McIntosh MQ101 Vintage 3 Band Equalizer - W/ Wood Case + New Faceplate
General:
The McIntosh MQ101 is a cool and somewhat under-the-radar piece of classic McIntosh gear. Produced in the early 1970s, it was designed to give listeners practical control over their system’s tonal balance when needed in rooms where acoustics could be improved.
The MQ101 connects through the tape loop of your preamp, adding a straightforward 3-band equalizer to your setup. It allows you to adjust low, mid, and high frequencies to better suit your room and speakers,
It pairs especially well with period-correct preamps like the McIntosh C26 or C28, which match it cosmetically.
This particular unit includes its original wood cabinet, which completes the classic McIntosh look and makes it easy to integrate visually with other walnut-cased components from the same period. It also has the benefit of a new aftermarket faceplate.
SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
This unit arrived with shattered glass. McIntosh no longer manufactures a direct replacement for this model. We have sourced and installed an aftermarket piece. The new glass differs in lighting and font, but we feel it was done super well and looks great. Overall condition is good.
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
Connections:
RCA, Captive power cord
General Sound:
Accurate to the recording
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.
Included:
Just the Unit
Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing
Specs:
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz (±0.5dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.1%
- Hum and Noise: -80dB
- Input Sensitivity: 2.5V
- Input Impedance: 60k ohms
Input Controls
- Input Attenuator Switch: 0dB, -6dB, -12dB
Output
- Output Level: 2.5V into 47k ohms
- Tape Monitor: Inputs and outputs with dedicated switch
Equalization
- Low Frequency:
- 0 to +17dB at 20Hz
- 5 steps: 0, +6, +9, +13, +17dB
- Mid Frequency:
- -5 to +5dB at 4000Hz
- 5 equal steps
- High Frequency:
- -4 to +4dB at 20kHz
- 5 equal steps
Power
- Power Requirements: 120 volts
- Power Consumption: 20 watts
Dimensions:
Unit size: 2-15/16" high, 16" wide and 10" deep (1-1/2" knob clearance)
Cabinet size: 3-1/2" high, 16-5/8" wide and 9-3/8" deep
Weight:
15 lbs.
Approximate Age:
1973
Link to Manual:
Click Here
Original: $1,990.00
-65%$1,990.00
$696.50
Description
General:
The McIntosh MQ101 is a cool and somewhat under-the-radar piece of classic McIntosh gear. Produced in the early 1970s, it was designed to give listeners practical control over their system’s tonal balance when needed in rooms where acoustics could be improved.
The MQ101 connects through the tape loop of your preamp, adding a straightforward 3-band equalizer to your setup. It allows you to adjust low, mid, and high frequencies to better suit your room and speakers,
It pairs especially well with period-correct preamps like the McIntosh C26 or C28, which match it cosmetically.
This particular unit includes its original wood cabinet, which completes the classic McIntosh look and makes it easy to integrate visually with other walnut-cased components from the same period. It also has the benefit of a new aftermarket faceplate.
SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
This unit arrived with shattered glass. McIntosh no longer manufactures a direct replacement for this model. We have sourced and installed an aftermarket piece. The new glass differs in lighting and font, but we feel it was done super well and looks great. Overall condition is good.
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
Connections:
RCA, Captive power cord
General Sound:
Accurate to the recording
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.
Included:
Just the Unit
Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing
Specs:
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz (±0.5dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.1%
- Hum and Noise: -80dB
- Input Sensitivity: 2.5V
- Input Impedance: 60k ohms
Input Controls
- Input Attenuator Switch: 0dB, -6dB, -12dB
Output
- Output Level: 2.5V into 47k ohms
- Tape Monitor: Inputs and outputs with dedicated switch
Equalization
- Low Frequency:
- 0 to +17dB at 20Hz
- 5 steps: 0, +6, +9, +13, +17dB
- Mid Frequency:
- -5 to +5dB at 4000Hz
- 5 equal steps
- High Frequency:
- -4 to +4dB at 20kHz
- 5 equal steps
Power
- Power Requirements: 120 volts
- Power Consumption: 20 watts
Dimensions:
Unit size: 2-15/16" high, 16" wide and 10" deep (1-1/2" knob clearance)
Cabinet size: 3-1/2" high, 16-5/8" wide and 9-3/8" deep
Weight:
15 lbs.
Approximate Age:
1973
Link to Manual:
Click Here
