The MP100 is the first dedicated phono preamplifier from McIntosh and is designed to help both new and experienced vinyl lovers get the most fidelity, performance and – most importantly – enjoyment from their albums.
Like all McIntosh products, the MP100 is packed with features designed specifically for the vinyl lover including: Moving Coil and Moving Magnet inputs; Moving Coil and Moving Magnet adjustable loading (6 settings each); balanced and unbalanced analog outputs; optical, coax and USB digital outputs; and a Mono switch for when playing mono records to decrease noise and play the signal correctly. For pure analog use, the digital outputs can be completely disabled and powered down.
There are many ways to integrate the MP100 into your audio system. If you’re new to vinyl and just building your system, it can become the main part of your setup. Or if you already have a system with an older preamp you don’t want to part with, the MP100 is an excellent way to add modern phono features. If you’ve got a home theater system and would like to add a turntable, the MP100 is an easy way to add full phono preamp capabilities without having to get a full-sized stereo preamp that would undoubtedly duplicate many of your home theater processor’s features.
While spinning vinyl on a turntable is a great and unique way to enjoy music, there’s no denying the convenience of having digital versions of the albums. When used with a properly configured conversion program, the MP100 can “rip” the records to a computer via USB to produce high quality digital files. The digital outputs are fixed at 24-bit/96kHz to capture the full dynamic range of a record while optimizing digital file size. If an album has a very loud section, the clipping indicator will alert you so you can lower the digital output in order to produce a distortion-free recording.
Features of McIntosh MP100
Premium Analog Performance
- Moving Coil & Moving Magnet Inputs: Supports both MC and MM cartridges with adjustable loading for optimal performance.
- Adjustable Loading: Offers six settings each for MC (25–1kΩ) and MM (47kΩ, 50–400pF) cartridges.
- Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs: Provides both balanced and unbalanced analog outputs for versatile connectivity.
- Mono Mode: Features a mono switch to reduce noise and correctly process legacy mono recordings.
Digital Capabilities
- USB Output: Allows for high-quality 24-bit/96kHz digital conversion, enabling vinyl ripping to a computer.
- Coaxial & Optical Outputs: Provides additional digital outputs for integration with modern audio systems.
- Clipping Indicator: Alerts users to potential clipping, ensuring distortion-free recordings.
Design & Build
- Compact Chassis: Slim 3″ height and 11.5″ width design, matching McIntosh’s narrow-width components.
- Solid-State Construction: Ensures durability and consistent performance.
- Analog-Only Mode: Digital outputs can be disabled for pure analog use, preserving signal integrity.
User-Centric Features
- Easy Integration: Designed to fit seamlessly into various audio systems, whether standalone or part of a larger setup.
- High-Quality Components: Built with McIntosh’s renowned craftsmanship for longevity and reliability.
- 3-Year Warranty: Offers peace of mind with a standard 3-year limited warranty.
Specifications of McIntosh MP100
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.005% |
| Frequency Response | ±0.3 dB from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz |
| Maximum Output Voltage | Balanced: 16 V RMS Unbalanced: 8 V RMS |
| Input Impedance | Moving Coil: 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 1k Ω; 470 pF Moving Magnet: 47k Ω; 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, or 400 pF |
| Phono Voltage Gain | Moving Coil: 60 dB Moving Magnet: 40 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Moving Coil: 78 dB Moving Magnet: 80 dB |
| Maximum Input Signal | Moving Coil: 8 mV Moving Magnet: 80 mV |
| Sensitivity | Moving Coil: 1 mV Moving Magnet: 10 mV |
| Rated Output | Balanced: 2 V Unbalanced: 1 V |
| Output Impedance | Balanced: 200 Ω Unbalanced: 100 Ω |
| Phono Equalization Curve | RIAA |
| Noise Filters | 0 |
| Phono Profiles | 0 |
| Connectivity | |
|---|---|
| Phono Input (Moving Coil) | 1 (adjustable) |
| Phono Input (Moving Magnet) | 1 (adjustable) |
| Phono Input (Universal) | 0 |
| Balanced Line Input | 0 |
| Unbalanced Line Input | 0 |
| Balanced Fixed Output | 1 Stereo |
| Unbalanced Fixed Output | 1 Stereo |
| Digital Coaxial Output | 1 |
| Digital Optical Output | 1 |
| Digital USB Audio Output | 1 |
| Unbalanced Analog Connector | Standard |
| Control | |
|---|---|
| Power Control Input | 1 |
| Power Control Output | 1 |
| Digital Audio Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Digital Output Sample Rate | Optical: PCM – 24-bit / 96 kHz Coaxial: PCM – 24-bit / 96 kHz USB: PCM – 24-bit / 96 kHz |
| General Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Multi-Chassis or Single | Single |
| Output Meters | No |
| Vacuum Tube or Solid State | Solid State |
| Power Consumption (On) | 8 Watts |














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