McIntosh has introduced a new stereo preamp and phono preamp. The D1100 (shown right, $7,000) is a digital preamp with an eight-channel, 32-bit DAC. It boasts nine digital inputs, including a USB input that accepts 32-bit/384-kHz signals and supports DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DXD 352.8 kHz and DXD 384 kHz playback. It also has three sets of balanced and unbalanced stereo outputs, as well as IR and RS-232 control options. The new MP1100 (shown below, $8,000) is a phono preamp with four 12AX7A vacuum tubes (two tubes per channel in a fully balanced configuration). The MP1100 comes pre-programmed with profiles for Moving Coil and Moving Magnet cartridges, as well as the McIntosh MT10 and MT5 turntables. It has three sets of RCA phono inputs and one set of XLR connectors. The D1100 will ship this month, and the MP1100 will be available in January.
From McIntosh
McIntosh is proud to introduce the D1100 Digital Preamplifier and MP1100 Phono Preamplifier.
D1100 Digital Preamplifier
The D1100 Digital Preamplifier is a reference level stereo preamplifier and digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Its 8-channel, 32-bit DAC is used in Quad Balanced mode, with half of it dedicated to the left audio channel and the other half to the right channel. It's the most advanced DAC McIntosh has ever used and delivers an unprecedented level of performance so that all digital music is reproduced with exceptional accuracy and authenticity.
Nine inputs are included to keep even the largest digital system connected, as 3 optical, 3 coaxial plus 1 each of MCT, AES/EBU and USB inputs are onboard. The USB input accepts up to 32-bit/384-kHz signals and supports DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DXD 352.8 kHz and DXD 384 kHz playback. All the other inputs accept up to 24-bit/192-kHz. Three sets of balanced and unbalanced stereo outputs connect the D1100 to the rest of the audio system.
The D1100 is designed for ease of use: all inputs can be renamed; its 4 data ports and 4 power control triggers are fully programmable; and it has both IR and RS-232 external control. It's housed in a beautifully polished stainless steel and hairline brushed black Titanium stainless steel chassis. For personal listening, Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) brings a new depth and spatiality to music.
The D1100 is a full featured, fully functional self-contained unit that can be used independently of any other preamplifier. But thanks to McIntosh's engineering prowess, it can also be connected to and used in tandem with its analog equivalent, the C1100 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier. Combining the two together with the included umbilical cable creates the definitive analog and digital stereo preamplifier. When connected, the C1100 takes over all control of the D1100, resulting in a single and easy to use interface.
MP1100 Phono Preamplifier
The MP1100 Phono Preamplifier will give vinyl lovers a new level of musical enjoyment and exhilaration. It's filled to the brim with everything needed to not only play records, but it will also get every last musical note and nuance out of them - including some that may have never been heard before.
The MP1100 is designed first and foremost for analog audio and achieves our most accurate equalization ever. It utilizes four 12AX7A vacuum tubes, with 2 tubes used per channel in a fully balanced configuration--making it our very first fully balanced vacuum tube phono stage. It has 3 sets of RCA phono inputs with XLR connectors also available on 1 of the inputs. All phono inputs allow for adjusting both resistance (6 settings) and capacitance (8 settings). For ease of use, it comes pre-programmed with profiles for Moving Coil and Moving Magnet cartridges, as well as the McIntosh MT10 and MT5 turntables. Five additional profiles are included that are fully customizable and can be assigned to any phono input. RIAA, LP, NAB, AES and 78 analog equalization curves are included. Two fairly rare but highly useful analog filters are built-in: a Rumble Filter helps remove noise that may have seeped into a song during the recording process, while a Scratch Filter can help restore the sound of frequently played records that may have become a little worn, or records that may have some damage. Adjustable gain from 40 dB to 64 dB allows for further customization, while a Mono setting permits proper playback of mono recordings. In addition, there's a pair each of balanced and unbalanced high level inputs for connecting other sources. A pair each of balanced and unbalanced fixed outputs round out the connections.
Not to completely overlook digital audio, the MP1100 has an optical, coaxial and USB output. They are fixed at 24 bits and can be set to either 96 kHz or 192 kHz. When used with a properly configured conversion program, the USB output can be used to "rip" albums to a computer. Our digital output clipping indicator will notify the user when distortion caused by loud sections in a song is being recorded to the file, allowing settings to be adjusted in order to create pristine, distortion free digital versions of the album.
To combat noise, the MP1100 features a dual mono design. It can be paired with any preamplifier, integrated amplifier or home theater processor that includes volume control. An ideal match is our C1100 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, which also has a dual mono design; both also share the same polished stainless steel and hairline brushed black Titanium stainless steel chassis to create a cohesive system appearance.
Pricing and Availability
Orders are now being accepted for both units, with shipping anticipated to begin for the D1100 in December and the MP1100 in January.
Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded):
D1100: $7,000 USD
MP1100: $8,000 USD
Additional Resources
• McIntosh Introduces MHA150 Headphone Amplifier at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• McIntosh Announces New AV Processor and Play-Fi Components at HomeTheaterReview.com.