Even now, in 2018 there still is no player that has the same qualities as the Prism II. It must be specially made for 80's and 90's pop/rock/hiphop/synthesizers. Not so good for classical music because the precision and definition of the highs is just too great. So it needs a well defined recording and mastering source which classical music almost never has with it's many intruments captured by only few microphones. If the source recording has weaknesses they will be pointed out by the Prism II. But listen to Phil collins, Guns and Roses, Dire Straits or any other extensively digitally mastered music with effect drums, screaming guitars and well performed vocals and you will be astounded by the McCormack's grip on the music and the liveliness and realism of the sound you hear. The performers seem to be in the room with you. Staging is deep and wide, but not so much it gets irrealistic like many modern players do. Conclusion: With high-end amps and some great analitic vintage speakers(my setup: Proceed Pre and AMP2 on Magnat Zero 8 with Oehlbach NF214 cables) you just cannot stop listening to this machine. NB. Stereophile rated the McCormack Prism 2 slightly under the Sony CDP-X77ES back in the day. But that can only be on the basis of badly recorded source discs back then or just simply listening to the wrong music for this player..

The philips cdm 4/19 mechanism needs a fresh gearwheel and belt after 25 years of playing. And maybe the fact the machine has no power button, but that also keeps it ready to perform all the time without the need to warm up. Otherwise no weaknesses.

I've had a Prism since new and is still part of my system for playing 1st gen CD's that are under recorded/ low level output.
The Mod Squad puts out over 3 volts which makes it a Hot Rod /Millennium Falcon of a player.
I love how "home made" it looks . Everyone thought I was crazy for paying $1400 (new then!) for a moded up Magnavox , until they started listening !
! have it running with a Vacuum Tube buffer and it makes those old CD's Rocking,- Smooth . I'm Listening to The Pretenders first album as I write this and Chrissy sound like shes sitting on my lap. Buy one if you can find one. Think of it as a 78 rpm version of a CD player. It will bring life to those old formally un- listenable CD's

Midrange is very tube like. Highs are non irritating and just there....

parts are getting harder to get....

One of the best musical players around! Still after all the years of CD there are just some players, which deserve this status of becoming a cult items! This must be one of them....Very listenable player with lots of talent to entertain. The legendary Phillips 1541 DAC is super tweaked by Mr McCormack to be a classic.

Similar Products Used:

many....

Smooth well balanced sound with super mid. Good to hear and looking. Fine built.

Not in same league highs.

Some times you can get an expensive gear for low money. This is one. Though rather dated, this Philips based cd player is a joy to the ear. Smooth, well defind sound with good lows and superb mids, though excels less in the higher department. Still super fine value.

Warmth, musical, deep bass.

Not the last word in transparency.

This is an excellent cd player. Those of you familiar with McCormack products know the sound. Rich, full bodied mids is what first grabs your attention. The bass is full and deep, not as tight as a Krell, but the midrange is better. The highs are what I describe as musical, not the most transparent player I've heard, but non-fatigueing. Overall one of the best players I've ever owned. Even 10 years old there is not much out there that makes me want to go throw more money at digital. SACD is a whole new ball game. I did wind up selling the McCormack when I went into SACD, but I lived with it for 8 years very happily. Highly recommended.

Similar Products Used:

Proceed, Krell, EAD