McIntosh MCD 1100 – High End Stereo Equipment We Buy

McIntosh is one of the most dependable brand names when it comes to high-end audio systems. For years the brand has been recognized by audiophiles throughout the world as equipment that delivers clear and consistent quality in music. McIntosh is probably best known for its amplifiers and preamps, but the company produces many other components and parts for stereo and home theatre.

What are the specs for the McIntosh MD 1100?

Dimensions:
Height, 6.0in, X Width, 17.5in, X Depth, 16.5in
Freq range CD:
4Hz-20kHz
Freq range SACD:
4Hz-40kHz
Disc Formats:
SACD ,CD, MP3, WMA
S/N Ratio:
110dB
Digital Output:
Coaxial, TOS Link
Net Weight:
28.2 lbs

What else to know about the McIntosh MD 1100?

"The SACD won’t go away because enough of us realise that it sounds fabulous. It still has an important market in Japan, and supporters in unlikely places which keep the software flowing. McIntosh is one-as traditional a manufacturer as you can name, and not tempted towards controversy. Mac’s approach to SACD is almost matter-of-fact-it eschews 5.1; and clearly understands its markets. McIntosh has amplified the appeal of the MCD1100 by adding variable output in addition to fixed. A proper headphone amplifier is another nice touch, reinforcing its role as a full-blown ‘control unit’. And it has added a host of digital inputs and outputs for full integration with computers, multiroom installations and other digital systems that can be accessed by coaxial, Toslink, XLR, BNC or USB. A wonderful concoction thus emerges that’s a full-on SACD/CD player plus five-input digital preamp. To accomplish this, McIntosh has fitted four of its True Quad balanced DACs per stereo channel, both the PCM audio and the external digital inputs being treated to 32-bit/192kHz D/A conversion. McIntosh indicates compatibility with CD, SACD, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA and MP3. The unit looks more subdued than classic McIntosh hardware, thanks to an absence of blue-lit meters. All black with blue-lit highlights, the front panel is made of glass, with fibre-optic illumination. The usual controls are matched by a full-function remote. PRESENCE Although we tried the various digital inputs and listened as well to Red Book CDs, our primary concern was SACD playback. While normal CD playback was way beyond satisfactory, it was not so arresting as to overshadow the achievement of the SACD section. Equally, we found the digital inputs a convenience rather than a deal-maker-the wisest amongst you have already invested in Musical Fidelity Clics, Benchmarks, etc. With Eleanor McEvoy’s luscious SACD I’d Rather Go Blonde, the first track starts with a weird plucking that could be a ukulele, a violin or even or some obscure Japanese stringed instrument. Which of these is not important – what matters into the room, fully formed and unmistakably ‘present’. Followed by her slightly breathy voice, the plucking complementing McEvoy’s slight, almost delicate huskiness, both survived a path through all that complicated circuitry to arrive with sparkling finesse. We had no choice but to turn to another voice with equally distinctive qualities-the heartbreakingly beautiful The Very Thought Of You from Analogue Productions, with Nat ‘King’ Cole sounding divine… in the true meaning of the word. Heavenly, ethereal – and that’s just the strings! The MCD1100 positioned Nat just to the fore, the orchestra arranged behind in a wide arc. You could almost reach out, see the glow of his cigarette. And it all started to make sense. However much one appreciates 5.1 when used correctly, the two-channel portrayal of this disc provided a seamless expanse, with front-to-back depth of cavernous proportions. It seemed real. With The Doobie Brothers’ ‘Listen To The Music’, via MoFi’s SACD of Toulouse Street, the distinctive, instantly-familiar opening strumming possessed both attack and body with such authenticity that it became another example of how a superior system fools you into thinking the musician is present. VERDICT Clearly, McIntosh feels that enough customers agree SACD is a format worth supporting. While the preamp capabilities and readiness for streaming/downloading make it less of a gamble, the bottom line is that the player is touched by genius – and it sounds that way." - Hi-Fi News & Record Review

Brief History of McIntosh

Long mapped-to Binghamton New York – the current headquarters and manufacturing center for McIntosh Labs – not many people know the brand was originally launched outside of the Nation’s Capital in Silver Spring Maryland, in 1949. In 1956, the brand built their original facility in New York, according to the official brand website.

Other McIntosh Products We Often Buy

Typically, StereoBuyers purchases mostly used amplifiers, especially the vintage amps and high-end McIntosh models such as the MC202 or MC252, and the C220 preamp, for example. We have also purchased many pre-owned tuners from McIntosh over the recent years, including the MR67 and MR78 models, for example.

StereoBuyers has purchased tens of thousands worth McIntosh brand equipment since 2014, with individual buys ranging from $100 to well over $50,000. If you are moving, ready to upgrade, or have McIntosh equipment you do not or will not be using, why not contact us today to find out if it is worth good money?

If you are interested in selling your used McIntosh equipment to us in the greater NYC area or Colorado, please click here to fill out a Free Quote Form and we will get back to you. If we agree on terms, we come to meet you where you want, and pay cash.

The following images show actual McIntosh equipment purchased by StereoBuyers.