Mp 1100

[MisterBritt]

I'm just checking back in with some further observations about my experience with the MP1100. I've had mine up and running for about four months now. I wrote a review of sorts when I first installed it. Now we're getting some miles on it.

What I have observed is that it continues to improve with time. I had been following the Audio Research threads here at AA and noted very long break-in periods for their products. I had never really considered that McIntosh was that needful of prolonged break-in periods. This MP1100 has me thinking otherwise. It sounds much more tube-esque than when I first installed it, when I thought its sonic leanings were more characteristic of solid state equipment.

The other observation is that I find if I let it warm up for what I consider an extensive period -- maybe 45 minutes to an hour -- before I drop the needle on a piece of vinyl, it is much, much improved.

So it benefits from a prolonged break-in period, measured over months rather than days. And it benefits from a prolonged warm-up period before being put in to service. Such are my thoughts. I'd love to hear from other owners whether this matches their experience.

[xv21]

Does the McIntosh MP1100 have enough gain for a low-output phono cartridge like Benz-Micro LP S?

[MisterBritt]

Originally Posted by xv21

Does the McIntosh MP1100 have enough gain for a low-output phono cartridge like Benz-Micro LP S?

Maybe someone with that cartridge will weigh in. Meanwhile, I looked at the specs and I would say, yes. But I wouldn't really know. I read the specs on my cartridge (.2 mV) and the literature and my dealer said, yes. But upon installation I decided to keep my SUT in the chain. Your mileage will vary. Better demo one to be sure you're happy with it.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/benz/2.html

[gadawg]

Originally Posted by MisterBritt

I decided to go for it. I carefully queried my dealer about whether the 64 db gain would be sufficient for my particular moving coil cartridge. He said, yes. I also casted about on the internets and discovered a guide that confirmed this, indicating that my .2mv output matches ideally to exactly 64 db gain. That did it for me. I will say, however, that the transition from the A23 Hommage SUT to the MP1100 has resulted in a change at the volume knob.

Off the top of my hat, I'd say that what's now 1 o'clock on the dial was the old 11 o'clock on the dial. I used to have a gas pedal that was about four inches off the floor and now it is about five (actually, the math would suggest 4.72) inches off the floor. Something like that. But who is to say where the truer baseline should be. Bottom line, it's up and running great - no problems.

I plan to come back with a full review. Sneak preview, I am way, way delighted with it. It's blowing my mind how great it is!

By the way, I have my pF (capacitance) setting at 150 and the ohms at 200. If anybody has anything to say about that, chime in. From what I'm reading on the web, the capacitance is more related to the cables and their length (1 meter for me) than the cartridge, per se. As for ohms, my spec sheet shows .2mv output with suggested ohm setting at >100. I could set it right at 100 ohms but my dealer suggested 200 ohms.

Once the cartridge gets broken in you can try different ohm settings and decide what sounds the best. I ended up a bit lower than my dealer suggested but then we have very different speakers so I think he liked the extra "air" the higher setting provided. I say "air" because to me it just sounded too bright. :-) The 64db gain should be fine as I'm assuming the MP1100 is as quiet as other new McIntosh gear and you'll likely have to use much of the gain to get the volume where you like it but again should be just fine. I have an extremely quiet 60db gain pre and it works fine just have to work the volume a little more. Enjoy and let us know what you think once its all run it good!

George

[xv21]

Originally Posted by MisterBritt

Maybe someone with that cartridge will weigh in. Meanwhile, I looked at the specs and I would say, yes. But I wouldn't really know. I read the specs on my cartridge (.2 mV) and the literature and my dealer said, yes. But upon installation I decided to keep my SUT in the chain. Your mileage will vary. Better demo one to be sure you're happy with it.

Does the McIntosh MP1100 have a 47k ohm setting for MC? Then I could use Grado Statement v2 phono cartridge with MP1100.

[MisterBritt]

Originally Posted by xv21

Does the McIntosh MP1100 have a 47k ohm setting for MC? Then I could use Grado Statement v2 phono cartridge with MP1100.

I checked the ohm selection. If this doesn't answer your question let us know. I'm not the most tech savvy guy. The ohm preset options are 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 1K and 47K.

[Timobi]

This MP1100 has my interest...especially in regards to the excellent C1100.

[Delmac]

Hi Brit...tks for the great right ups on the MP1100, you helped convince me to make the purchase, I’m actually going to pick mine up tomorrow afternoon. Currently just using the phono in my C2600 which is good...but, I’m just looking for a bit more.
Prior to the C2600 I was running a AR set-up which I thought was a bit too sterile. Tried the Octave Audio HP500SE for a few months but the non adjustable gain was a bit too much.
My favorite so far has been the Aesthetix Rea Signature. Loved the sound but just couldn’t keep noise down. Jim White was awesome trying to get the unit to work but finally had the option to get out of the unit so I jumped on it.
Hopefully after a bit of break-in and possibly some tube rolling I can get as good or better than the Rhea without the noise issues.

[MisterBritt]

Originally Posted by Delmac

Hi Brit...tks for the great right ups on the MP1100, you helped convince me to make the purchase, I’m actually going to pick mine up tomorrow afternoon. Currently just using the phono in my C2600 which is good...but, I’m just looking for a bit more.
Prior to the C2600 I was running a AR set-up which I thought was a bit too sterile. Tried the Octave Audio HP500SE for a few months but the non adjustable gain was a bit too much.
My favorite so far has been the Aesthetix Rea Signature. Loved the sound but just couldn’t keep noise down. Jim White was awesome trying to get the unit to work but finally had the option to get out of the unit so I jumped on it.
Hopefully after a bit of break-in and possibly some tube rolling I can get as good or better than the Rhea without the noise issues.

Excellent. Let us know what you think!

[Paret]

I love my MP1100 with my C2600 combo.

The built in phono stage on the C2600 is great but the MP1100 is superb plus allows me to have my two tone arm turntable connected with MC cartridges on both. (BTW it has three inputs).

As far as gain is concerned this unit has plenty.

I have it on lowest gain with my Lyra Kleos and Medium with my Koetsu Black Goldline.

Highest gain 62db (it may be 64db) going by memory here, may be good enough for some of the super low output ZYX or similar.

If the output is .4mv your lowest MC gain setup should suffice.

The features on this unit takes it a step above anything else available.

Sound quality has been well reviewed and explained by some experts and I concur with the rave reviews.

To top it all the looks are 10+ on the WAF.