McIntosh MX130 A/V Preamplifier
McIntosh MX130 A/V Preamplifier
USER REVIEWS
[Dec 14, 2014]
John
AudioPhile
I've always wanted a real high end pre-amp, but could never afford it. I needed 5 line inputs (Cable, DVD, Cassette, VCR, DAT), plus 2 tape loops (Reel-to-Reel, CD Recorder) and phono. I bid on several of these on eBay and was outbid every time. I finally bid on a complete system (minus speakers), figuring I could sell the pieces I didn't need to pay off the credit card. I won the auction, sold the unwanted pieces, and wound up with this unit and $500 profit. It is way out of date for surround, but I use it in stereo mode, and it does everything I need flawlessly. It's paired with a Parasound Halo A23 power amp, Miller & Kreisel S85 bookshelf speakers, and Miller & Kreisel V-2B subwoofer. Sound is open and warm with a soundstage that is wide and deep. I love the fact that I can record from any input to either or both recorders, including from 1 recorder to the other. I agree with an earlier reviewer that the lack of battery backup is a bit of a pain when the power goes out, but resetting the tuner presets and calibration settings only takes a couple of minutes.Selecting the recording source can't be done on the remote, but it's not an issue for me. I give it 5 stars in stereo, 3 stars for surround. |
[Jul 21, 2013]
LAIHORNG1976
Casual Listener
Good piece from mc! Really love the design and most important is the music this thing can produce.
|
[Jun 06, 2011]
hifigeezer
AudioPhile
In 2011 this is obsolete as an A/V controller (no HDMI or component video), so I got a bargain ($710 for a 9/10 unit). It seems there are several versions with or without balanced connections, so pick yours carefully. Bass in particular is more robust that the Adcom GFP-750 it replaced; frequency balance and imaging also very good. I've owned a Reference Line passive preamp and used the Adcom mostly in the passive mode; I have not tried the phono section in the McIntosh. My only beef is that this thing is huge and a bit ostentatious in appearance -- just the thing for the McMansion. Awsome flexibility as a preamp for a complex sytem - multiple tape loops, enough inputs for even the most acquistive audiophile. I haven't had the chance to compare this to state-of-the-art preamps but suspect it is at my point of diminishing returns. |
[Jan 02, 1999]
Jim Cash
an Audio Enthusiast
I have owned my MX 130 for about 4 years. I traded it for my previous C39 preamp, and an old Mac Tuner - wanted all in one with the remote control of the FM. |
[Nov 03, 1999]
mustafa sav
Audiophile
My unit remembers when I set the speakers individually and switch the amp on and of.I liked this preamp better than c 39 . I still like 2 channel audio better than home theater, dough...Too many adjustments is fine to play and to find out which setting you like the most...for a while. I know that I have a solid system of 7106 macintosh 6 channel amp plus the MX 130 to build upon. Lots of choices, lots of things to hook up... |