Published On: June 19, 2025

McIntosh Just Dropped the Coolest Record Player Elvis Would’ve Wanted

Published On: June 19, 2025
Last Updated on: June 20, 2025
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McIntosh Just Dropped the Coolest Record Player Elvis Would’ve Wanted

The new McIntosh MTI100 Sun Records Edition packs everything from a turntable to a tube preamp into one stylish setup.

McIntosh Just Dropped the Coolest Record Player Elvis Would’ve Wanted

  • Nemanja Grbic is a tech writer with over a decade of journalism experience, covering everything from AV gear and smart home tech to the latest gadgets and trends. Before jumping into the world of consumer electronics, Nema was an award-winning sports writer, and he still brings that same storytelling energy to every article. At HomeTheaterReview, he breaks down the latest gear and keeps readers up to speed on all things tech.

McIntosh has given its MTI100 Integrated Turntable a fresh new look—and a musical backstory—with the release of the Sun Records Limited Edition. Teaming up with the legendary Memphis label that helped shape the early days of rock & roll, this version of the MTI100 is part high-end audio system, part tribute to music history.

The most noticeable change? A custom-printed glass plinth featuring the iconic Sun Records logo, plus a matching felt slipmat. It’s the first time McIntosh has updated the design of the MTI100 since it launched back in 2019. Priced at $8,500, it’s available only in the U.S., and while the internal hardware hasn’t changed, the connection to Sun Records adds a collector’s edge for fans of classic American music.

At first glance, the MTI100 might look like a stylish belt-drive turntable. But take a closer look and it quickly becomes clear—it’s a complete audio system built into one box. There’s a power amplifier, vacuum tube preamp, phono stage, digital and analog inputs, Bluetooth streaming, and even a headphone output, all wrapped up in McIntosh’s signature glass-and-metal design.

McIntosh MTI100 Sun Records Edition turntable front view.

If you’ve got a pair of speakers and some records, that’s really all you need to get started.

The turntable section supports both 33-1/3 and 45 RPM playback and uses a belt-drive system with a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor. That means it stays locked into the correct speed using the frequency of your wall power. The platter itself is a hefty 7-pound chunk of machined aluminum, designed to keep unwanted vibrations in check. It’s paired with a matching tonearm and topped with a Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet cartridge that’s known for its balance of detail and punch.

Inside, a Class D amplifier delivers 80 watts per channel into 4-ohm speakers (or 50 watts into 8 ohms), which is plenty of juice for most setups. McIntosh recommends pairing it with their XR50 or XR100 speakers, but really, it’ll work with just about any decent passive speaker you already have.

McIntosh MTI100 Sun Records Edition turntable top view.

Two vacuum tubes power the main preamp section, adding a bit of that analog warmth to your music. There’s also a separate phono stage housed in a shielded enclosure to help protect your vinyl signal from interference. On the back, you’ll find digital coaxial and optical inputs, an unbalanced analog input, and a subwoofer output if you want to add more low-end punch. Bluetooth 4.2 is built in as well, with an external antenna to help with range and clarity.

And if you’re into late-night headphone listening, there’s a front-panel jack powered by McIntosh’s High Drive amp, designed to work with a wide variety of headphone types.

Controls are simple: you can use the included remote or just reach for the two aluminum knobs up front. There’s even a softly glowing McIntosh logo under the glass, plus a cast-metal name badge that gives it that classic McIntosh finish.

McIntosh MTI100 Sun Records Edition integrated turntable.

As part of the collaboration, McIntosh and Sun Records are also releasing a special vinyl compilation: McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 2: Pure Johnny Cash. This 18-track double LP digs into Cash’s early years, with rare or alternate takes of songs like “I Walk the Line” and “Ballad of a Teenage Queen.” Pressed on 180-gram vinyl and cut at 45 RPM for better sound, it’s made to be played loud—or at least on something better than your average suitcase turntable. It’s sold separately for $150.

McIntosh hasn’t said how many of these special-edition MTI100s it’s making, but the implication is clear: not many. If you’re interested, you may want to move fast.

McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 2: Pure Johnny Cash cover.

What makes the MTI100 Sun Records Edition stand out isn’t just the branding—it’s the fact that it rolls turntable, amp, and preamp into a single, well-built unit. For those who don’t want to fill their room with gear or fuss over matching components, it’s an appealing solution. You can play your vinyl, stream from your phone, or plug in a TV or CD player—it’s all handled here.

Of course, at $8,500, it’s not exactly an impulse buy. That’s $500 more than the standard MTI100. But for listeners who value simplicity, performance, and a dash of music heritage, it’s an intriguing package.

In short, this isn’t just a turntable. It’s a fully loaded music system with a historical twist, designed for people who want to enjoy their favorite records without needing an entire audio rack to do it.

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