McIntosh MSD4 Preamplifier (HT) Review by Ruben

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Model:	MSD4
Category:	Preamplifier (HT)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2800
Description:	Surround Processor
Manufacturer URL:	McIntosh

Review by Ruben on May 24, 2001 at 18:37:34
IP Address: 207.181.250.157

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for the MSD4

I got this decoder over a year ago. It was an inexpensive solution to get a high end preamp McIntosh to decode DD & DTS. I hooked my Sony SCD777ES, a Mac amp the 7205 to B&W 802 Matrix S3 speakers.
It has a analog in and out that makes wonders. That is the way I listen to my SACD's. The decoding function works very well to. Compare with other decoders sounds so much better.
The problem is the lack of flexibility. If you have need for more than a couple components then you need something like the MX130 or the MX132. But the 132 is going to pull you back $7000.

Product Weakness: lack of flexibility
Product Strengths: Sound, both as decoder or analog, looks beatiful

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	McIntosh 7205
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	MSD4
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony SCD777ES
Speakers:	B&W 802 Matrix S3
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, Rock, World
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 14 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	none
Time Period/Length of Audition:	one year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	none
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	Home

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Product Weakness:	lack of flexibility
Product Strengths:	Sound, both as decoder or analog, looks beatiful