McIntosh MHT100 Home Theater Receiver - Serviced With New Glass And Power Supply

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General:
This McIntosh A/V System Controller (or what is commonly referred to as a receiver) was just serviced in our shop.

McIntosh only made a few home theater receiver models over the years as they tend to make separates in hopes you will buy more boxes. After a 30 year break, they finally just released the MHT300 to critical acclaim. Problem is, it will set you back $8k.

This unit received a new glass faceplate fresh from the factory, a new power supply (very common failure in this model after a few decades), and a new critical internal power supply connecting cable that ages and fails over time. 

This MHT100 now works just like it left the factory and produces all the sweet sounding power expected from a McIntosh amplifier. And with our repairs it should be good to go for another 20 years.

This is a full featured receiver - sure the component video switching is a bit outdated, but most people just run HDMI directly from their cable or streaming box to the display anyway in order to get the purest connection possible.

This would also make an excellent home theater preamp as the jumpers connecting the amplifier section are removable. A nice upgrade path if you decide you want even more power down the line.

Best of all this model features a built in AM/FM tuner making it a true receiver.

Please note this MHT100 will ship via freight securely strapped to a pallet anywhere within the USA for a flat $375. If you're outside of that area please contact us for a quote. Local pickup is welcome, and a local courier available for an additional fee within our general area.

Standout Features from McIntosh:

1. Video: The MHT100 is equipped with a 1080p video scaler that up-converts standard definition video to high definition, making your favorite movies and TV shows look better than ever.

2. Audio: The MHT100 features McIntosh's legendary sound quality, thanks to its advanced digital processing and powerful amplification. With support for up to 6 channel surround sound, you'll experience immersive audio like never before.

3. Audio: The MHT100 features McIntosh's legendary sound quality, thanks to its advanced digital processing and powerful amplification. With support for up to 6 channel surround sound, you'll experience immersive audio like never before.

4. Connectivity: The MHT100 is equipped with a variety of connectivity options, including component, composite, and S-video inputs, as well as analog and digital audio inputs. This allows you to connect all of your favorite audio and video sources, including gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and more.

5. User-friendly interface: The MHT100 features an easy-to-use on-screen menu system, making it simple to navigate and adjust settings to your liking.

6. Build quality: Like all McIntosh products, the MHT100 is built to last, with high-quality components and a durable construction that ensures reliable performance for years to come.

7. Design: The MHT100 features McIntosh's signature sleek and elegant design, with a black glass.

8. Included remote: The MHT100 comes with a comprehensive remote control that allows you to easily adjust settings and switch between sources.

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:
Second Owner

General Sound:
Neutral sound with little to no coloration

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained.. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, remote, and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs (See linked manual below for full specs):
• Type 6.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver.
• Tuning range FM, AM.
• Power output 80 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
• Surround output 80W (front), 80W (center), 80W (rear)
• Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz.
• Total harmonic distortion 0.05%
• Input sensitivity 100mV (line)
• Signal to noise ratio 90dB (line)

Dimensions:
9.5 in. H x 17.5 in. W x 20 in. D (24.1 cm. H x 44.5 cm. W x 50.8 cm. D)

Weight:
92 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Good

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Kable - Bi-Wire Speaker Cables - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords

Testing Process:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the device has the ability to decouple the preamplifier from the power amplifier, we remove the jumpers and independently test each section. If the device cannot be decoupled, we assess the electronic condition of the piece by analyzing the speaker level output only.

We start by connecting the “preout” jacks of the receiver to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope. We then switch to a 1KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources.

If the preamp section is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve.

To test the tuner, we connect one of the tape outputs to the Sencore PA81 and the antenna terminals to a Sencore SG80 which allows us to “simulate” an ideal radio station using precision test signals instead of music. This device, in conjunction with an oscilloscope allows us to properly evaluate the following parameters:

1. AM Reception (Where Applicable)
2. FM Mono Reception & Tuning Meter Function
3. FM MPX Reception (Stereo)
4. Dial Tracking - How accurately the tuner dial or display indicates the actual frequency of the broadcast being received.
5. Stereo Separation - A properly working stereo tuner will have minimal crosstalk between the left and right channel.
6. Sensitivity & Signal Strength Meter Function - By lowering the output of the SG80 we can simulate weak stations and determine how well the tuner will be able to pull in weak distant stations. This adjustment also helps us verify signal strength meter function.

If the tuner has acceptable performance related to the parameters above, we connect the unit for listening tests with a simple dipole antenna. We listen for audio reproduction quality of local stations and evaluate how many stations the tuner can receive while we sweep through the dial. We are looking to verify that the tuner can decode stereo on strong local broadcasts and pick up a wide variety of local stations at the bottom, middle, and top of the frequency band. At this point we also test convenience features such as muting, filters, built in oscilloscope function, etc. 

Next, we test the power amplifier section by connecting the receiver’s speaker outputs to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1KHz test signal at the “main in” jacks and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping. At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance.We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1KHz square wave check and a 20Hz to 20KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

If the preamp and power amp both pass these tests, we reconnect the sections and verify that the preamp section can drive the power amp to rated power with a 1KHz tone on one of the line level inputs.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.