RWs.”
The tray is made from die cast aluminum, and the whole unit is built into the classic McIntosh housing that features a polished stainless steel chassis, black glass front panel and brushed aluminum end caps.
If you must have a CD transport that will bulldoze its way through the years, this is obviously the one to get… there’s no built-in redundancy here.
