McIntosh
MP1100
Best high fidelity component for discerning audiophiles.
The McIntosh MP1100 Vacuum Tube Phono Preamplifier is designed to elevate the vinyl listening experience, extracting every nuance from your records. It features a fully balanced vacuum tube phono stage utilizing four 12AX7A tubes for exceptional clarity. With three sets of configurable phono inputs (RCA and XLR), adjustable resistance and capacitance, and support for Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, it offers extensive customization. The unit includes multiple equalization curves and specialized Rumble and Scratch filters to enhance playback. Additionally, it provides digital outputs for ripping albums to your computer, all within a dual mono, isolated channel design.
$9500.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
10
/ 895
#10 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
+38%
Above average
Who it's for
- Discerning audiophiles prioritizing ultimate sonic realism
- Vinyl enthusiasts with varied cartridge collections
- Collectors wanting to preserve their vinyl digitally
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking high-value components
- Users with compact setups or limited room
- Novice audiophiles seeking plug-and-play simplicity
Performance breakdown
Cartridge Versatility
Extensive loading options accommodate virtually any moving coil or magnet cartridge.
Signal Transparency
Delivers an exceptionally clean, noise-free path for your vinyl collection.
Build Integrity
Classic McIntosh industrial design built to last for several lifetimes.
Digital Integration
High-resolution digital outputs allow for seamless archiving of rare records.
User Interface
Intuitive front panel controls make complex adjustments feel surprisingly straightforward.
Sonic Depth
Reveals intricate textures and soundstage width hidden in your favorite pressings.
Know before you buy
The MP1100 is a dedicated, high-performance vacuum tube phono stage designed to extract significantly more detail and dynamic range from your vinyl than the basic circuits found in most integrated amplifiers. It offers superior signal-to-noise ratios and specialized circuitry that minimizes interference.
Yes, the MP1100 is fully compatible with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. It features adjustable loading settings for impedance and capacitance, allowing you to fine-tune the electrical match for almost any high-end cartridge on the market.
Yes, it features both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs. Using the balanced outputs is recommended if you have a long cable run to your amplifier, as it helps reject noise and interference for a cleaner signal path.
The MP1100 includes a high-quality analog-to-digital converter that allows you to output your vinyl signal via USB, optical, or coaxial connections. This is ideal if you want to archive your records to a computer or feed the signal into a high-end external DAC.
The vacuum tubes in the MP1100 are long-lasting and do not require frequent replacement under normal listening conditions. Like any tube-based component, they will eventually need to be swapped, but this is a straightforward process that doesn't require specialized technical skills.
Yes, the MP1100 features three sets of stereo inputs, allowing you to connect up to three different turntables or tonearms simultaneously. You can easily switch between them using the front panel controls or the included remote.
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$9500