Description

The McIntosh MP100 represents the legendary American brand's first foray into dedicated phono preamplifiers, offering vinyl enthusiasts a sonic experience that combines over 75 years of audio excellence with the most advanced analog playback technologies. This premium phono preamplifier appeals to both vinyl newbies and seasoned audiophiles, delivering reference-level performance and the signature McIntosh musicality that has captivated generations of music lovers.

The MP100 integrates an extremely versatile phono amplifier system with proprietary McIntosh circuitry optimized to extract every detail from analog recordings. The input section offers dedicated adjustments for moving coil and moving magnet cartridges with 6 load settings each, allowing perfect matching with any cartridge-tonearm combination. The ultra-low-noise amplification circuit achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 80dB for moving coil and 78dB for moving magnet, while total harmonic distortion remains within 0.005% across the entire 20Hz-20kHz audio frequency range. The flat ±0.3dB frequency response ensures faithful and natural reproduction of any musical genre.

This phono preamplifier transforms any stereo or home theater system into an audiophile-grade vinyl playback system. Jazz enthusiasts will appreciate the MP100's ability to capture the intimacy of acoustic ensembles, while rock lovers will experience explosive dynamics and total control over the most challenging frequencies. The dedicated Mono switch enhances historic mono recordings, while balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs ensure seamless integration with any listening setup. The USB digitization function allows you to convert your vinyl collection into high-resolution digital files, preserving your most precious analog treasures forever.

The MP100 integrates seamlessly into the McIntosh ecosystem thanks to its size-matched fit with the MXA70 and MB50, allowing you to build a complete system with a cohesive aesthetic. Setup is quick and easy thanks to clearly labeled connections and intuitive adjustments, while coaxial and optical digital outputs offer maximum flexibility for recording and processing. Universal compatibility with all cartridge types eliminates the need for future upgrades, making the MP100 a long-term investment for any analog playback enthusiast.

The construction reflects McIntosh's unparalleled craftsmanship, with a solid steel chassis, silkscreened glass front panel, and the distinctive blue VU meter illumination that makes every product from the Binghamton brand instantly recognizable. Every internal component is selected to ensure decades of reliability and consistent performance, backed by the exclusive McIntosh warranty and a worldwide network of authorized dealers. The brand's heritage, synonymous with audio excellence since 1949, materializes in this preamplifier, bringing McIntosh's signature sound to the beating heart of every analog system.

Specifications

Stadio phono	MM+MC
Phono load impedance	MC: 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 1000Ω + 470pF; MM: 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400pF + 47KΩ
Rapporto S/N	80dB (MM), 78dB (MC)
Frequency response	±0.3 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Dimensions (WxHxD)	292 x 149 x 425 mm
Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.005%
Analog inputs	1 adjustable Moving Coil input (6 load settings), 1 adjustable Moving Magnet input (6 load settings)
Weight	3.9 kg
Digital outputs	1 coaxial digital output, 1 optical digital output, 1 USB output for vinyl digitization
Trim	Steel chassis with silkscreened glass front panel
country of origin	USA

About the brand

McIntosh is an American hi-fi icon, founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh in Binghamton, New York. The brand positions itself in the luxury segment of the hi-fi market, representing excellence in audio electronics for discerning audiophiles who accept no compromises on the sound quality and aesthetics of their stereo systems.

The McIntosh story begins with a technological revolution: Frank McIntosh developed the first amplifier with Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers, a solution that eliminated the distortion typical of amplifiers of the time. This innovative philosophy has guided the company for over seventy years, cementing McIntosh's reputation as synonymous with excellence in high fidelity. The American brand has always pursued sonic perfection through a rigorous engineering approach, combining advanced proprietary technologies with an unmistakable design characterized by the legendary illuminated blue glass front panels and distinctive analog metering. The McIntosh corporate philosophy is based on three fundamental pillars: constant technological innovation, uncompromising build quality, and iconic design that makes each product instantly recognizable. Each component is designed and assembled in the United States following extreme quality standards, with particular attention to material selection and artisanal manufacturing processes that guarantee superior performance and long-lasting durability.

McIntosh's distinctive technologies are at the heart of the company's research. The Unity Coupled Circuit remains one of its most important innovations, allowing for a perfectly linear frequency response and virtually zero harmonic distortion. McIntosh output transformers are entirely handcrafted using ultra-pure copper wire and select magnetic cores, ensuring optimal power transfer and natural sound coloration. McIntosh's exclusive Autoformer technology ensures perfect impedance matching for any load, allowing McIntosh amplifiers to effectively drive any type of floorstanding or bookshelf speaker. Power Guard is a proprietary system that prevents clipping by simultaneously protecting amplifiers and speakers, while Sentry Monitor technology constantly monitors operating parameters and automatically intervenes in the event of anomalies.

The McIntosh product range covers every category of high fidelity, with a precise classification ranging from digital and analog sources to the most powerful power amplifiers on the market. The MA Series transistor integrated amplifiers represent the perfect balance between power and refinement, while the MA-V and MC Series tube integrated amplifiers offer the magic of tube sound with modern reliability. McIntosh pre- and power amplifiers are the ultimate solution for reference stereo systems, allowing for a modular configuration that can be customized to meet specific needs. The McIntosh turntable category offers complete solutions with matching tonearms and cartridges, while the CD/SACD/DVD players integrate the most advanced digital-to-analog conversion technologies for music reproduction faithful to the original artistic intentions.

McIntosh product series are distinguished by specific technical features and differentiated market targets. The MA Series includes integrated amplifiers from 50 to 350 watts per channel, all equipped with Autoformer technology and compatible with any load impedance. The MC Series power amplifiers reach power up to 1200 watts per channel, ideal for driving large floorstanding speakers or complex multichannel configurations. The C Series includes reference preamplifiers with dedicated MM/MC phono stages for high-end turntables, while the MCD Series offers digital players with proprietary 32-bit converters. The McIntosh source line also includes music servers and network streamers for listening to high-resolution files, always maintaining the quality standards that characterize the American brand.

McIntosh has received numerous accolades from the international audio press, with awards from prestigious publications such as Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, Hi-Fi News, and What Hi-Fi. McIntosh amplifiers are regularly ranked among the best hi-fi products, receiving excellent ratings for sound quality, construction, and design. Expert reviewers particularly appreciate the ability of McIntosh electronics to combine exceptional technical performance with unique emotional engagement, a characteristic that distinguishes the best high-fidelity components. Comparative tests consistently highlight the superior dynamics, three-dimensional spatiality, and natural tonal quality of stereo systems based on McIntosh electronics.

McIntosh's audiophile target audience includes music enthusiasts who seek absolute sonic excellence and are willing to invest in superior components. The price range is in the premium-luxury segment, with transistor integrated amplifiers starting at €6.000 up to pre-power systems exceeding €50.000. This pricing policy reflects the craftsmanship, proprietary technologies, and ongoing research that characterize every McIntosh product, making them lasting investments for discerning audiophiles.

McIntosh's Italian distribution is entrusted to selected specialized dealers who guarantee qualified advice and professional technical assistance. After-sales service includes specialized technical support, original spare parts, and preventative maintenance to maintain optimal performance over time. The Italian distribution network ensures national coverage with dedicated showrooms where you can try McIntosh products in optimized reference configurations.

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