McIntosh
McIntosh MP100 2-Channel Solid State Phono Preamplifier
Best phono preamp for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity vinyl playback.
The McIntosh MP100 is a high-performance solid-state phono preamplifier designed to elevate your vinyl listening experience. It expertly handles both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, ensuring optimal playback from your cherished records. With its advanced circuitry, the MP100 delivers a clean signal path, minimizing distortion for pure audio fidelity. This preamplifier is the ideal component for audiophiles seeking to unlock the full potential of their turntable setup and enjoy music with exceptional clarity and detail.
$10400.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
133
/ 466
#133 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
+51%
Above average
Circuitry Type
Solid State
/ Solid State
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking legendary McIntosh sound quality and build standards
- Vinyl collectors switching between multiple turntable cartridges
- Digital archivists looking to preserve vinyl collections in high resolution
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners prioritizing value over brand prestige
- Hardcore enthusiasts requiring precise gain matching for exotic cartridges
- Fans expecting the iconic blue-meter McIntosh aesthetic
Performance breakdown
Signal Purity
Ultra-low distortion ensures your vinyl records sound pristine and transparent.
Cartridge Versatility
Seamlessly switches between moving magnet and moving coil setups with ease.
Connectivity Options
Balanced XLR outputs provide a professional-grade connection to your amplifier.
Frequency Accuracy
Maintains a remarkably flat response across the entire audible spectrum.
Build Integrity
Robust solid-state construction built to last for decades of listening.
Sonic Detail
Unlocks subtle nuances and textures often missed by standard preamps.
Key Specs
Circuitry Type
Solid State
Cartridge Type Support
Moving Magnet (MM), Moving Coil (MC)
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005%
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz; +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
Output Connection Types
RCA, XLR Balanced
Number of Channels
2
Features
- Supports both MM and MC cartridges
- Clean signal path for minimal distortion
- Optimized for exceptional vinyl playback
- Solid-state circuitry for pure audio
- Enhances detail and clarity of records
What customers say
The McIntosh MP100 Phono Preamplifier is highly praised as a premium entry point into the McIntosh audio world. Customers consistently celebrate its exceptional build quality and classic design, suggesting long term reliability. Sonically, the unit delivers the signature McIntosh sound: detailed, warm, and highly resolving, offering a clear upgrade over integrated stages. Its extremely low noise floor allows subtle musical details to emerge clearly, especially with Moving Coil cartridges. A major satisfaction point is the inclusion of the USB digital output, invaluable for high resolution vinyl archival. While some note that pure sonic performance can be matched elsewhere, the flexible loading options and brand prestige fully justify the premium price for most buyers seeking a reliable, future proof phono stage.
Know before you buy
Yes, the MP100 is designed to accommodate both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, making it compatible with a wide range of turntable setups.
Yes, the MP100 features both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs, allowing you to connect it to a variety of high-end amplifiers or audio systems.
The solid-state design focuses on maintaining a clean, low-distortion signal path, which results in high clarity and precise detail retrieval from your vinyl records.
The MP100 features a very low total harmonic distortion rating of 0.005%, ensuring that the audio signal remains accurate and free from unwanted coloration.
Absolutely. It offers a frequency response of +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, ensuring that both deep bass and delicate high frequencies are reproduced faithfully.
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