McIntosh is more notable for its high-end amplifiers, but the seven decade old, Binghamton, New York-based company is no stranger to turntable either. Speaking of which, the company has announced a new vinyl spinner, this time it is an all-in-one that has all the high-end audio equipment’s check boxes ticked, well, at least, it has my check boxes ticked.
Designated MTI100, this new high-end turntable is loaded with a 50W Class D amplifier, vacuum tube preamp, a shielded phono preamplifier, digital (coaxial and optical) and analog outputs, speaker outputs, subwoofer outputs, Bluetooth 4.2 technology, and a headphone jack, powered by a High Drive headphone amplifier that boasts increased gain and output power, for times when you desire for some private music enjoyment – regardless what type of headphone you use.
And did we mention that it has an illuminated neon green branding on it (in addition to the classic McIntosh-styled diecast aluminum name badge at the front) and the tube on the vacuum tube preamp glows green? Yup. It does and that’s very cool, or eery, depending on how you look at it. While Bluetooth transmission is a controversial among audiophiles, McIntosh chose to incorporate it into the MTI100 anyways, but as a mitigating move, the engineers have given it an external Bluetooth antenna to aid in achieving optimal reception and signal quality.
Other key highlights include 33-1/3 and 45 RPM, hefty 7-pound (3.18 kilograms) machined aluminum belt drive platter, machined aluminum tonearm paired to Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet cartridge, anti-skate, a 3/8” (9.5 mm) thick glass top, and a custom 1/4” (6.35 mm) thick metal plate. The metal plate, together with the glass and all, aims to absorb noise produced by external vibrations, i.e. the industrial-grade permanent magnet AC synchronous motor.
Speaking of AC synchronous motor… the platter speed is said to “precisely synced to the AC power line’s frequency to deliver precise rotational speeds for playback accuracy.” Well, I never knew that could an issue with turntables, but hey, I will take it… then again, that’s only if I can cough up the asking price of around $6,500 for this baby. Ouch! Well, that’s McIntosh for you. McIntosh MTI100 Integrated Turntable will start shipping later this month (January, 2019).
Images: McIntosh.
Source: Hypebeast.
