Now that I’ve got you attention let me clarify, it’s not sex-related, Hahahahahahahahaha!!!
Last night I had the opportunity to setup and install a friend’s new turntable, a McIntosh MT5. From the looks I can tell you is sexy as hell, and McIntosh is known to produce very sexy and good looking audio gear since the beginning of time. The company has been in the audio industry for 70 years and its signature blue and green display colors are recognizable from a mile away. Setup was very straightforward and simple.
The McIntosh MT5 turntable:
Sexy isn’t it?
The McIntosh MT5 included a Sumiko Blue Point Mk 2 high output moving coil cartridge installed in a McIntosh branded tonearm. The turntable can run at 33.3, 45 and 78 revolutions per minute so there is not an LP speed that you cannot play. It is driven by a DC motor connected to an external wall power supply. The sound was very sexy and relaxed, too much for my personal taste.
Did a short demo against a Linn Majik LP12 with a Project 9CC tonearm and Linn Adikt moving magnet cartridge and, in my opinion, the Linn sounded more dynamic and involving, better keeping the rhythm ad tune.
If you prefer the looks and style of the McIntosh MT5 be ready to spend around $6,000 USD + taxes. On the other hand a Linn Majik LP12 is cheaper (around $4,300 USD + taxes) and, in my opinion, will provide more musical enjoyment.
But in the end, as the saying says, ‘About taste, there’s nothing written’, your preference is what matters.
Enjoy!
Vic