MCINTOSH MCD 301

Second-hand. In good conditions. Shows signs of wear as in the photos. Comes with original packaging and remote control.

The McIntosh MCD301 represents a true evolution compared to its predecessor, the MCD201, maintaining the musical soul that distinguishes the brand while presenting a completely renewed design. At first glance, it impresses with its stage presence: a substantial object, finished with the usual aesthetic rigor of the Binghamton house, dominated by the backlit crystal front panel, featuring the classic two rotary controls and a build that inspires solidity and longevity. The build quality is also reflected in the mechanics, now derived from Denon but fully integrated into the McIntosh chassis via a rigid aluminum enclosure designed to ensure isolation from vibrations and interference.

This player clearly stands apart from the MCD201 thanks to a technically revamped design in every section. The new digital-to-analog conversion stage has been rethought to improve precision and musicality, while the balanced output stage, equipped with both RCA and XLR connectors, shows great attention to versatility of use. The rear panel is also rich in connections, confirming the player’s ability to integrate perfectly into high-end audio setups.

The listening experience delivers an immediately recognizable sonic signature: it’s the McIntosh sound—warm, full, never tiring—but now enriched with greater transparency, dynamics, and detail. Vocals and instruments are reproduced with realism and naturalness, without the coldness that affects some competing digital players. The midrange is smooth, articulated, and tonally accurate, with consistency that extends throughout the range down to the mid-lows. Details emerge evenly, never artificially highlighted: everything appears coherent, integrated, and elegant.

In the high-frequency range, the MCD301 never pushes the bright content of recordings forward, maintaining a balance that avoids a “spotlight” effect on cymbals or treble instruments. The sensation is of a truthful listening experience, where each frequency has its space but does not encroach on others.

When comparing CD and SACD formats, the superiority of the latter is clear: switching to the high-resolution medium transforms the player into an even more refined machine, capable of expressing the full dynamic range and harmonic information available with greater vigor and detail. Instruments gain weight, brilliance, and precision; the soundstage becomes even more lively and articulated; microcontrast reaches levels rarely achieved by digital sources; and the low range is more controlled and defined.

Technical specifications:

• Supported formats: SACD; CD; MP3; WMA (2 channels)

• Analog outputs: 2 Vrms (fixed unbalanced); 4 Vrms (fixed balanced); 6 Vrms (variable unbalanced); 12 Vrms (variable balanced)

• Frequency response: SACD 4 Hz - 40 kHz (+0.5 dB / -2 dB); CD 4 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)

• S/N ratio: 110 dB

• Dynamic range: 100 dB

• THD: SACD 0.002%; CD 0.003%

• Digital outputs (CD only): SPDIF optical TOS Link; RCA coaxial

• Pickup: Twin laser 650 nm (SACD); 790 nm (CD); class 2A / 1

• Power supply: 100-240 VAC; 50-60 Hz; 35 watts

• Dimensions: 15.24 x 44.5 x 40.32 cm

• Weight: 12.79 kg