McIntosh MP100 2-Channel Phono Preamplifier

Solid-state phonostage with adjustable MC/MM loading, balanced analog outputs, and 24-bit/96 kHz digital conversion

The McIntosh MP100 is a dedicated phonostage designed to accommodate both Moving Coil and Moving Magnet cartridges while offering flexible analog and digital connectivity. Separate MC and MM inputs each provide six loading settings, allowing the MP100 to be matched to a wide range of cartridges without requiring external loading plugs or adapters.

Its analog output stage provides both balanced and unbalanced fixed outputs for connection to a preamplifier, integrated amplifier, or other line-level component. A Mono switch provides correct playback of mono records while helping reduce unwanted noise, and the digital circuitry can be completely disabled when the MP100 is used as a purely analog phonostage.

Adjustable Cartridge Loading

The Moving Coil input provides selectable resistance settings of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 1,000 ohms, while the Moving Magnet input offers six selectable capacitance settings from 50 to 400 pF. MC and MM gain are fixed at 60 dB and 40 dB respectively, with an RIAA equalization curve applied to both inputs.

With balanced output capability up to 16 V RMS and unbalanced output capability up to 8 V RMS, the MP100 can integrate into systems ranging from compact vinyl setups to full-size McIntosh installations. Power Control input and output connections also allow compatible McIntosh components to switch on and off together.

Digital Recording From Vinyl

In addition to its analog outputs, the MP100 includes coaxial, optical, and USB digital outputs operating at 24-bit/96 kHz. The USB connection allows records to be digitized directly to a computer using compatible recording software, while a clipping indicator helps identify excessive recording levels so the digital output can be adjusted before distortion occurs.

The MP100 uses McIntosh’s narrow 11.5" chassis format, making it compact enough for smaller systems while retaining the company’s familiar black-glass front panel, illuminated logo, and metal construction.

Specifications

Maximum Output Voltage (Balanced / Unbalanced): 16 V RMS / 8 V RMS

Input Impedance (MC): 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 1,000 ohms; 470 pF

Input Impedance (MM): 47 kohms; 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, or 400 pF

Voltage Gain (MC, MM): 60 dB, 40 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (MC, MM): 78 dB, 80 dB

Maximum Input Signal (MC, MM): 8 mV, 80 mV

Phono Sensitivity (MC, MM): 1 mV, 10 mV

Rated Output (Balanced / Unbalanced): 2 V / 1 V

Output Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced): 200 ohms / 100 ohms

Phono Equalization: RIAA

Phono Inputs: 1 Moving Coil (adjustable); 1 Moving Magnet (adjustable)

Balanced Fixed Outputs: 1 stereo

Unbalanced Fixed Outputs: 1 stereo

Digital Outputs: 1 coaxial, 1 optical, 1 USB audio

Digital Output Sample Rate: PCM up to 24-bit/96 kHz

Unbalanced Analog Connector Type: Standard

Power Control Inputs: 1

Power Control Outputs: 1

Chassis: Single

Type: Solid state

Power Consumption: 8 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 3.78125" × 11.5" × 16.75" (96 × 292 × 425 mm)

Weight: 8.6 lb. (3.9 kg)