Ask an audiophile for an opinion about why vinyl is making a comeback, and you’ll hear different viewpoints from cliché answers to unpopular takes. Some Gen-Z audiophiles may claim that there is a desire for a unique listening experience, while a baby boomer won’t shy from asserting the fact that it’s the appeal of physical media that has led people to hark back to this audio equipment. Whatever the case, we are here to churn the most out of the vinyl moment, and so are the brands. Case in point, McIntosh! The famed American high-end audio manufacturer has recently launched a Sun Records Edition of their MTI100 Integrated Turntable.
For those who are not familiar with the legendary Memphis label legacy, here is a little piece of history. Sun Records was a legendary independent record label founded by Sam Phillips in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1952. It is often acclaimed as being the birthplace of rock and roll, launching the careers of iconic artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. No wonder, Hi Consumption rates the limited edition piece to be “grail-worthy for anyone who appreciates music history.”
The MTI100 Sun Records Limited Edition garners limelight for its striking design. The custom glass plinth, etched with the Sun Records logo, rests on a 1/4-inch metal plate, giving it a look that’s both retro and modern. It’s paired with a matching felt slipmat, also branded with the Sun Records logo, which adds an authentic touch that transports vinyl enthusiasts straight to the 1950s Memphis studio where it all began.
Configuration-wise, the limited-edition piece measures 19.25 inches wide, 6.75 inches high, and 14 inches deep, with a solid 33.5 lbs build that feels substantial yet fits neatly into any space. The black lacquer finish, glowing lime-green accents, and dual 12AX7 vacuum tubes give it a distinctive McIntosh aesthetic.
As someone who values both convenience and quality, I was impressed by how the MTI100 combines a belt-drive turntable with a seven-pound aluminum platter, a 50-watt Class D amplifier (80 watts into 4 ohms), and a vacuum tube preamplifier. The turntable comes equipped with Bluetooth 4.2, digital coaxial and optical inputs, an analog input, a subwoofer output, and a high-drive headphone amplifier.
“The MTI100 comes with a Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet cartridge, whose upgraded stylus and cantilever assembly allow for more dynamic punch and improved frequency response. Power, volume and input selection can be controlled by either the included remote or via two knobs on the unit. An illuminated McIntosh logo is located in the top glass panel, while a classic McIntosh-styled die-cast aluminum name badge adorns the front of the chassis,” the makers state.
Other features include dual 12AX7 tubes, which add a warm, harmonic depth, while the shielded phono preamp will keep the sound clean and free of interference. While McIntosh hasn’t disclosed how many units are being produced, they’ve hinted at a “very small quantity,” adding to its exclusivity.
‘With all the built-in connectivity the MTI100 offers, it can become the centerpiece of a modern home audio system for modern lifestyles. Simply add your favorite speakers of choice (such as our XR50 bookshelf or XR100 floorstanding speakers) and you’ll have a complete and comprehensive audio system,” the company points out.
Also Read: Bang & Olufsen’s 1985 Turntable Paired With Beolab 8 Speakers is Art of Resurrection
Priced at $8,500, the McIntosh Sun Records Limited Edition carries a $500 premium over the standard MTI100, but the custom design and historical significance make it feel like a worthy investment. The turntable is available exclusively in the U.S. through McIntosh’s online store. For more details, jump over to the official McIntosh Labs website.
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