Audio T Verdict
The McIntosh MTI100 is what happens when an all-in-one music system is designed by a company that takes both vinyl and amplification rather seriously. From a distance it looks like a substantial turntable, but hidden beneath the glass are a valve preamplifier, dedicated phono stage, Class D power amplifier, DAC, Bluetooth receiver and headphone amplifier.
That means you can fit the supplied Sumiko Olympia cartridge, connect a pair of suitable loudspeakers and have a complete McIntosh system without finding room for a separate turntable, phono stage, preamplifier and power amplifier.
It is compact by McIntosh standards rather than inexpensive or lightweight, and that's really the appeal. The MTI100 delivers the convenience of an all-in-one system without pretending that the turntable section is merely an afterthought.
McIntosh MTI100 Integrated Turntable
The MTI100 combines a belt-drive turntable, Moving Magnet phono stage, vacuum tube preamplifier, Class D stereo power amplifier and digital connectivity within a single chassis.
Add a pair of suitable passive loudspeakers and the MTI100 can operate as a complete music system. Alternatively, its auxiliary and digital inputs allow other source components to share the same amplification.
- Turntable with Sumiko Olympia MM cartridge
- Dedicated shielded Moving Magnet phono stage
- Two-valve preamplifier section
- 50W into 8 ohms
- 80W into 4 ohms
- Optical and coaxial digital inputs
- High Definition Bluetooth 4.2
- Auxiliary analogue input
- Subwoofer output
- High Drive headphone amplifier
Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet Cartridge
The current MTI100 is supplied with a factory-installed Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet cartridge.
McIntosh specifies:
- Output: 4mV at 1kHz
- Recommended load: 47k ohms
- Frequency response: 12Hz to 30kHz
- Channel separation: 30dB at 1kHz
- Compliance: 12 x 10-6 cm/dyne
- Tracking-force range: 1.8g to 2.2g
- Recommended tracking force: 2.0g
- Stylus: 0.3 x 0.7 elliptical
- Cantilever: Aluminium
- Cartridge mass: 6.5g
The cartridge connects to a dedicated shielded Moving Magnet phono preamplifier built into the MTI100, so no separate phono stage is required for the supplied cartridge.
Machined Aluminium Tonearm
The MTI100's tonearm uses a machined aluminium arm tube with a Cardan bearing arrangement.
Ball bearings are used for lateral movement, with sapphire and tungsten elements employed in the vertical bearing assembly.
- Arm tube: Machined aluminium
- Pivot-to-spindle distance: 223mm
- Effective length: 240.7mm
- Overhang: 17.7mm
- Offset angle: 22.85 degrees
- Counterweight: Concentric
- Anti-skate: Yes
The Sumiko cartridge is installed before delivery, although the counterweight and anti-skate system require final setup when the MTI100 is first assembled.
3.4kg Machined Aluminium Platter
The substantial platter is machined from aluminium alloy and weighs approximately 3.4kg.
It rotates on an inverted hardened-steel shaft with an axial ball arrangement and bronze bushing. Beneath it, the turntable assembly sits on a 9.5mm-thick glass plate mounted to a 6.35mm metal plate for additional mass and stability.
The combined mass of these components helps provide a mechanically stable platform and resist external vibration reaching the record and cartridge.
Turntable Positioning Matters
The MTI100 should be placed on a firm, level and well-isolated surface. As with any turntable, avoid positioning it immediately alongside or directly in front of the loudspeakers where acoustic vibration can feed back into the cartridge.
Belt Drive with 33? and 45 rpm
An industrial-grade permanent magnet AC synchronous motor drives the platter through a belt.
Two playback speeds are provided:
Speed is changed manually by moving the belt between the two steps of the motor pulley rather than using an electronic speed selector.
The motor is synchronised to the mains frequency, with the appropriate pulley arrangement used for the local electrical supply.
Two 12AX7 Vacuum Tubes
Two visible 12AX7 vacuum tubes form part of the main preamplifier section.
The valves sit prominently beneath protective tube covers and process signals not only from the turntable section but from the MTI100's other analogue and digital sources.
This valve stage is separate from the shielded phono preamplifier used by the Sumiko Olympia cartridge.
50W Into 8 Ohms and 80W Into 4 Ohms
Loudspeakers are powered by an integrated two-channel Class D power amplifier.
8-Ohm Loudspeakers
50 watts per channel with damping factor greater than 200.
4-Ohm Loudspeakers
80 watts per channel with damping factor greater than 100.
- Rated power band: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Dynamic headroom: 1.0dB into 8 ohms
- Dynamic headroom: 1.3dB into 4 ohms
- Frequency response: +0/-0.7dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
Speaker Connections
A pair of substantial McIntosh speaker binding posts is fitted to the rear panel for connection to 4 or 8-ohm passive loudspeakers.
UK Speaker Cable Termination
McIntosh's owner documentation describes banana-plug connection specifically for the United States and Canada. For a UK installation, use a suitable alternative connection such as correctly prepared bare cable or spade connectors in accordance with the supplied instructions.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs
The MTI100 is not restricted to vinyl. Two conventional digital inputs allow sources such as CD players, digital transports, televisions and streamers to use the system's internal digital-to-analogue conversion.
- 1 x optical digital input
- 1 x coaxial digital input
- Resolution: 16-bit or 24-bit
- Sample rates: 32kHz to 192kHz
A rear USB service connection is also fitted, but this is for firmware and servicing purposes and is not a USB audio input.
High Definition Bluetooth 4.2
Wireless playback is provided by McIntosh High Definition Bluetooth 4.2 with an external antenna for improved reception.
Supported Bluetooth profiles and technologies include:
- A2DP
- AVRCP
- SBC
- HD Bluetooth
- Compatible operation up to 24-bit/48kHz
The MTI100 automatically takes advantage of its higher-definition Bluetooth mode when a compatible transmitting device supports it.
Auxiliary Analogue Input
A stereo RCA auxiliary input allows another analogue source to be added to the system.
This can accommodate a separate source component with a conventional line-level output, giving the MTI100 another route beyond vinyl, Bluetooth and digital playback.
- AUX sensitivity: 300mV for rated output
- AUX input impedance: 68k ohms
- Maximum AUX input: 4V
Subwoofer Output
A mono RCA subwoofer output allows an active subwoofer to be incorporated into the system.
The output is full range from 20Hz to 20kHz, so crossover frequency, level and phase adjustment should be carried out using the controls built into the connected subwoofer.
This is particularly useful with compact loudspeakers where extending low-frequency output may be desirable.
Separate Main Output and Power-Amplifier Input
The MTI100's preamplifier and internal power-amplifier sections are linked by removable McIntosh jumper connectors.
Removing these jumpers allows the variable Main Output to feed a separate external power amplifier instead of the built-in Class D amplifier.
- Rated Main Output: 1.5V
- Maximum Main Output: 9V RMS
- Output impedance: 100 ohms
- Power-amplifier input sensitivity: 1.5V
This gives the MTI100 a useful upgrade path if the system later grows to include larger or more demanding loudspeakers.
High Drive Headphone Amplifier
A front-panel 6.35mm headphone output is powered by McIntosh High Drive headphone-amplifier technology.
McIntosh specifies a headphone load range of 100 to 600 ohms.
Connecting headphones automatically mutes the other audio outputs, allowing private listening without changing the system configuration.
Remote Control and McIntosh System Integration
Power, source selection and volume can be operated either from the MTI100 itself or with the supplied remote control.
Further integration includes:
- Power Control output: 12V DC, 50mA maximum
- McIntosh Data output: for compatible source control
- Remote control: Included
The Power Control output can switch compatible partnering equipment on and off with the MTI100, while Data Out can pass remote commands to supported McIntosh components.
Distinctive McIntosh Construction
The MTI100 combines the mechanical elements of a turntable with visual cues taken directly from McIntosh's larger electronics.
The 3.4kg aluminium platter and machined aluminium tonearm sit above a substantial glass top plate, with the pair of 12AX7 valves visible beneath protective covers.
An illuminated McIntosh logo is built into the glass, while the front carries a die-cast aluminium McIntosh name badge.
- Width: 48.9cm
- Height: 17.15cm including feet
- Depth: 35.6cm including Bluetooth antenna
- Weight: 15.2kg
- Shipping weight: 18.4kg
No Dust Cover Is Supplied
McIntosh does not supply the MTI100 with a conventional turntable dust cover. Bear this in mind when choosing where the system will be positioned and keep the platter, record surface and stylus clean using appropriate record-care products.
UK Power Specification
Audio T supplies the UK-market MTI100. McIntosh's owner documentation lists a factory-configured 230V AC, 50/60Hz, 50W version.
Standby consumption is less than 0.5W. McIntosh states that mains-voltage conversion cannot be carried out in the field, so the voltage displayed on the rear panel should always be checked before connection.
Key Features
- Integrated turntable and music system
- Belt-drive turntable
- 33? and 45 rpm playback
- Sumiko Olympia MM cartridge included
- 4mV cartridge output
- Elliptical stylus
- Machined aluminium tonearm
- Cardan bearing arrangement
- 3.4kg machined aluminium platter
- Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor
- Dedicated shielded MM phono stage
- 2 x 12AX7 vacuum tubes
- Valve preamplifier section
- Class D power amplifier
- 50W per channel into 8 ohms
- 80W per channel into 4 ohms
- 4 or 8-ohm loudspeaker compatibility
- 1 x stereo analogue AUX input
- 1 x optical digital input
- 1 x coaxial digital input
- Digital audio up to 24-bit/192kHz
- High Definition Bluetooth 4.2
- External Bluetooth antenna
- Full-range mono subwoofer output
- Variable Main Output
- Separate power-amplifier input
- Removable preamp/power jumpers
- High Drive headphone amplifier
- 100 to 600-ohm headphone compatibility
- Power Control output
- McIntosh Data output
- Remote control included
- Illuminated McIntosh logo
- UK 230V factory configuration
- Three-year limited manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the McIntosh MTI100 just a turntable?
No. It combines a turntable, Moving Magnet phono stage, vacuum tube preamplifier, stereo power amplifier, DAC, Bluetooth receiver and headphone amplifier in one chassis.
Do I need a separate amplifier?
No. The MTI100 contains its own two-channel amplifier. Add a suitable pair of passive loudspeakers and it can operate as a complete music system.
Which cartridge is included?
The current MTI100 is supplied with a Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet cartridge.
What tracking force does the Olympia use?
The recommended tracking force is 2.0g, with McIntosh specifying an operating range of 1.8g to 2.2g.
Does it need an external phono stage?
No. A dedicated shielded Moving Magnet phono preamplifier is built into the MTI100 for the supplied cartridge.
How powerful is the amplifier?
It delivers 50 watts per channel into 8-ohm loudspeakers or 80 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
Are the valves used in the power amplifier?
No. The two 12AX7 valves form part of the preamplifier section. Loudspeaker power is provided by a Class D solid-state amplifier.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. McIntosh specifies High Definition Bluetooth 4.2 with an external antenna and compatible operation up to 24-bit/48kHz.
Can I connect a streamer or CD player?
Yes. There is an analogue AUX input plus optical and coaxial digital inputs supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM.
Does the USB connection play music?
No. The rear USB connection is a service port for firmware and servicing rather than a USB audio input.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. A full-range mono RCA subwoofer output is provided. Crossover and level adjustment should be handled by the active subwoofer.
Can I upgrade to a separate power amplifier?
Yes. The built-in preamp and power-amplifier stages are joined by removable jumpers. The Main Output can feed a suitable external power amplifier.
Does it have a headphone output?
Yes. A front-panel 6.35mm High Drive headphone output is specified for headphones from 100 to 600 ohms.
Can it play 78 rpm records?
No. The MTI100 provides 33? and 45 rpm playback only.
Does it have electronic speed switching?
No. Playback speed is changed manually by moving the drive belt between the two positions on the motor pulley.
Is a dust cover included?
No. McIntosh does not supply a conventional dust cover with the MTI100.
Is this the UK version?
Yes. Audio T supplies the UK-market product. McIntosh specifies a factory-configured 230V AC, 50/60Hz, 50W version and states that field voltage conversion is not possible.
What warranty does the MTI100 have?
McIntosh specifies a three-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Related McIntosh Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy McIntosh From Audio T?
The MTI100 may put almost an entire Hi-Fi system into a single chassis, but loudspeaker matching and turntable setup still matter. Audio T can help configure the Sumiko cartridge correctly, match the amplifier to suitable loudspeakers and demonstrate its analogue, digital and Bluetooth inputs as a complete system.
- McIntosh system demonstrations
- Turntable setup and levelling
- Tracking-force and anti-skate checks
- Loudspeaker matching
- Bluetooth setup
- Digital source matching
- Subwoofer integration
- Headphone demonstrations
- External power-amplifier upgrade advice
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a McIntosh MTI100 demonstration or discuss suitable loudspeakers for a complete system.