McIntosh’s new MP100, the first dedicated phono preamplifier from the brand and featuring digital output for 24-bit recording of vinyl, has landed in the UK with McIntosh distributor Jordan Acoustics, at a price of £2,750. The new MP100 has been designed to get the best from vinyl collections new and old, by bringing classic McIntosh design qualities to turntable systems and high-res 24-bit recording via USB.
The MP100 features moving coil and moving magnet inputs to cover with both inputs benefitting from adjustable loading (six settings each) to optimise performance. Despite its compact dimensions, the MP100 also features both balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs, plus a ‘mono mode’ switch to decrease noise and correctly process mono signals. At 96mm high, the MP100 shares the same 292mm width chassis design as the MXA70 integrated audio system, MHA100 headphone amp and MB50 streaming audio player.
When used with suitable recording software, the MP100 can ‘rip’ vinyl to computers via USB to produce high-quality digital files. The digital outputs are fixed at 24-bit/96kHz. The MP100 also features digital output clipping protection, to prevent harsh-sounding distortion being recorded to the file during loud sections in the music. A further two digital outputs, optical and coaxial are also included for additional versatility.
