Since you have zero responses, I thought I would try to help. I own McIntosh equipment, and they do analog extremely well. I have the MT10 turntable with the C2300 preamp which also has the tube phono section. 2 tubes for mc and two tubes for mm cartridges. I use mc. It also has the variable ohm setting. I cannot tell you anything directly about the MP1100, but, the phono section in the C2300 is superb. I have rolled tubes with it and settled on two matched pair vintage west German ECC83 Telefunken smooth plate. Honestly, if you like it, with all the setting variability, and tube rolling, I doubt you can go wrong with the MP1100, but, like I said, I have no experience with that unit.... I just really like the phono section in the c2300.
McIntosh MP1100 Feedback
I have a possibility of getting a McIntosh phono MP1100 at a very good price used (at half price). Just wanted to know if there is anyone here that has had or has one and can comment on it (are you happy) and how it compares to any other models they have owned.
I'm going to do a listening test this weekend. But want to compare it to something similar I have now, which is a moon preamp. I'm in Canada, so some of the stores here, I don't have too many models to test in this price category, and even less of those available usually used.
I don't own or have owned any McIntosh gear in the past.
@hjdca thanks for your response. Yes, I do like the many options the mp1100 offers. I have a terrible memory, but I do believe Ive read somewhere the mp1100 phono on its own is better than the ones found integrated in the preamps - but not including the top of the line ones (ex: c1100 or I guess today would be the c12000), I have no clue how it compares to those. I would surely hope its not equivalent to a c2800, or else it would be best maybe to sell my current pre-amp and just get that preamp with phono. Also , changing those tubes, what difference did you find in the sound? thanks again |
I see you have (had/solved?) an issue with lack of bass from your TT (mentioned in a prior discussion). I would not expect the MP1100 to change/solve that, if that is what you are hoping. I've owned and used for many trouble free years: McIntosh, MC2250 SS amp; C28 SS Preamp, and now use and love the sound/features/of a McIntosh Tube Tuner/Preamp mx110z. Vintage: I solve remote volume and remote balance separately. If my mx110z dies, I will probably just get another one rather than risk ..... Eventually I had some hum develop with the C28 Preamp, turned out to be an internal ground solder connection that mysteriously loosened. Prior to the hum, I did not prefer the sound of it's SS MM Phono Stage, whereas I love the sound of my mx110z's Tube MM Phono.
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@elliottbnewcombjr hi , yes indeed , it turned out to be the last 2 records that lacked bass , when I did a test with daft punk and compared it to streaming it was perfectly fine. Just bad coincidence on 2 albums that made me panic. this phono change just happened because my local store was discounting all demo models on sale, so just seemed like a good opportunity. The price is even less than what they are going for on the used market, which they aren’t even available that often, it’s pretty rare |
@elliottbnewcombjr im slowly starting to look at my analog and digital source equipment. Over time, i slowly upgraded different components, past 2 years , I upgrade my speakers, amp and pre amp, some speaker wire cabling. Next, looking at analog source, turntable and phono then down the line might get a separate streamer and dac - will see. |
Here is a well writtten review with pic of the inside. Very Impressive. https://pt.audio/2017/07/30/mcintosh-mp1100-phono-preamplifier-review/ Here is a quote in the comment section to the article regarding tubes: My favorite tubes for this phono is the Mullard Long Plate MC1s square getter, truly “airy”, organic and musical. The ones in the pictures were Telefunken’s, they were less glittery than the stock tubes, and I also find them to be more “organic”.
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