I opened the McIntosh Labs email with trepidation this week as I’ve begun to fear whiplash from the speed of product development pouring forth from the hallowed halls of the Binghamton, New York-based high fidelity manufacture. The company is going through a renaissance recently with intense research & development into updates of not only time-tested models in its very deep lineup, but brand new model launches. Take the MT2 Precision Turntable, nicely slotted-in to the entry level of the company’s ‘table lineup which currently sports the MT5, and MT10 models.

With a Sumiko moving-coil high-output cartridge suitable for moving-magnet phono stages, a DC motor drive with sintered-bronze bushings, high-mass polyoxymethylene platter, 33-1/3 and 45 rpm operation, chassis-decoupled power supply, and most of the fussy arm, and cartridge alignment/set up already taken care of at the factory, the MT2 seems destined to be up, and spinning in no time without associated audiophile OCD prep before dropping the tonearm. All this for an MSRP of $4,000 USD.

Well done McIntosh, well done indeed.

–Rafe Arnott

Press release below:

Binghamton, NY – March 8, 2018 – McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for over 65 years, is proud to announce the MT2 Precision Turntable.

The McIntosh MT2 Precision Turntable combines the latest in turntable technology and design to deliver both superb performance and accurate playback. A full complement of features allows for all recordings to be reproduced with flawless realism. Its advanced electronic and mechanical design will give many years of smooth, trouble-free operation. A subtle green glow emanates from under the platter and the outside edges of the plinth for a touch of refined ambiance and connection to the McIntosh design aesthetic.

The MT2 plays both 33-1/3 and 45 rpm records and is virtually ready to use out of the box as tracking force, anti-skate force, cartridge overhang and arm height are all preset from the factory for maximum performance. The remaining setup steps are simple, allowing the user to be enjoying their vinyl in no time.

The MT2 comes with a moving coil cartridge that has a high enough output to make it compatible with not only moving coil phono inputs but also moving magnet inputs. The cartridge’s high impedance and high output voltage ensures noise free musical reproduction. This unique cartridge design features an alloy cantilever and an elliptical diamond stylus with exceptional tracking capability. The tonearm is constructed from dural-aluminum with special damping materials and is light weight yet highly rigid. The noise free vertical bearings feature two precision ceramic surfaces with damping fluid; the horizontal bearing is a gimballed sapphire design.

The belt driven, solid black outer platter is made from a special dynamically balanced polyoxymethylene (POM) and is over 1” thick. This heftiness helps to both resist and absorb external vibrations that can cause noise during playback; its large mass also provides the perfect flywheel action for stable playback speed. The inner platter is made of CNC-precision milled aluminum. The platters rotate on a polished and tempered steel shaft in a sintered bronze bushing. The DC motor is driven by an external voltage-stabilized power supply and is completely decoupled from the chassis, isolating the record from any mechanical interference. Its sturdy plinth has a resonance optimized and highly compressed wood base with black lacquer finish, while the top and middle acrylic plates help absorb unwanted vibrations.

A clear, contoured dust cover is included. The MT2 turntable is compatible with a variety of McIntosh phono preamplifiers, stereo preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers and home theater processors with phono inputs.

Pricing and Availability

Orders for the MT2 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in April.

Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and are excluded): $4,000 USD.