Magnat MCD850 SACD/CD Player

The MCD 850 is a CD player with Super Audio CD mechanism, a tube output stage and a sophisticated power supply. 

The outward appearance impresses with its clean and elegant front panel. The controls, the display and the CD/SACD drawer have been arranged in such a way as to create a highly sophisticated appearance while simultaneously allowing simple & intuitive operation. The 16-digit alpha-numeric display provides users with all the information they might require. As with the MA 800, its luminance may be adjusted in three levels or the display may be switched off entirely.

The technical design is based focuses completely on the need for maximum performance. The entire audio section, including the power supply, has been fitted on a single circuit board. The mechanism and micro-controller's power supply has been fitted on a second separate circuit board. This prevents the sensitive digital to analogue converters and subsequent amplification stages from suffering any adverse effects.

A precision mechanism with Sanyo laser unit has been employed as the drive. It is additionally screened from external interference by a metal cover. The smooth-running and vibration immunity of this mechanism are truly excellent. The data stream generated is transformed into an analogue signal by the latest generation Burr Brown D/A converter which retains the full dynamic potential of SACD. The dual mono filter stage is fitted with exceptionally low noise operational amplifiers and thus guarantees a wide and linear frequency range far in excess of 40 kHz.

The sonic highlight of this unusual SACD player is the tube output stage. A selected low-noise CC88 double triode has been employed in each channel. This circuit guarantees exceptionally linear and low-distortion signal transmission. As with all Magnat tube systems, the MCD 850 only uses burnt-in and selected tubes manufactured in Russia. These are coupled to the outside world via two high-quality, gold plated, RCA sockets. The audio signal for the separate headphone amplifier is taken before it reaches the tube stage. The volume may be easily adjusted with the remote control while the output level at the RCA sockets remains unchanged. Two digital outputs (optical and coaxial) are available for digital storage media. The two separate power supplies are fed by an R-core transformer with good regulation and minimal radiated stray fields. The MA 850 also has a stand-by facility to save energy when not in use.

An elegant remote control is supplied with the two systems so that all functions on the MA 800 and MCD 850 may be readily controlled from the listening position. It has been made from aluminium and is characterized by its ease of use. This remote control may also be used to adjust the volume and mute functions on the Magnat RV1 tube-operated full amplifier. Intuitive operation, a precise design tilising the finest materials and performance to satisfy any audiophile characterize both components and guarantee the ultimate listening pleasure.

Features

• High-quality SACD drive with Sanyo pick-up
• Dual mono construction tube pre-amplifier equipped with two ECC88 double triodes
• Carefully selected and ‘burnt-in’ (60 hours) tubes from Russia
• Burr-Brown digital/analogue converter
• Sophisticated power supply with R-core transformer
• Separate standby mode for minimal energy consumption when not in use
• High-quality RCA output connectors
• Digital outputs (optical and coaxial)
• Headphone output with remote-controlled volume adjustment
• Clear legible dot matrix display that can be switched off and dimmed
• Substantial chassis with machined eight millimetre thick aluminium front panel
• High-grade controls made of solid machined aluminium
• Elegant metal system remote for controlling all functions

Specifications

* Specifications subject to change without notice