McIntosh MTI100 Integrated Turntable – First Look
Image Credit – McIntosh. MTI100 Integrated Turntable
You could be forgiven at first glance for thinking that the McIntosh MTI100 Integrated Turntable may look like it’s just a turntable. However, upon further inspection it is a lot more.
Its unique design is crafted for those audiophiles who want maximum flexibility but have restricted space. Simply add a pair of speakers to this centerpiece of audio excellence and you will have a highly functional, and flexible, audio system that supports a well groomed range of connectivity and functionality.
The MTI100 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. The turntable supports 33-1/3 and 45RPM vinyl but lacks any adjustable speed control.
The 7 pound aluminum platter is belt driven by a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor with a 2 speed pulley. Its speed being governed by the AC power lines frequency that should deliver precise playback speeds. This machined heavyweight platter together with its matching arm and anti-skate device are mounted into a 3/8″ thick glass top and 1/4″ thick metal plate that adds significant weight and damping to the turntable assembly, helping reduce noise and vibration through absorption. The arm is fitted with a Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge, with upgraded stylus and cantilever assembly providing improved sonic performance.
The pre-amplifier design uses a pair of dual triode 12AX7 (ECC83) vacuum tubes that drive the Class D 80 watts per channel stereo power amplifier. A separate dedicated solid-state phono amplifier is housed in a screened box to reduce the chance of any electrical interference or noise from entering the vinyl replay chain, thereby helping to make your vinyl albums sound their best.
(NOTE: While I understand the arguments for the use of valves in audiophile hardware, I cannot but wonder what their audible benefits would be in this design, when used in conjunction with a solid state phono amplifier and Class D power amplifier. – BUT they look GREAT!)
Image Credit – McIntosh. MTI100 Integrated Turntable – Rear View Connectivity
Connectivity to the turntable is both wired and wireless. Two pairs of rear binding posts support the speaker connections. The analog and digital rear inputs support stereo signals from other devices like tuners and CD players while the front 1/4″ jack is driven by a High Drive amplifier that can drive most types of headphone.
For those who enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth streaming the MTI100 also has a small convenient external antenna that receives High Definition Bluetooth 4.2 input for A2DP, AVRCP, SBC and HD profiles. Last but not least a sub woofer output is provided for those who want that extra bottom end extension from their vinyl.
Control of all this fine functionality maybe had via the included handheld infra-red remote or the two top mounted knobs.
Finally like all software driven products a rear USB connector is provided that supports future firmware upgrades.
Price
SPECIFICATIONS:
CARTRIDGE
- Cartridge Type – Moving Magnet
- Frequency Response – 12Hz to 30kHz
- Channel Separation – 30dB at 1kHz
- Recommended Tracking Force – 2.0 g
- Channel Difference – Less than 1dB at 1kHz
- Stylus – Elliptical
TURNTABLE
- Playback Speeds – 33-1/3 and 45 rpm
- Motor Type – Permanent magnet AC synchronous
- Speed Control – Manual speed change via a 2 speed pulley
- Platter – Aluminum – 7lb
- Platter Bearing – Oil bath bearing with a high performance thrust disc and machined graphite impregnated brass bushings
CONNECTIVITY
- Stereo Outputs Unbalanced – 1
- Stereo Inputs Unbalanced – 1
- Digital Coaxial Input – 1
- Digital Optical Input – 1
- Subwoofer Output – 1
- Wireless Input – High Definition Bluetooth 4.2 – A2DP, AVRCP, SBC and HD profiles
ELECTRONICS
- Power Output per Channel – 50 Watts into 8 Ohms – 80 Watts into 4 Ohms
- Number of Channels – 2
- Speaker Impedance – 4 or 8 Ohms
- Rated Power Band – 20Hz to 20kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion – 0.5% (Amplifier) – 0.2% (Preamplifier)
- Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet) – 75dB
- Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level) – 90dB
- Damping Factor – 8 Ohms: >200 – 4 Ohms: >100
GENERAL
- Dust Cover Included – No
- Warranty 3 years
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
- Dimensions (W x H x D) – 19-1/4” (48.9cm) x 6-3/4” (17.15cm) x 14” (35.6cm)
- Weight – 33.5 lbs (15.2 kg)
For further technical details, images and the turntables handbook, click here.
