McIntosh
McIntosh MQ112 Environmental Equalizer
Best analog equalizer for audiophiles perfecting their room's acoustic balance.
Take command of your audio environment with the McIntosh MQ112 Environmental Equalizer. This analog stereo equalizer is engineered to correct acoustic imperfections in your listening space, allowing precise adjustments across 8 key frequency bands from 25 Hz to 10 kHz, with up to ±12dB of control per band. Fine-tune your sound further with the TILT knob for a ±6dB tonal balance shift. Featuring both balanced and unbalanced connectivity, it seamlessly integrates into your existing McIntosh system or other amplifiers with removable jumpers. Experience enhanced audio clarity and sonic customization with classic McIntosh design.
$3500.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
49
/ 69
#49 in Equalizers
Price vs Category Average
+26%
Above average
Equalizer Type
Analog
/ Analog
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking precise control over difficult room acoustics
- McIntosh owners wanting seamless integration into high-end audio chains
- Collectors valuing iconic design and long-term component reliability
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners preferring affordable digital room correction solutions
- Novice users intimidated by complex manual acoustic calibration
- Modern listeners requiring advanced automated digital signal processing features
Performance breakdown
Acoustic Correction Precision
Eight frequency bands provide surgical control over difficult room acoustics.
Tonal Balance Control
The dedicated tilt knob offers seamless shifts in overall sonic character.
Connectivity Versatility
Balanced and unbalanced inputs ensure effortless integration into any high-end system.
Signal Integrity
Low-noise circuitry maintains absolute transparency for your high-fidelity audio signal.
Build Quality
Classic McIntosh construction delivers professional-grade durability and timeless aesthetic appeal.
Ease of Calibration
Tactile rotary knobs make manual adjustments intuitive and highly responsive.
Key Specs
Equalizer Type
Analog
Number of Channels
2
Bands per Channel
8
Input Connector Type
XLR, RCA
Output Connector Type
XLR, RCA
Rack Mountable
No
Max Frequency Response
100 kHz
Max Gain Range per Band
±12 dB
Features
- 8-band analog equalization for precise sound tuning
- ±12dB adjustment per band for detailed correction
- TILT knob for subtle tonal balance adjustments
- EQ IN/OUT for easy A/B comparison
- Versatile balanced and unbalanced connectivity
- Additional outputs for zone 2 or bi-amping
- Classic McIntosh aesthetic
- Low noise and minimal distortion circuitry
What customers say
Reviewers consistently praise the McIntosh MQ112 for its analog purity and exceptional build quality, viewing it as essential for optimizing sound. Users value its ability to correct room acoustic issues without introducing digital artifacts common in DSP systems. The unit allows for precise, subtle sonic adjustments that significantly enhance clarity and soundstage depth. While the initial setup requires careful calibration, the resulting performance is deemed flawless. Serious audiophiles agree that the profound sonic improvements justify the premium investment, transforming good audio systems into truly exceptional ones. Its classic McIntosh aesthetic further deepens user satisfaction, cementing its status as a high-performance component for achieving acoustic perfection.
Know before you buy
The MQ112 is a pure analog device, meaning it processes your audio signal without converting it to digital. This provides a tactile, real-time way to adjust your sound signature without the latency or potential artifacts sometimes associated with digital signal processing.
Yes, the MQ112 is compatible with any high-quality audio system. It features both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs and outputs, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into most preamplifier and power amplifier setups.
The TILT knob provides a subtle, global tonal shift that pivots the entire frequency spectrum, making the sound either warmer or brighter. While the 8-band sliders allow for surgical correction of specific frequencies, the TILT control is designed for quick, overall adjustments to match your personal preference or the recording's character.
Yes, the front panel features an EQ IN/OUT switch. This allows you to instantly bypass the equalization circuitry, making it easy to compare your tuned sound against the original, unprocessed source.
Absolutely. The MQ112 includes two sets of outputs, which can be used to drive a second amplifier for a separate room or to facilitate bi-amping your main speakers, provided your speakers support that configuration.
The MQ112 is engineered with high-performance, low-noise circuitry designed to maintain signal integrity. When set to flat, it maintains a frequency response of +0, -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring your audio remains transparent.
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