McIntosh Labs MP100 2-Channel Solid State Phono Preamplifier
- Moving Coil and Moving Magnet inputs
- Analog outputs + USB for ripping to computer
The MP100 is the first dedicated phono preamplifier from McIntosh and is designed to help both new and experienced vinyl lovers get the most fidelity, performance and – most importantly – enjoyment from their albums.
Like all McIntosh products, the MP100 is packed with features designed specifically for the vinyl lover including: Moving Coil and Moving Magnet inputs; Moving Coil and Moving Magnet adjustable loading (6 settings each); balanced and unbalanced analog outputs; optical, coax and USB digital outputs; and a Mono switch for when playing mono records to decrease noise and play the signal correctly. For pure analog use, the digital outputs can be completely disabled and powered down.
There are many ways to integrate the MP100 into your audio system. If you’re new to vinyl and just building your system, it can become the main part of your setup. Or if you already have a system with an older preamp you don’t want to part with, the MP100 is an excellent way to add modern phono features. If you’ve got a home theater system and would like to add a turntable, the MP100 is an easy way to add full phono preamp capabilities without having to get a full-sized stereo preamp that would undoubtedly duplicate many of your home theater processor’s features.
While spinning vinyl on a turntable is a great and unique way to enjoy music, there’s no denying the convenience of having digital versions of the albums. When used with a properly configured conversion program, the MP100 can “rip” the records to a computer via USB to produce high quality digital files. The digital outputs are fixed at 24-bit/96kHz to capture the full dynamic range of a record while optimizing digital file size. If an album has a very loud section, the clipping indicator will alert you so you can lower the digital output in order to produce a distortion-free recording.
Compact in size at just 3” tall, it has many ageless McIntosh design cues. It shares the same 11.5” narrow chassis design as the MXA80 Integrated Audio System, MHA150 Headphone Amplifier and MB50 Streaming Audio Player to help build a cohesive system. It can also easily be added to a system comprised of standard, wider width chassis. Contact your local dealer to learn more.
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McIntosh Labs MP100 2-Channel Solid State Phono Preamplifier
The MP100 is a compact, two-channel solid‑state phono stage with a built‑in DAC that delivers remarkably neutral, smooth musicality and an impressively low noise floor. Reviewers like Ian White and Gary Lea highlight its ability to extract cartridge detail without grain. Sonically it emphasizes silky vocals, controlled bass and coherent imaging while retaining punch and rhythmic authority. Key strengths include 60dB MC / 40dB MM gain, front-panel adjustable loading, balanced XLR outputs and USB/coaxial/optical digital outputs at 24‑bit/96kHz. Classic McIntosh fit-and-finish and intuitive rotary load controls simplify setup. Ideal for newcomers and moderate audiophiles who want high-quality analog playback plus easy digitization, the MP100 is a high-value unit that consistently punches above its $2,000 class.
Pros
- Exceptionally low noise floor and transparency, yielding very black backgrounds that reveal cartridge detail.
- Versatile connectivity and digitization: balanced XLR plus RCA outputs and built‑in 24‑bit/96kHz USB/coaxial/optical outputs for easy ripping or digital delivery.
- Wide cartridge compatibility with comprehensive front-panel adjustable loading and generous gain (60dB MC / 40dB MM), making setup straightforward.
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Cons
- Doesn't deliver the extreme slam, grip or three-dimensionality of far pricier reference phono stages.
- Digital outputs are fixed at 24‑bit/96kHz with no DSD or MQA support, which limits archival and high‑res workflow options for some users.
Transparency
93/100
Multiple reviewers explicitly praised an extremely low noise floor and 'dead silent' backgrounds (eCoustics: "Possibly the lowest noise floor I've ever heard", EnjoyTheMusic/eCoustics: "dead silent", Tracking Angle: "complete lack of digital artifacts"). The solid-state topology and measured SNR (78dB MC / 80dB MM) align with the reviewers' impressions of very black backgrounds and excellent RIAA performance, so Transparency is rated very high.
Sound Quality
89/100
The unit delivers good speed, punch and rhythmic authority (Tracking Angle: "suave rhythmic authority"; EnjoyTheMusic/eCoustics: "foot-stomping energy"), though some reviewers noted it lacks the extreme slam or top-tier grip of much pricier reference units. Dynamics are strong and musical, if not the absolute most aggressive in the market.
Cartridge Compatibility
92/100
Full MM and MC support with extensive adjustable loading (MC: 25–1kΩ; MM: 47kΩ with multiple capacitance settings) and 60dB MC / 40dB MM gain give broad compatibility. Reviewers praised the front-loading rotary knobs and ease of changing loads (Positive Feedback / Gary Lea: "front-loading rotary knobs"; eCoustics: supports very low-output cartridges without a step-up transformer), justifying an excellent compatibility score.
Build Quality
92/100
Classic McIntosh fit-and-finish and robust casework are repeatedly noted (EnjoyTheMusic: "built to last forever"; Positive Feedback: iconic front panel and solid construction). The rear-panel layout and quality of jacks were praised, supporting a high Build Quality rating.
Value for Money
96/100
Multiple reviewers used very strong praise for value (eCoustics: "might be the biggest bargain there is"; EnjoyTheMusic/Ian White: "worth every cent"; Positive Feedback: "belies the price", "meager investment of $2000"). Given repeated superlative language and the consensus that performance significantly outstrips its $2,000 price point, the MP100 merits a top-tier value score.
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