McIntosh Integrated Turntable MTI100 Owner’s Manual

: June 6, 2024
: McIntosh

McIntosh

McIntosh Integrated Turntable MTI100

Important Additional Operation Information Guide

FCC Information (For US Customers)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS PRODUCT
This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modification not expressly approved by McIntosh may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product.
CAUTION:
• To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirement, a separation distance of at least 20cm must be maintained between this product and all persons.
• This product and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
COMPLIANCE INFORMATION:
• Product Name: Integrated Turntable
• Model Number: MTI100
• This product contains FCC ID: SSS-BC11X: McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
Tel. 607-723-3512

IC Information (For Canadian Customers)

PRODUCT:
This product contains IC : 11012A-BC11X
This product complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this product may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this product must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
CAUTION:
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful communication.

Informations sur IC (pour les clients Canadiens)

APPAREIL:
Cet appareil contiens IC : 11012A-BC11X
Cet appareil est conforme à la norme CNR-210 du Canada. L’utilisation de ce dispositif est autorisée seulement aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) il ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur du dispositif doit être prêt à accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reçu, même si ce brouillage est susceptible de compromettre le fonctionnement du dispositif. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
ATTENTION:
Afin de réduire le risque d’interférence aux autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d’antenne et son gain de façon à ce que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne soit pas supérieure au niveau requis pour l’obtention d’une communication satisfaisante.

Canadian Customers: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3 (B)

RF Exposure Information
This equipment complies with FCC/IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment and meets the FCC radio frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines in Supplement C to OET65 and RSS-102 of the IC radio frequency (RF) Exposure rules. This equipment has very low levels of RF energy that are deemed to comply without testing of specific absorption ratio (SAR).

R &TTE(EN) Information

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Our products follow the provisions of EC/EU directives:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY
THIS PRODUCT
This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets R&TTE directive requirements. Modification of the product could result in hazardous Radio and EMC radiation.
CAUTION:
A separation distance of at least 20cm must be maintained between this product and all persons.
This product and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Thank you from all of us at McIntosh
You have invested in a precision instrument that will provide you with many years of enjoyment. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with
the features and instructions to get the maximum performance from your equipment.
If you need further technical assistance, please contact your dealer who may be more familiar with your particular setup including other brands. You can also contact McIntosh with additional questions or in the unlikely event of needing service.

Make a Note
For future reference, you can jot down your serial number and purchase information here. We can identify your purchase from this information if the occasion should arise.

Inside the Box

Open the top of the shipping carton.
Remove the top layer of shipping foam.
The next layer of foam will contain:

Remote Control
Phono Cartridge Box containing some tools (The Cartridge is already installed)
AC Power Cord
Wi-Fi Antenna
Turntable Belt
Turntable Mat
60Hz Pulley (Export only)
Speaker terminal Wrench
2 Vacuum Tubes
2 Vacuum Tube Shield Covers
3 Allen Wrenches/Hex Keys (Small 1/20-inch, Medium 1/16 inch, and Large 5/64 inch)
This Owner’s Manual

Remove this layer of foam.
The MTI100 will be revealed. Carefully, remove the unit and place it on a secure surface.
Under this level will be the Turntable Platter secured between two pieces of protective foam packing.

Where to Put It
A firm and level surface with good isolation is essential for best performance. Optimal record playback is achieved when the turntable is perfectly level. It should also be kept away from the speakers to prevent the cartridge from picking up unwanted vibrations.

Keep it Safe
The Olympia Stylus is both important and delicate. To protect the Stylus, it is best to leave the Stylus Guard installed while setting up or moving the MTI100. But when the time comes to unleash the Stylus, you can do so by pulling downward. Replace the Stylus Guard by reversing the procedure (see Figure 1).

Putting it Together

The Tubes
The MTI100 uses a tube driven output stage to exquisitely extract the music from vinyl as well as other analog and digital sources including wireless connections. Two 12AX7 vacuum tubes are expertly matched to the Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet Cartridge, and combined with ultra-clean circuitry, provide warm balanced and detailed full range performance. Plus the glowing tubes look great.

To install the Tubes

Carefully line up pins at the bottom of the tube with the 9 pin holes of the Tube Socket (see Figure 2).
Press downward with even pressure.
Stop when flush.
Repeat for the second Tube.
The key is to line up the pins with the holes. You do not want to bend the pins.

Install Vacuum Tube Shield Cover

Two Vacuum Tube Shield Covers are included to help protect the Vacuum Tubes (see Figure 3). To install:

Arrange the Vacuum Tube Shield Cover so that the “Mc” in the center is in the right direction.
Line up the 4 Legs of the Vacuum Tube Shield Cover with the four holes surrounding the Tube Socket (see Figure 2).
Press the Vacuum Tube Shield Cover into place.
Repeat for the second cover.

Installing the Wi-Fi Antenna
To install the Wi-Fi antenna, screw the antenna clockwise onto the antenna base located on the left side (looking at the back) of the rear of the MTI100 (Figure 8 on page 7).

Installing the Platter
Near the center of the top of the MTI100, you will find a spindle with a ball bearing. To install the platter, fit the brass fitting located in the center of the bottom of the platter over the spindle. Carefully and evenly seat the platter.
To remove the platter, pull the platter upward, away from the MTI100.
The Record Mat is placed on the Platter as you would a record (centered on the Spindle).

Already Installed
The MTI100 comes equipped with a Sumiko Olympia Phono Cartridge which has already been expertly installed and setup. Anti-skate and the Counterweight have been factory set. The Anti-skate cable needs to be released and placed in the holder. Full instructions are included for possible future reference.

Installing Anti-skate

The Anti-skate Mechanism has been factory-installed, and the cable simply needs to be unsecured from its packing and hooked on the holder. Full instructions are included anyway. Skip to the last step in bold below.
The Anti-skate Assembly consists of a black
U-shaped anchor connected to a small silver weight by a clear cable (see Figure 4). There is a pre-installed metal cable holder attached to the Tonearm Base.
To install the Anti-skate feature:

Remove the Counterweight. (See Installing Counterweight below.)
Slide the black U-shaped end of the Anti-skate Assembly over the rear of the Tone Arm with the Allen Wrench Screw accessible (on the right side of the Tonearm). Leave approximately a 1/4-inch (0.635 cm) between the Tonearm Pivot and the Black U-shaped end. Leaving slightly more space will make no difference in performance. Just make sure there is some space.
Use the provided medium size, Allen Wrench to tighten the screw on the Black Plastic U-shaped end.
Slip the clear plastic cable into the gap at the end of the Anti-Skate cable holder. The weight will hang down. (Figure 11 on page 9.)

This setup is designed for this tone arm and cartridge. No further adjustment is needed.
Phono Cartridge Wires
The wire connections between the tonearm and cartridge are color coded. There are colored rings at the base of the pins on the rear of the cartridge.

These are connected to the corresponding colored wires from the tonearm. The four wires terminate in connectors which are slid over small brass pins. Please use care and an appropriate tool for connecting or disconnecting these wires. Since the Sumiko Olympia Cartridge is already installed, there is no immediate need to touch these wires unless a new cartridge is being installed.

Installing the Counterweight

The Counterweight has been factory installed and calibrated at the factory. To make any adjustments, you should have a good quality Stylus Tracking Force Pressure Scale Gauge.

To move/remove or install the Counterweight:

Make sure the Allen Wrench Screw is loosened (see Figure 6). You can loosen the Allen Wrench Screw using the included Medium Allen Wrench- turn the screw counter-clockwise to loosen.
Position the Counterweight so the Tonearm floats in a position between down and up.
Gently slide the Counterweight towards the Tonearm Pivot Point so the stylus will rest on your Stylus Tracking Force Pressure Scale Gauge.
Make fine adjustments to the Counterweight until the desired Tracking Force is achieved. The recommended setting for the included Sumiko Olympia Cartridge is 2.0 grams. Other cartridges may differ.
Tighten the Allen Wrench Screw by turning clockwise with the Medium Allen Wrench.

Installing the Belt
The Belt must be installed around the Pulley and the Platter. The Pulley has two-speed positions for the Belt (Figures 12 and 13 on page 9). The wider position is 45 rpm and the position above is for 33 rpm. To install the Belt:

Place the Belt below the 45 rpm groove towards the bottom of the Pulley.
Using two hands, pull the Belt outward following a path beyond the outer edge of the Platter in each direction keeping the Belt as level as you can.
With the Belt pulled beyond the diameter of the Platter, rest the Belt on the Platter edge furthest from the Pulley and gently release the Belt so it rests on the Platter’s edge on both sides of this point.
Lift the Belt to the proper position on the Pulley.
Turn the Platter to automatically level the Belt.

Record Clamps?
Record clamps are used by some to reduce vibrations caused by records that are warped.
If you choose to use a record clamp, it is recommended you do not use a heavy one. Some may think heavier is better, but excess weight will put added strain on the spindle and bearing of the MTI100, and there is no real benefit to doing this. Effective lighter options exist in the world if you wish to employ record clamps.

Playing a Record

Place a record on the record mat on top of the platter.
The record should be clean(ed) using your preferred method.
Select the Phono (PH) Input using the Input Knob or Remote Control.
Press the Input Knob to start the motor and turn the platter. Note the Input Knob will only turn on the motor with PH selected.
Place Tonearm Lift in the up position which is with the lever facing up.
Release the Tonearm from the Tonearm Rest and place it above the start of the record.
When positioned at the desired point, pull the Tonearm Lift towards you, lowering the Stylus onto the record.

End of the Record
• When the Stylus reaches the end of the record, lift the Tonearm by the handle and place it back in the Tonearm Rest.
• To stop the motor from spinning the platter, push the Input Knob or switch to another input.

Making Connections
The rear panel of the MTI100 allows the unit to be connected to speakers, other sources, additional amplifiers, power control, and AC power.
Speakers should be connected before connecting AC power to avoid the RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK or DAMAGE.

Speaker Connection
The goal is to connect the right-side speakers using quality speaker cable (16AWG or heavier) to the right Speaker Output Terminals and the left to the remaining pair of Speaker Output Terminals paying attention to the polarity- Positive (+) to Positive and Negative (-) to Negative.
Loosen the Speaker Output Terminals by turning the top counter-clockwise until a sufficient opening appears to insert the exposed (1/2 inch/12.7 mm) bare wire end (or spade) of the speaker cable. Hand-tighten the Speaker Output Terminals by turning clockwise. Then use the supplied McIntosh Wrench to give a final 90 degree turn. Do not over tighten. In the United States and Canada, banana plugs can be used to connect speakers. First tighten the Speaker Output Terminals as described above. With speaker cables connected to the banana plug as directed by your banana plug’s instructions, insert the banana plug into the center hole of the Speaker Output Terminal paying attention to polarity.
DO NOT combine any of the output terminals. Neither positive to positive (+) nor negative to negative (-) should be attempted. This will cause damage. A subwoofer output is provided with a full-range mono output.

Bluetooth Connection
When powered on, the MTI100 is in Bluetooth Discovery mode. You do not need to do anything more to the MTI100 than turn it on. To pair the MTI100, follow the instructions for your Android or iOS device. When pairing, the green “BT” below the Input Knob will flash. Look for MTI100 HD in the list of available devices on the device you are pairing.
To initiate a new Bluetooth connection, momentarily Push the Input Knob. This will also disconnect the old Bluetooth connection.
To disable the Bluetooth function, Push and Hold the Input Knob for two seconds. To re-enable, put MT100 in and out of Standby Mode using the Volume Knob (as described on page 8 under “Power On”).
The MTI100 incorporates HD Bluetooth technology. The implementation of a high- definition codec can provide CD quality music over Bluetooth connections. If your connected device has this capability, the MTI100 will take advantage of this high-definition connection. The MTI100 will automatically utilize HD Bluetooth when connected to a source that supports it. Simply connect with Bluetooth as above.
The MTI100 also supports higher than CD quality resolution of 24-bit/48kHz. If your connected device supports this, then that resolution will be utilized automatically.

More Outputs

SUB (Subwoofer)
If you wish to add a subwoofer, connect the subwoofer using an RCA cable to the SUB connector. This output is a full frequency mono signal which combines left and right channels 20Hz to 20kHz. Use your external subwoofer’s built-in crossover adjustments.
Main
The Main Output allows the use of a separate external power amplifier. To use a separate power amplifier instead of the MTI100’s integrated amplifier:

Remove the McIntosh Jumpers (2) between the MAIN Output and the PWR AMP IN.
Connect an additional amplifier using RCA cables paying attention to Left (bottom) and Right (top).

If you wish to use both an external amplifier and the MTI100’s integrated amplifier, two shielded RCA Type Audio “Y” Adapters can be used. (One adapter for left and one for right). Use 2 of the 3 RCA jacks of the “Y” adapter to jump the MAIN OUT and PWR AMP IN, and the third jack will connect to the external amplifier.

Trigger Out
The TRIGGER OUT is an output that can be connected to other McIntosh equipment using a 3.5mm stereo mini phone plug to send a +12 volt/0 volt signal for power control. This will enable additional equipment to be powered on and off by simply controlling the MTI100.
Data Out
Using a 3.5mm stereo mini phone plug to connect to other components, the DATA OUT can send remote control signals to allow other McIntosh Equipment to be controlled using the MTI100 remote.

Inputs

Optical and Coax
Using an optical cable to connect to OPTICAL or a coaxial cable to connect to COAX, digital signals up to 192kHz with 24-bit resolution can be decoded by the MTI100’s internal DAC.
AUX (Auxiliary)
An additional analog source can be added to the MTI100 by connecting a pair of RCA cables to the AUX connectors.
Service Port
The SERVICE PORT enables a USB connection for future firmware upgrades. It is not a USB digital input.
AC Power
Use the included AC Power Cord to connect the MTI100 to a working AC outlet. Make sure the voltage matches the value printed above the AC Connector on the right side of the rear of the unit.
Headphones
On the right side of the front of the MTI100 is a 1/4-inch Headphone Jack. To listen to headphones, plug them into the Headphone Jack. This will mute the other outputs until the headphones are disconnected.

Controlling Your Unit

Power On (or Off)
Pressing the Volume Knob will turn the unit on assuming you have connected the power cable to a working outlet. To place the unit in standby mode, press and hold the Volume Knob for a second and then release.

Input Knob
Turning the Input Knob will scroll between five possible inputs. An LED light will illuminate on the current choice. Input choices are:

• Phono (PH)
• Bluetooth (BT)
• Digital Coax (COAX)
• Digital Optical (OPT)
• Auxiliary RCA (AUX)

Volume Knob
Turn clockwise for more and counter-clockwise for less volume. The volume will be set at the same level as when the unit was turned off though near maximum volumes will be scaled back to avoid possibly unpleasant surprises. When the volume is at the minimum setting, the MIN LED will light. The MAX LED will light when the maximum volume is achieved.
Pushing the Volume Knob will toggle the Mute function on and off. When Mute is engaged, the MIN light will flash. Remember, Pushing and Holding the Volume Knob will place the MTI100 in Standby when the unit is on.

About Those Tubes
The Preamplifier section of the MTI100 features two tubes that can be seen glowing on the right of the turntable. These tubes (12AX7 to be precise) are expertly incorporated into the preamplifier circuit to provide warm detailed playback.

Turntable Maintenance

The platter bearing is lubricated and ready to play out of the box. After a year of use, it is recommended that white lithium grease be applied to the ball bearing on top of the spindle. To do this:

• Remove the turntable belt and carefully lift and remover the platter.
• The ball bearing will be visible on the top of the spindle.
• Apply a small amount of white lithium grease.
• Replace the platter and belt.
• The belt will align itself when the platter turns.

Clean Your Stylus
Peak performance is achieved by maintaining a clean stylus and record surface. A quality record cleaner and stylus brush is recommended. If your records are kept clean, brushing your cartridge will suffice to remove accumulated dust if it is used after each play. Be sure to either turn the volume down or select a different input prior to doing this. Only use a back to front motion when contacting the stylus during cleaning.

Anti-skate
The force of the needle in the groove will cause the tonearm to want to move (or skate) towards the center of the record. To keep the needle properly centered in the groove an opposite force is applied. This is called anti- skate. Your MTI100 is set up with properly adjusted anti-skate. Make sure the thin cable passes through the metal loop projecting out of the tonearm support. There is a small gap to slip the cable in. No other adjustments are needed. Changing Speeds
The MTI100’s turntable motor spins at a precise speed. Changing speeds of the platter between 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm is achieved by repositioning the belt.
With the turntable stationary, move the belt to the lower, wider part of the pulley for 45 rpm. For 33 rpm, seat the belt just above the wider section.

Don’t worry, the belt will automatically level itself when spinning. A Direct Drive Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Motor, which is synced to the AC power line’s unfluctuating frequency, assures a precise speed is maintained.

Belt Pulley- 50Hz Verses 60Hz
For units shipped in North America, a Belt Pulley designed for 60Hz is installed. For units shipped outside of North America, a 50Hz Belt Pulley is installed. Since some countries use both 50Hz and 60Hz frequencies, a 60Hz Belt Pulley is included in units shipped outside North America. The 60Hz Belt Pulley is the smaller of the two. To change the Belt Pulley, use the supplied Small Allen Wrench to loosen the two bolts at the base of the belt Pulley and then pull upward to remove. Reverse this procedure to install the Belt Pulley.

The Cartridge and the Stylus
Included and installed on the MTI100 is the Olympia Oyster Series Moving Magnet Cartridge which is McIntosh part number 32065000. If the stylus becomes damaged or worn, there is no need to replace the entire cartridge- a new stylus can be ordered (McIntosh part number 310649SP).

Cartridge Alignment
The cartridge has been expertly aligned at our factory. You do not need to align the cartridge when first setting up the MTI100.We do include an Alignment Jig for for setting up a new cartridge.
To align a cartridge:
Remove the record mat for best results.
Slip the rounded opening on one end of the Alignment Jig around the rounded section of the shaft supporting the tonearm. The Jig will fit just below the more rectangular section with a slight bend in the Jig. Place the Jig’s hole over the record spindle.Carefully move the tonearm. The stylus should (gently) land on the dot in the center of the grid pattern, and the edge of the cartridge should be parallel with the grid lines.
To adjust the cartridge, loosen the two screws holding the cartridge to the cartridge shell. Use the supplied Large Allen wrench. Loosen just enough to be able to make slight adjustments to the cartridge position. Using care (and patience) adjust the cartridge position until the stylus falls on the center dot of the grid pattern and the edge of the cartridge is parallel with the grid lines. Then, tighten the screws.

Dimensions

Description of Remote Control Buttons

Overview

Some buttons, like the CD-related buttons or the unlabeled arrow keys, may be used to control other connected McIntosh products.

Changing the Remote’s Battery

Someday, the AAA battery in the remote will need to be replaced. This is how to do it.
The back of the remote control is held in place by magnets. To remove the back of the remote to reveal the battery, slide the front of the remote up while sliding the back of the remote down. The goal is to move the back 3/16 of an inch from the top of the remote and then lift it off. There are many ways do to this, as far as positioning your fingers. To open the remote:

Hold the remote upsidedown and backwards with McIntosh name upsidedown and facing away from you. The thicker end will now be the top and you should be staring at the back of the remote.
Pinch the remote with your index finger resting on the Trim/Select button and your thumb on the backside (facing you) opposite your index finger’s position. Your thumb and remote should both be pointing away from you (see Figure 16).
Use your thumb to slide the back open 3/16 of an inch. Slide your thumb away from you towards the thicker end of the remote, while your index finger goes in the opposite direction (towards you as if snapping your fingers in slow motion). For added strength, you can use your other hand in a similar position above your first hand using the same technique. Make sure you do not hold the side edge with either hand.
Lift the back off with your other hand before it snaps closed again. You can grab the now exposed top edge.
It gets easier after the first time.

Remove and replace the battery noting the polarity (printed below the battery, if you forget). To replace the back: Place the back in position 3/16 of an inch from the edge. The magnets will help you snap it back into place.

Technical Specifications

Amplifier

Power Output
50 watts into 8 ohm loads
80 watts into 4 ohm loads
Output Load Impedance
8 ohms or 4 ohms
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.2% maximum harmonic distortion at any level from 250 milliwatts to one-half of rated power output, 20Hz to 20kHz
0.5% maximum harmonic distortion at any level from one-half to full rated power output, 20Hz to 20kHz
Dynamic Headroom
1dB 8 ohm load
1.3dB 4 ohm load
Frequency Response
+0, -0.7dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
Input Sensitivity (for rated output)
1.5V PWR Amplifier IN
A-Weighted Signal to Noise Ratio
93dB (110dB below rated output) PWR Amplifier IN
Intermodulation Distortion
0.1% maximum if instantaneous peak power output does not exceed the rated output for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz
Wide Damping Factor
Greater than 200, 8 ohm load
Greater than 100, 4 ohm load
Input Impedance
6.5K ohms
Voltage gain
22dB

Preamplifier

Frequency Response
+0, -0.7dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.2% from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Rated Output (Main)
1.5V
Maximum Voltage Output
9V RMS
Sensitivity (for rated output)
High Level, 300mV AUX Input
Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)
High Level, 90dB
Phono, 75dB
Input Impedance
68K ohms AUX Input
Maximum Input Signal
4V AUX Input
Phono MM, 45mV
Voltage Gain
AUX Input to Main Output: 14dB Phono MM Section: 40dB
Output Impedance
100 ohms
Headphone Load Impedance
100 ohms to 600 ohms
Digital Input Sample Rates
Optical: 16Bit, 24Bit – 32kHz to 192kHz Coaxial: 16Bit, 24Bit – 32kHz to 192kHz
Bluetooth Profiles
A2DP, AVRCP, SBC, HD
TRIGGER OUTPUT
12VDC, 50mA maximum

Olympia Cartridge

Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet (MM)
Frequency Response
12Hz-30kHz
Output Voltage/Channel
4mV @ 1kHz
Channel Separation
30dB @ 1kHz
Channel Balance
1.5dB/1kHz
Compliance
12×10-6 cm/dyn @ 100Hz
Stylus Size/Shape
.3x.7/Elliptical
Load Impedance
47k Ohms
Tracking Force Range
1.8-2.2 grams
Recommended Force
2.0 grams
Cartridge Weight
6.5 grams

McIntosh

The continuous improvement of its products is the policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who reserve the right to improve design without notice.
Printed in the U.S.A.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, NY 13903 www.mcintoshlabs.com