By Our Powers Combined! The McIntosh MTI100 Turntable Integrated
Of all the products McIntosh has put out in the past few years this has really caught my attention. The classic McIntosh look embroidered onto a turntable, but wait, are those tubes? Perhaps giving a new definition to the term all-in-one for audiophiles, the newly announced MTI100 actually combines a 80 watt/channel (8 ohms) integrated amplifier with a vinyl turntable… and quite a bit more.
Something old, something new.
At first glance some might take pause at the vibration-sensitive source pushed so close to any other component, but it appears as though McIntosh has really thought the execution though. Let’s be clear though, if speakers were included within the confines of the casework (as is actually the case for some products) things would be a little different. But this just-add-speakers scenario really does safely bring a lot to the…table.
A 7 pound aluminum platter, 3/8″ piece of glass and 1/4″ metal plate all help absorb vibrations and add stability within the architecture of the unit. Spinning the disc for beautiful music involves a belt-drive platter and 2-speed pulley, with an included Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet cart providing the initial touchpoint. As one might expect, the power stage is class D and the two 12AX7 tubes power the pre. The phono section is separated and shielded for optimal performance in the small footprint.
…And the sink.
On top of the basics, McIntosh didn’t really hold back considering the amount of real estate they had to work with. For wireless on-the-go tap ins, Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, for TV/gaming a digital optical input. Bonus points awarded for a dedicated subwoofer output, remote and even a headphone amplifier accessible from the front panel. Also on the front panel you can find power, volume and input selection. It’s quite a smorgasbord of audio fun, especially considering the more traditional audiophile roots the McIntosh brand is typically known for.
McIntosh’s dealer network is currently accepting preorders with shipping starting soon thereafter. The MSRP for the MTI100 is projected at $6,500 USD. Full presser below.
“McIntosh Announces MTI100 Integrated Turntable
A modern home audio system for modern lifestyles
Binghamton, NY – January 24, 2019–McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for 70 years, is proud to announce the MTI100 Integrated Turntable.
Turntable? ✔
Amplifier? ✔
Vacuum tube preamplifier? ✔
Phono preamplifier? ✔
Analog & Digital inputs? ✔
Bluetooth? ✔
Speaker outputs? ✔
Subwoofer output? ✔
Headphone jack? ✔
McIntosh engineering? ✔
What else is needed? Just add music and speakers.
At first glance, the new McIntosh MTI100 Integrated Turntable may look like it’s just a turntable, but a closer look will reveal that it is in fact so much more. Truly a one-of-a-kind product, it is designed for those who want maximum flexibility in their home audio system but don’t want – or don’t have the space for – a large audio system. With all the built-in connectivity the MTI100 offers, it can become the center piece of a modern home audio system for modern lifestyles. Simply add a pair of speakers to create a complete and comprehensive audio system.
Besides the turntable that plays both 33-1/3 and 45 rpm vinyl records, the MTI100 also includes a power amplifier, a vacuum tube preamplifier section, a shielded phono preamplifier, an unbalanced auxiliary input, digital audio coaxial and optical inputs, a Bluetooth receiver, a subwoofer output, stereo speaker outputs, and a headphone jack for personal listening.
The 7 pound (3.18 kg) machined aluminum platter and the matching machined aluminum tonearm with anti-skate sit atop a 3/8” (9.5mm) thick piece of glass – the same glass found in the front panels of our larger amplifiers; this in turn sits atop a custom 1/4” (6.35mm) thick metal plate that adds stability. The combined heftiness of both the platter and metal plate helps resist and absorb noise that could be caused by external vibrations.
The belt drive platter with manual speed change is driven by an industrial grade permanent magnet AC synchronous motor with a 2-speed pulley. With this motor, the platter speed is precisely synced to the AC power line’s frequency to deliver precise rotational speeds for playback accuracy. The MTI100 comes with a Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet cartridge, whose upgraded stylus and cantilever assembly allow for more dynamic punch and improved frequency response.
A Class D amplifier that’s rated for 80 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms or 50 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms is used to drive a pair of speakers. Two 12AX7 vacuum tubes power the main preamplifier section, while a separate dedicated phono preamplifier is housed in a custom shielding box that prevents interference or noise from seeping into the vinyl signal. Together, the vacuum tube preamplifier and shielded phono preamplifier help make vinyl albums sound their best.
To combine playing vintage vinyl records with modern playback methods, music can also be streamed to the MTI100 via its High Definition Bluetooth 4.2 input that ensures the MTI100 receives the best sound quality possible from the Bluetooth device. An external Bluetooth antenna helps achieve optimal reception and signal quality. The analog and digital audio inputs allow external sources, such as a TV, tuner or CD Player, to be connected. Not to overlook the impact that low sound frequencies can add, a subwoofer output is also included. Finally, for personal listening, the front panel includes a headphone jack that is powered by our High Drive headphone amplifier, which features increased gain and output power and is optimized for virtually all headphone types.
Power, volume and input selection can be controlled by either the included remote or via two knobs on the unit. An illuminated McIntosh logo is located in the top glass panel, while a classic McIntosh-styled die cast aluminum name badge adorns the front of the chassis.
Pricing and Availability
Orders for the MTI100 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in January 2019.
Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $6,500 USD
About McIntosh
Founded in 1949, McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. is known for offering distinguished quality audio products, superior customer service and the ultimate experience in music and film. All McIntosh products are handcrafted at the Binghamton, NY factory by over 150 employees with a passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home entertainment experience for discriminating consumers around the world, with the iconic “McIntosh Blue” Watt Meters globally recognized as a symbol of quality audio. Since its inception, McIntosh has been powering some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture. From President Lyndon Johnson’s inauguration speech to Woodstock to the famous Grateful Dead “Wall of Sound,” McIntosh has not only witnessed history, it has shaped it. With McIntosh, customers have the ability to create their own premium audio experience – and truly live their music. Visit www.mcintoshlabs.comto learn more.”