The new MSA5500 integrated amplifier promises superb versatility encompassing an extensive suite of McIntosh Laboratory’s proprietary amplification and the latest digital technologies.
The MSA5500 is quoted as providing 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into a 4 ohms load. The new amplifier also inherits McIntosh Laboratory’s key amplification protection schemes such as Sentry Monitor, Power Control, and Power Guard. Also on-board is a headphone amplifier featuring ‘Headphone Crossfeed Director’ technology and a Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage.
The rear panel features a host of connectivity choices. Analogue input options include four stereo unbalanced RCA, one balanced XLR, an MM phono input via RCA (with gold plated ground post), and a power amplifier input. Analogue outputs include an RCA subwoofer output, a preamplifier output and a Home Theatre ‘PassThru’. McIntosh Laboratory’s proprietary high quality Solid Cinch loudspeaker binding posts are included.
Digital connectivity features options for two RCA S/PDIF coaxial, two Toslink optical, USB-B, HDMI ARC (TV display compatibility), and a proprietary MCT multi-pin socket for compatibility with McIntosh digital transports. Network connectivity is, of course, via RJ45 ethernet. An additional USB-B socket is labelled as a service port. Mini-jack input/output sockets are provided for power control for compatible McIntosh Laboratory components, Infra-Red extension control, and data ports.
The in-built “audiophile-grade” 32-bit digital-to-analogue converter has been configured in a ‘Quad Balanced’, 8-channel architecture. High-resolution playback is up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD512. Streaming platform compatibility include Tidal (including Tidal Connect and Tidal Hi-Fi Lossless), Qobuz, Google Cast, Spotify, Spotify Connect and more. Bluetooth 5.0 high-bit-rate capabilities are also on-board with AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) and Qualcomm aptX HD (also Qualcomm aptX Adaptive) for high resolution audio playback. The MSA5500 is AirPlay 2 and Chromecast compatible while also being Roon Ready.
In common with McIntosh Laboratory’s styling, the MSA5500 features aesthetic trademarks such as the Monogrammed Heatsinks, blue VU meters, retro style knobs and control, backlit company logo, glass facia and more.
The McIntosh Laboratory MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier will deliver in early 2025 and is available in Australia via distributor Synergy Audio’s country-wide specialist dealer network.
McIntosh Laboratory MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
Price: AU$16,495
Australian Distributor: Synergy Audio
+61 3 9459 7474
www.synergyaudio.com
