Curious about the MP1100

[rob725]

Does anyone have any experience with the MP1100? Would be especially interested to hear from those who have compared it to C1100 built-in phono preamp.

Also, McIntosh lists MC sensitivity specs for its phono sections. MP1100 lists an mc sensitivty of 1.25mV, while the c1100 lists 0.45mV. Does anyone know what this number relates to?

[Timobi]

Really nice reviews & I think it was Ron Evans last design.

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2017/...vinyl-grooves/

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by rob725

Also, McIntosh lists MC sensitivity specs for its phono sections. MP1100 lists an mc sensitivty of 1.25mV, while the c1100 lists 0.45mV. Does anyone know what this number relates to?

Normally, that is the input voltage that is capable of driving the preamp or amp to full output. For some reason my memory is that it is normalized to 1000hz, but that may be my faulty memory.

[MCenthusiast]

I find it's sound signature to be similar to my C1100 which I enjoy a great deal but with far more settings, curves, etc. The C1100 has a high S/N but the MP1100 is quieter still. I use the MP1100 in my Shindo system to accommodate the arms and cartridges that are not a match for the internal transformer or A23 SUT with the Giscours.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by Timobi

Really nice reviews & I think it was Ron Evans last design.

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2017/...vinyl-grooves/

The reviewer Richard Mack used to be a semi regular on audio asylum 15 or so years ago. I recognize that audio room. His original room had 2 MC2102s running in mono bridged, c2200 preamp, MDA1000 and MCD1000. Huge Dynadio speakers with a turntable.

[rob725]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Normally, that is the input voltage that is capable of driving the preamp or amp to full output. For some reason my memory is that it is normalized to 1000hz, but that may be my faulty memory.

Thanks. I'd seen something similar. Any idea what that would mean in practical terms. Assuming the two above, what differences would one notice, if any?

[rob725]

Originally Posted by MCenthusiast

I find it's sound signature to be similar to my C1100 which I enjoy a great deal but with far more settings, curves, etc. The C1100 has a high S/N but the MP1100 is quieter still. I use the MP1100 in my Shindo system to accommodate the arms and cartridges that are not a match for the internal transformer or A23 SUT with the Giscours.

Thanks. I also enjoy the sound from the c1100. It's 60db is generally considered not enough for my cart, lyra etna sl (.25). Using the c1100 trim functions, volume is not a problem, but apparently I'm not getting the most out of the cart. The mp1100 at 64db, may still be a bit shy, as the article above opines that .3 is it's recommended cutoff. Another choice would be to use a SUT and stick with the c1100. I had hoped to try the 66db (unblanced) Esoteric E-02, but covid related delays have pushed delivery back months.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by rob725

Thanks. I also enjoy the sound from the c1100. It's 60db is generally considered not enough for my cart, lyra etna sl (.25). Using the c1100 trim functions, volume is not a problem, but apparently I'm not getting the most out of the cart. The mp1100 at 64db, may still be a bit shy, as the article above opines that .3 is it's recommended cutoff. Another choice would be to use a SUT and stick with the c1100. I had hoped to try the 66db (unblanced) Esoteric E-02, but covid related delays have pushed delivery back months.

I will be very interested to hear your thoughts on esoteric E-02 Vs on board phono C1100.

Wish esoteric would offer the phono one black, I have a major hang up mixing silver with my McIntosh gear.

I’m very happy with the sound of the c1100 phono with my MT10 and stock cart. But have always entertained idea of a dedicated phonostage having previously owning zesto Andros PS1 and esoteric e-03 ....... ultimately I preferred the phono in my C500T/P at the time.

I recently directly asked McIntosh for advice re: perceived sound quality C1100 phono vs MP1100. I don’t need all the awesome feature set the MP1100 brings (multiple TT inputs; special filters, curves, analog to digital conversion etc).

I was told the MP1100, sonically speaking, is a c1100 with the features, for what that is worth.

[MCenthusiast]

Originally Posted by rob725

Thanks. I also enjoy the sound from the c1100. It's 60db is generally considered not enough for my cart, lyra etna sl (.25). Using the c1100 trim functions, volume is not a problem, but apparently I'm not getting the most out of the cart. The mp1100 at 64db, may still be a bit shy, as the article above opines that .3 is it's recommended cutoff. Another choice would be to use a SUT and stick with the c1100. I had hoped to try the 66db (unblanced) Esoteric E-02, but covid related delays have pushed delivery back months.

That makes sense, one of the carts I use with the C1100 is a Kleos though not in SL form. If I were to run a low output cartridge with the C1100, I would go the SUT route based upon my experience with my Shindo system. Take a look at the EAR MC4 and the Lyra Erodion SUT's. Both are excellent and deliver tremendous gain(adjustable on the MC4) with excellent sonics and very little noise.

[Timobi]

Originally Posted by j3brow

I will be very interested to hear your thoughts on esoteric E-02 Vs on board phono C1100.

Wish esoteric would offer the phono one black, I have a major hang up mixing silver with my McIntosh gear.

I’m very happy with the sound of the c1100 phono with my MT10 and stock cart. But have always entertained idea of a dedicated phonostage having previously owning zesto Andros PS1 and esoteric e-03 ....... ultimately I preferred the phono in my C500T/P at the time.

I recently directly asked McIntosh for advice re: perceived sound quality C1100 phono vs MP1100. I don’t need all the awesome feature set the MP1100 brings (multiple TT inputs; special filters, curves, analog to digital conversion etc).

I was told the MP1100, sonically speaking, is a c1100 with the features, for what that is worth.

Thats what I was told as well...I do wish there was a rumble filter on the C1100 but that is probably difficult to have inside a true preamp.