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.
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.