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At $8,000, the McIntosh MSA5500 streaming integrated amplifier isn’t for everybody, but it’s hard not to be impressed with its styling and audio technology. class ab amplifier module
It has been a rather busy 24 months for the most iconic brand in high-end audio. Not only did McIntosh Labs turn 75 and unveil a rather extensive range of new components, but it also reopened its House of Sound in New York City and was recently sold along with Sonus faber to Bose. The new McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier puts a rather definitive final stamp on 2024 and whilst some might focus solely on the price — we actually think it might be the most affordable way to experience McIntosh’s trademark sound and build quality. Streaming
On the streaming side, the MSA550 supports Apple AirPlay 2; Bluetooth; Chromecast; Spotify Connect; and TIDAL Connect (including TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality).
Bluetooth streaming support includes Bluetooth 5.0; Advanced Audio Coding (AAC); Qualcomm aptX HD for hi-res audio playback; and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive. The MSA5500 is also Roon Ready. DAC
The MSA5500 employs an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital signals into the analog format needed for playback. The next generation, quad balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC features a huge dynamic range and low distortion. Physical Connectivity
The MSA5500 comes with 7 digital and 5 analog audio inputs for connecting audio components, such as a CD player or tuner, plus a Moving Magnet phono input to connect a turntable. There is also a set of balanced inputs.
In addition, the MSA550 also includes an HDMI (ARC) to provide better sound from compatible TVs than a TV’s internal speakers or most soundbars can provide.
Pro Tip: The HDMI (ARC) input will only play audio from a compatible TV. It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source. TV must have an HDMI (ARC) output. McIntosh Amplification
On the amplifier side, the MSA5500 provides up to 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers.
Pro Tip: McIntosh suggests pairing the MSA5500 with their XR50 Bookshelf and/or XR100 Floorstanding Speakers which have been a part of their product offerings since 2012 and are still going strong.
The MSA5500’s internal amplifier can also be bypassed if desired via its preamp outputs if you want to connect high-power external amplifiers and use the MSA5500 as a preamp.
Pro Tip: A subwoofer output is also provided.
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The MSA550 also provides a front-panel headphone output with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) technology support. This feature mixes some of the left channel into the right channel, and vice versa, while applying filters and delays. This better approximates the listening environment as if the headphone user was listening to speakers. Additional McIntosh Technologies
Additional McIntosh technologies designed to contribute to longevity and reliability include: Power Guard: This feature monitors the output signal for overdriving and makes real-time adjustments to the input signal to prevent clipping that could damage speakers. Sentry Monitor: This feature disengages the output stage before the current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal. Monogrammed Heatsinks™: The heatsinks are connected to high-current output transistors that minimize thermal equilibrium lag (or warm-up) time. This helps keep the MSA5500 running cool. Home Theater PassThru: This makes integration into a home theater setup easier. Gold-plated Solid Cinch™: These are speaker-binding posts that secure speaker connections. Power Control: This feature allows the sending of power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power-up and shutdown
Just as with all McIntosh products, the MSA5500 is designed to provide years of listening enjoyment. Using the MSA5500 does not require downloading a smartphone app. Specifications Product McIntosh MSA5500Price$8,000 USDNumber of Channels2 (left and right)Power Output (per channel)100 W (8 ohms) 160 W (4 ohms)Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)0.005%Dynamic Headroom 1.8dBFrequency Response+0,-0.5dB: 20Hz to 20kHz 0, -3dB: 10Hz to 100kHzInput Sensitivity (Phono – Moving Magnet)2.5mVInput Sensitivity (Balanced/Unbalanced)0.5V/0.25VInput Sensitivity (Power Amp Input)1VSignal To Noise Ratio (Phono – Moving Magnet)82dBSignal To Noise Ratio (Balanced/Unbalanced)95dBSignal To Noise Ratio (Power Amp Input)110dBInput Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced) 20K/20K OhmsDamping Factor:8 ohms: >200 4 ohms: >100DAC8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad BalancedStreaming SupportApple AirPlay; Bluetooth; Google Cast (formerly Chromecast); Spotify Connect; and TIDAL Connect (including TIDAL Hi-Fi Lossless Quality)Bluetooth SupportBluetooth ver 5.0, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard; Qualcomm aptX HD. Qualcomm aptX AdaptiveInternet ConnectivityWiFi 6, EthernetInputs1 x Balanced 4 x Unbalanced 1 x Phono Input Moving Magnet: (fixed loading) 2 x Digital Coaxial 2 x Optical 1 x MCT (McIntosh Controlled Transport) 1 x USB 1 x HDMI (ARC) Outputs 1 x Unbalanced Variable Preamp Output 1 x Subwoofer Output 1 x Headphone Output Home Theater PassThruYesSpeaker TerminalsStandard binding postsUnit Dimensions (WHD)17.5 x 6 x 18.75 inches with vertical antenna 44.45 x 15.2 x 47.6cm with vertical antennaUnit Weight 38 lbs (17.2 kg) The Bottom Line
Streaming amplifiers are becoming increasingly popular with both audiophiles and mainstream listeners because they combine an integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC (Digital Audio Converter) and digital music streaming capabilities that are accessible via network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) connectivity.
A quick look through our archives will reveal the reality that prices for network streaming amplifiers range from $300 through $30,000 and even higher.
Inexpensive options such as the WiiM Amp Pro meet the needs of a lot of music listeners, but don’t offer the power and connectivity of something like the MSA5500 that also offers a higher performance phono pre-amplifier and the build quality of a McIntosh amplifier.
There is no native control app which is one of the key selling points of something like the WiiM Amp Pro or Cambridge Audio Evo 150.
The $8,000 price is on the higher side, but a quick look through the McIntosh lineup reveals that the McIntosh MSA5500 might be the most cost-effective way to add some of the Binghamton magic to your listening. Price & Availability
The McIntosh MSA5500 will be available starting in December 2024 through authorized McIntosh dealers with an MSRP $8,000 USD / $11,200 CAD / €9,990 EUR / £9,995 GBP. $8,000 at Crutchfield Related Reading Marantz’s Model 60n Network Integrated Amplifier Looks and Feels Like Its More Expensive Sibling For Less Money NAD Unveils Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier Hegel H400 “Streamliner” Streaming Amplifier
Home > Latest > New Products > Hi-Fi Components > Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers > McIntosh’s MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier Might Be the Most Affordable Pathway to Blue Glass Nirvana
$8000 and no LDAC? Are you kidding?
And no output to a tape deck? Then what’s the point?
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