McIntosh MT5 Turntable - with New Sumiko Songbird MC (Pre-Loved)

This MT5 will come with a SkyFi 1-year warranty (no McIntosh warranty). 

Price listed is MSRP. Please call to order and discuss pricing.

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General:
This is the first Pre-Loved MT5 that we have to offer here at SkyFi!

The McIntosh MT5 is the perfect addition to your system if you are an avid McIntosh fan. Its gloss black and polished steel surfaces work so well with the green lighting McIntosh is famous for.

In the McIntosh turntable range the MT5 is a real sweet spot. A clear step up in build and performance compared to the MT2 and but not nearly as expensive as the flagship MT10.

We decided to pair this Turntable with a brand new Sumiko Songbird Hi Phono Cartridge ($899). The Songbird high is a great cost to performance ratio for this turntable, and best yet it is compatible with (MM) Moving Magnet phono inputs. This will be calibrated using our 12-step calibration process ($390) for maximum performance.

This particular example is in excellent condition and shows extremely minimal wear. Included with the turntable will be its dust cover, cartridge, box, and manual. 

From McIntosh:
The McIntosh MT5 Precision Turntable is a complete turntable package that is more than the sum of its parts. Engineered to exacting McIntosh standards, each piece contributes to deliver a superb performance. The illuminated, magnetically suspended platter produces an inviting glow that's sure to be a conversation starter among friends and guests alike.
The MT5 is factory adjusted for perfect playback. Tracking force, anti-skate force, cartridge overhang and arm height are all preset for maximum performance. Advanced magnetic platter bearings and a precise belt drive motor spins records with absolute stability and quiet, assuring a pleasurable vinyl listening experience. The custom tone arm and cartridge track records with minimum friction using magnetic antiskate and horizontal, tone-arm bearings. While the construction of the MT5 is meticulous, the setup is simple. In a few easy steps, you’ll be ready to enjoy your favorite vinyl recordings.
While maintaining complementary McIntosh styling, the MT5 takes full advantage of the chassis materials used to suppress noise, resonance and coloration so the only sound produced is that which is on your records. A clear, form-fitting dust cover is included to protect the MT5's moving parts, along with your valued records. The MT5 turntable is compatible with any McIntosh stereo preamplifier or phono preamplifier and is a great piece to complete your two-channel stereo system.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
The turntable and dust cover are in great condition. Minimal signs of wear overall. Very good condition.

Brand Background:
McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA outputs with Ground Wire, 12 Trigger in/out, power supply

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
9/10 = Excellent. Perfect physical condition, gently used. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Everything like when it arrived new

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Reviews:
Click Here

Specs:
TONEARM SPECIFICATIONS
- Bearing: Magnetic Sapphire and Ceramic
- Arm Tube: Dural-Aluminum
- Counterweight: Eccentric
- Adjustments: Vertical Tracking Angle, Antiskate, Azimuth
TURNTABLE SPECIFICATIONS
- Playback Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 and 78 rpm
- Motor Type: DC Motor with Stainless Steel Brushes
- Speed Control: Servo System
- Platter: Silicon Acrylic
- Platter Bearing: Magnetic Suspended Ceramic
- Signal To Noise Ratio: 36dB - 41dB
- Wow & Flutter: 0.15% - 0.20%
CONNECTIVITY
- Stereo Outputs Unbalanced: 1
CONTROL
- Power Control Input: 1
- Power Control Output: 1
- Platter Light: Yes
- Speed Control Fine Adjustment: Yes
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Dust Cover Included: Yes

Dimensions:
(W x H x D)17-1/2" (44.45cm) x 7" (17.8cm) (7-1/2" (19.0cm) with dust cover) x 19" (48.26cm)

Weight:
31.5 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracking Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.