McIntosh MX130 Home Theater Preamp with Tuner and Phono

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General:

While the video section of this unit is outdated, the audio section is still relevant today and makes for a great full function audio processor. Especially if you like to use your system for music as well as video.  

This MX130 is in great working condition and was thoroughly tested. The audio quality is very good, and the controls are responsive and fully operational.  

And as a great bonus, this processor also has the optional McIntosh tuner module installed, incorporating FM and AM right into the unit. Just connect an antenna and you’re good to go.  

Cosmetically its very good with all lettering intact. The knobs are clean and scratch free. The top paint shows no deep scratches or signs of rust.  

All bulbs illuminate and function as they should, all controls are noise free, and the sound is fabulous McIntosh quality. 

Notes:
• The McIntosh HR044 remote that is included in the listing is not the original remote that is supplied with the unit. It was tested and controls all major functions of the MX130: Tuner, Presets, Source Selection, Volume, Mute, etc. Some functions that may not work via this remote control are Zone B Switching and Multichannel Input.
• No testing performed on dated composite video or S-Video connections. This MX130 is verified for analog audio use only.
• Power cord plug replaced.

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. 

McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment experience for discriminating listeners around the world. Our iconic blue Watt output meter is globally recognized as a symbol of quality home audio. With a McIntosh home stereo system or home theater, listeners have the ability to create their own luxury audio experience – and truly live their music.

Ownership:

Second Owner

Amplifier Recommendation:

McIntosh MC7106

Connections:

RCA inputs and outputs for all audio.  RCA Composite and S-Video for all Video.  Captive Power Cord.

General Sound:

Smooth, uncolored, undistorted, natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:

7 - Some Wear and Light Scratches

https://skyfiaudio.com/pages/our-rating-scale

Working Condition:

Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:

Just the unit and captive power cord

Packing:

Original Manufacturers Packing

Original MSRP:

$4,800

Dimensions:

7" x 17" x 17"

Weight:

31 lbs.

Age:

1998

Link to Manual:

Click Here to View or Download

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Flagship Tonearm Interconnects - Best

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.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output 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 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. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected. If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.

Specs:

Please see our photos or the manual linked above for full specifications.