The McIntosh MP100 is a compelling dedicated phono preamplifier that blends modern connectivity (digital outputs and USB archiving) with classic analog vinyl support (MC/MM selectable loading, balanced/unbalanced outputs). It offers high-fidelity performance, compact design, and flexibility—making it suitable for enthusiast vinyl systems or anyone transitioning into higher-end playback. If you value vinyl playback and want a high‐performance phono stage from a respected brand, the MP100 serves both as an upgrade piece and as a focused component for dedicated vinyl systems.

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.

Key Features & Highlights

• MC & MM Inputs with Adjustable Loading: The MP100 supports both cartridge types and offers adjustable impedance and capacitance loading for each input type (6 settings each) so you can optimise performance to your cartridge. 

• Analog + Digital Outputs: Includes balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs, and digital outputs (USB, optical, coaxial) fixed at up to 24-bit/96 kHz for the USB/coax/opt outputs, enabling vinyl “ripping” or digital archiving of your records. 

• Mono Switch: A dedicated Mono switch helps when playing mono LPs—reducing noise and ensuring compatible playback of older mono records. 

• Compact Chassis: At just 3″ (~75 mm) tall and sharing the narrow chassis design of other McIntosh narrow units, the MP100 fits neatly into high-end systems without taking up full standard width space. 

• Quiet, High-Quality Signal Chain: With THD of 0.005% and carefully designed to keep noise very low, the unit is built to deliver high resolution and musical fidelity from vinyl sources.

Technical Specifications

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.005% maximum (20 Hz-20 kHz). 

• Frequency Response: ±0.3 dB from 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz. 

• Maximum Output Voltage: Balanced: 16 V RMS, Unbalanced: 8 V RMS. 

• Input Impedance (adjustable):

  • MC: 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 or 1 000 Ω; 470 pF. 

  • MM: 47 kΩ; 50, 100, 150, 200, 300 or 400 pF. 

• Gain: MC ~ 60 dB; MM ~ 40 dB. 

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: MC ~ 78 dB; MM ~ 80 dB. 

• Digital Output Sample Rate: Coaxial/Optical/USB fixed at 24-bit/96 kHz. 

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 11.5″ × 3.0″ × 16.75″ (29.2 cm × ~7.6 cm × 42.5 cm) approx. 

• Weight: ~ 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) net.