McIntosh has launched its MSA5500 streaming integrated amplifier. With lots of functionality in its compact size, the MSA5500 is designed for smaller living spaces — making it a city-dwelling audiophile’s dream — with timeless McIntosh aesthetics that epitomize audio sophistication.
In addition to having McIntosh amplification, the MSA5500 is compatible with an assortment of leading streaming technologies and platforms, including Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL Connect (including TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality). It also has physical inputs, including a turntable and HDMI (ARC) input for non-streaming use. With the addition of speakers, a users’ cloud-based music or compatible smart TV programming will meet elevated sound quality.
Key features include:
- To elevate the auditory experience of digital music, the MSA5500 employs an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter to convert digital signals into the analog format needed for playback.
- The next-generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC features huge dynamic range and low distortion.
- Bluetooth streaming capabilities utilizing Bluetooth 5.0; the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard; Qualcomm aptX HD for hi-res audio playback; and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, a solution that delivers high-resolution, uninterrupted audio over Bluetooth.
- Roon Ready certification from Roon Labs, making it an endpoint device for use with the Roon music player.
- The MSA5500 comes with 7 digital and 5 analog audio inputs to connect audio components, such as a CD player or tuner, plus a Moving Magnet phono input to connect a turntable.
- The inclusion of a HDMI (ARC) input allows users to connect the MSA5500 with a compatible TV. 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.
- The MSA5500 delivers 100 watts per channel into 8-ohm speakers or 160 watts per channel into 4-ohm speakers.
- An arsenal of other McIntosh technologies is on-board that will contribute to the MSA5500’s longevity and reliability, including Power Guard; Sentry Monitor; Monogrammed Heatsinks; Home Theater PassThru; Gold-plated Solid Cinch speaker binding posts; Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD); and Power Control.
The MSA5500 is meant to be a lifetime partner for any aspiring audiophile, music lover’s or seasoned expert’s audio pursuits. Not only is it easy to use, given no special control app or technical skills are needed, but also its capabilities can evolve as any audio collection grows. If a larger amplifier is purchased, the MSA5500’s internal amplifier can be bypassed, and users can still leverage the product’s streaming and preamplifier capabilities to continue to elevate all their listening experiences.
The MSA5500 will be available starting in December through authorized McIntosh dealers with an MSRP $8000 USD/$11,200 CAD/€9,990 EUR/£9,995 GBP.
For more information, visit www.McIntoshLabs.com.
