McIntosh MP1100 Owner's Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] www.mcintoshlabs.com

MP1100

Phono Preamplifier

Owner’s Manual

Important Safety Information is supplied in a separate document “Important Additional Operation Information Guide”

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh MP1100 Phono Preamplifier ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The McIntosh dedication to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive many years of musical enjoyment from this unit.

Please take a short time to read the information in this manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all the features and functions of your new McIntosh.

Please Take A Moment

The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer name are important to you for possible insurance claim or future service. The spaces below have been provided for you to record that information:

Serial Number:________________________________

Purchase Date:_ _______________________________

Dealer Name:_ ________________________________

Technical Assistance

If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands that may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer wish additional help concerning a suspected problem, you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street

Binghamton, New York 13903

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Customer Service

If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions......................................................		2
(Separate Sheet)....................	Important Additional
Operation Information Guide
Thank You and Please Take a Moment......................		2
Technical Assistance and Customer Service..............		2
Table of Contents........................................................		2
General Information...................................................		3
Connector and Cable Information..............................		3
Introduction................................................................		4
Performance Features..............................................		4-5
Dimensions.................................................................		6
Installation..................................................................		7
Connections:
Rear Panel Connections...............................................		8
Connecting Components.............................................		9
Front Panel:
Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons...........		10
Front Panel Information Displays Modes...................		11

Remote Control:
HR090 Remote Control Push-buttons	....................... 12
Setup:
How to Operate the Setup Mode...............................	13
Default Settings, Firmware Version..........................	13
Input Settings........................................................	13-14
Rename Input.............................................................	14
Profile Store...............................................................	15
Digital Output............................................................	16
Tube Lights................................................................	16
Power Mode...............................................................	16
IR Sensor...................................................................	17
Factory Reset.............................................................	17
Operation:
How to Operate the MP1100................................	18 -23
Trim Functions.....................................................	18 -22
Mute, Trim and Output Meters..................................	23
USB Input and Installing Software......................	24 -26
Reset of Microprocessors..........................................	25
Graphic Curves.....................................................	27-28
Rumble and Scratch Filter Curves.............................	28
Additional Information:
Photo..........................................................................	29
Specifications............................................................	30
Packing Instruction...................................................	31

Copyright 2016 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2

General Information and Connector Information

General Information

1.For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MP1100 Phono Preamplifier.

2.The Main AC Power going to the MP1100 and any other McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied until all the system components are connected together. Failure to do so could result in malfunctioning of some or all of the system’s normal operations. When the MP1100 and other McIntosh Components are in their Standby Power Off Mode, the Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside each component is active and communication is occurring between them.

3.The Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs may be used simultaneously, connected to different Preamplifiers or component recording device.

4.The MP1100 internal Analog to Digital Converter Circuitry is designed to encode 2-channel PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) Digital Signals. The Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Outputs are for PCM Digital Signals.

5.Sound Intensity is measured in units called Decibels and “dB” is the abbreviation.

6.When discarding the unit, comply with local rules or regulations. Batteries should never be

thrown away or incinerated but disposed of in accordance with the local regulations concerning battery disposal.

7.For additional information on the MP1100

and other McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.

Connector and Cable Information

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced

Output Connector on the MP1100. Refer to the dia-
gram for connections:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Output
PIN 3: - Output	PIN 1	PIN 2
PIN 2 PIN 1
PIN 3		PIN 3

Power Control (Trigger) Connectors

When the MP1100 TRIGger IN Connector receives a Power Control On Signal (5 to 12 volts) it will make

	that signal available at the TRIG-	Power
	ger OUT Connector to control
		Control
	other connected McIntosh Com-	Meter
	ponents. An additional connection	Illumination
		Control Ground
	is for controlling the illumination
	of the Output Meters on McIntosh

Components. A 3.5mm stereo mini phone plug is used for connection to the Power Control (Trigger) Connectors on the MP1100.

3

Introduction

The McIntosh MP1100 Phono Preamplifier is one of the finest Phono Preamplifiers ever created and has the ability for connections to components with analog and digital inputs. The MP1100 reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the Music Itself.”

Performance Features

• Electromagnetic Input Switching

Digital Logic Circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches on Inputs and operating functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching.

• Vacuum Tube Phono Amplification

The MP1100 utilizes Vacuum Tube Amplification Circuitry for the Phono Inputs. The circuits use the latest designs providing the lowest possible noise and distortion.

• Fully Balanced Circuitry

The MP1100 utilizes the very latest in Fully Balanced Circuitry from the Input Connectors all the way to the Output Connectors for the lowest possible noise and distortion.

• Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Inputs

The MP1100 has three precision Phono Preamplifier Circuits with unbalanced and balanced connections. They have the ability to be configured for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet Cartridges. The close tolerance resistors and capacitors used in the Equalization Circuitry provide an extremely flat frequency response.

•Selectable Phono Cartridge Loading

Adjustable Capacitance and Resistance Loading are available for both Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Cartridges. Resistance Loading is selectable from values of 25 ohms to 47,000 ohms. Capacitance Loading is selectable from values of 50 picofarads to 400 picofarads.

•Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs

The Balanced Outputs allow connection using long cable lengths without a loss in sound quality. The MP1100 also has unbalanced Output connections for compatibility with a wide range of audio components.

• Rumble and Scratch Filters

Selectable Rumble and Scratch Filters can improve the quality of sound when playing back older vinyl recodings.

• Digital Audio Outputs

The Digital Outputs encode PCM Signals from the selected Input (Phono and Line). Coaxial and Optical Outputs process Digital Signals at 96kHz or 192kHz with 24-Bit resolution. The Digital Outputs have two different output level settings and the Digital Circuitry can be switched Off providing true analog only signal processing.

• USB Digital Audio Output

The USB Digital Output provides Digital Signals at 96kHz or 192kHz with 24-Bit resolution from the selected Input.

• Dual Mono Design

The circuitry for both channels is totally separate, physically isolated and shielded which helps to assure total channel isolation.

• Selectable Equalizer

In addition to normal RIAA Equalization Standard, the MP1100 provides the ability to select four alternative Equalization Settings of LP, AES, NAB or 78. This helps to assure a desired tonal balance when playing a wide variety of phonograph records made before the RIAA Equalization Standard was employed.

• Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display

The Front Panel Information Display indicates the Source Selection, Cartridge Loading, Equalizer and Setup Mode Selections. The display intensity is adjustable.

• Illuminated Output Meters

The Illuminated Output Meters are peak responding, and indicate the output of the MP1100 Phono Preamplifier.

• Special Power Supply

The Multi Regulated Power Supply and a special R-Core Power Transformer ensure stable noise free operation even though the power line varies.

• Remote Control with External Sensor Input

The Remote Control provides control of the MP1100 operating functions. The External Sensor Input provides Remote Control when the MP1100 is located behind closed doors or in another room.

4

Introduction and Performance Features

• Power Control Connections

The Power Control (PWR CTRL) TRIGger INput Connection provides convenient Turn-On/Off of the MP1100 when connected to a McIntosh Component with Power Control TRIGger OUT. The MP1100 TRIGger OUT Connection provides Turn-On/Off operation when connected with other McIntosh Audio Components.

• LED Front Panel Illumination

The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by multiple extra long life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) arranged with a special orientation.

•Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis Finish

The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel and the Lower Chassis are Stainless Steel with a Mirror Finish. The Upper Chassis and Top Cover is hairline brushed black Titanium Stainless Steel Finish. This will ensure the pristine beauty of the MP1100 will be retained for many years to come.

5

Dimensions

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MP1100. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the MP1100 into cabinets.

Front View of the MP1100

17-1/2"

44.4cm

	5-	3/8"
			6"
	13.7cm
			15.2cm

Side View of the MP1100

15-7/8"

40.3cm

14-1/2"

36.8cm

Rear View of the MP1100

17-1/8"

43.5cm

13/16"

10-9/16"

4-5/8"

2.1cm

26.8cm

11.8cm

2"

5.1cm

13 -1/4"

33.7cm

3/16" 4-13/16" 0.48cm 12.22cm

1-15/16" 4.9cm

6

Installation

Installation

The MP1100 can be placed upright on a table or shelf, standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet of your

choice. The four feet may be removed from the bottom of the MP1100 when it is custom installed as outlined below. The four feet together with the mounting screws should be retained for possible future use if the MP1100 is removed from the custom installation and used free standing. The required panel cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are shown.

Always provide adequate ventilation for your MP1100. Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MP1100 directly above a heat generating component such as a high powered amplifier. If all the components are installed in a single cabinet, a quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite asset in maintaining all the system components at the coolest possible operating temperature.

A custom cabinet installation should provide the following minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation.

Allow at least 6 inches (15.2cm) above the top, 2 inches (5.1cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.5cm) on each side of the Preamplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 18-1/2 inches (47.0m) depth behind the front panel. Allow 1-7/16 inch (3.7cm) in front of the mounting panel for knob clearance. Be sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to the dimensions in the drawing.

MP1100 Front Panel

Custom Cabinet Cutout

17-3/16"

43.66cm

Opening for Ventilation

10-3/4"

27.3cm

Cabinet Front Panel

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

6"

15.2cm

Cabinet

Front

Panel

Opening for Ventilation

	MP1100 Side View
	in Custom Cabinet
			Cutout Opening
			for Ventilation
		Support	2-7/8"		Chassis
		Shelf			Spacers
			7.3cm
			8-1/8"
	MP1100 Bottom View		23.2cm		15-1/16"
		15-1/16"		13-1/8"
	in Custom Cabinet
		38.3cm	Cutout		39.6cm
				33.3cm
			Opening
			for
			Ventilation
	Note: Center the cutout Horizontally	1-1/8"	12-5/16"
	on the unit. For purposes of	2.9cm	31.3cm
	clarity, the above illustration
	is not drawn to scale.

7

Rear Panel Connections

Rear Panel Connections

The identification of Rear Panel Connections for the MP1100 Phono Preamplifier is located on a separate folded sheet contained in the Owner’s Manual Packet. Refer to separate sheet “Mc1B” for the Rear Panel Connections.

MP1100 Phono Preamplifer Rear Panel

8

Connecting Components

Connecting Components

The MP1100 has the ability to automatically switch power On/Off from Components via the PWR CTRL (Power Control) TRIGger connections. Follow the connection instructions below, together with the MP1100 Input/Output/Control Connection Diagram located on a separate folded sheet “Mc1A” contained in the Owner’s Manual Packet. The connections are an example of a typical audio system. Your system may vary from this, however the actual components would be connected in a similar manner. For additional information refer to “Connector and Cable Information” on page 3.

Power Control (Trigger) Connections:

1.Connect a Control Cable from the MP1100 Power Control TRIGger Out Jack to the Power Control In on the Turntable 1.

2.Optionally, connect a Control Cable from the Turntable 1 Power Control Out Jack to the Power Control In on the Turntable 2.

3.Optionally, connect a Control Cable from the Main Audio Preamplifier Power Control Out to the MP1100 Power Control TRIGger IN.

Note: This optional Power Control Connection will allow the MP1100 to automatically switch ON and OFF when the Main Audio Preamplifier is On or Off.

4.Connect any additional Components in a similar

manner, as outlined in steps 1 and 2.

Audio Connections:

5.Connect Audio Cables from the MP1100 PHONO 1 INPUT Jacks (Left and Right) to Turntable 1 (Left and Right) Output Jacks.

Note: If Turntable 1 has Balanced XLR Output Connectors and has a Phono Cartridge installed (with Balanced Output Connections), connect XLR Audio Cables to the MP1100 PHONO 3 INPUT BALanced Connectors.

6.Optionally, connect Audio Cables from the MP1100 PHONO 2 INPUT Jacks (Left and Right) to Turntable 2 (Left and Right) Output Jacks.

Note: If Turntable 2 has Balanced XLR Output Connectors and has a Phono Cartridge installed (with Balanced Output Connections), connect XLR Audio Cables to the MP1100 PHONO 3 INPUT BALanced Connectors.

7.Connect an additional Turntable in a similar manner, as outlined in steps 5 and 6.

8.Connect an Audio Cable from the MP1100 LINE 1 INPUT (Left and Right) Jacks to the Integrated Amplifier REC Output Jacks.

Note: If the component has Balanced Output Connections use the MP1100 LINE 2 BALanced INPUT.

9.Connect any additional Components in a similar

manner, as outlined in step 8.

Optional USB Connection:

10.Connect a USB cable with (Type A to Type B) connectors from the MP1100 USB DIGITAL

OUTPUT connector to an available USB connector on the computer.

Analog Output Connection:

11.Connect XLR audio cables from the MP1100 BALanced OUTPUT (Left and Right) to the Analog only Preamplifier Balanced Input 5 (Left and Right).

Note: If the Preamplifier has Unbalanced Inputs then connect the MP1100 unbalanced Output Jacks to the Preamplifier unbalanced Input Jacks.

Optional Digital Output Connection:

12.Connect a Digital Coaxial Cable from the MP1100 COAXial DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT Jack to the Digital only Preamplifier Digital Audio Input Coaxial 2 Jack.

Note: If the Preamplifier has Optical Inputs then connect the MP1100 Optical Output Connector to the Preamplifier Optical Input Connector.

Ground Connections:

13. Connect the Ground Cable coming from the Turntable(s) to the MP1100 TURNTABLE GROUND Binding Post(s).

AC Power Cord Connections:

14.Connect the MP1100 to a live AC Outlet using the supplied Power Supply Cord.

9

Front Panel Displays, Controls and Push-buttons

INPUT Control used to select a source for listening and recording. The control is also used to enter the TRIM or SETUP Modes and select the various functions

Meter indicates the Left Channel Output of the Preamplifier

IR Sensor receives commands from a Remote Control

Meter indicates the Right Channel Output of the Preamplifier

LOAD Control used to select the Resistance value in Ohms and Capacitance value in Picofarads that is added to the Input Signal Path for a flat Frequency Response from the connected MM or MC Phono Cartridge

MUTE Push-button mutes the audio from the Loudspeakers and Headphones

INFORMATION DISPLAY indicates the Sources, Resistive value in Ohms and Capacitance value in Picofarads, other Audio Settings, Operational Functions and Setup Mode Settings

STANDBY/ON Push-button with indicator, switches the MP1100 ON or OFF (Standby) and resets the microprocessors

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