McIntosh Labs Next-Gen '22 Amps Revealed

McIntosh reveals two next-gen '22 integrateds 

More headroom, lower noise plus the latest factory-fitted high-res DA2 DAC module

Binghamton, New York, USA, 9 February 2022: McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for over 70 years, is proud to announce the MA8950 and MA9500 Integrated Amplifiers.

McIntosh has launched two new integrated amplifiers for 2022, the MA8950 (£12,495) and MA9500  (£14,995). The new models are direct replacements for the award-winning MA8900 and MA9000, and offer a host of performance improvements over their predecessors.

The new amplifiers benefit from a doubling in filter capacity for a 50 per cent increase in dynamic headroom, upgraded power supply components for lower noise, plus a Roon-Tested McIntosh DA2 Digital Audio Module offering dynamic range and distortion improvements.

Dynamic headroom has been increased in both models giving a greater ability to reproduce musical peaks with even less distortion than before. The increased filter capacity also helps deliver greater bass performance and overall control.

The upgraded, factory-installed McIntosh DA2 Digital Audio Module (the MA9000 and MA8900 featured the DA1) benefits from an audiophile-grade, Quad Balanced, eight-channel, 32-bit DAC and offers two coaxial, two optical, one USB and one proprietary MCT (for SACD data) input, plus the addition of an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection. DSD playback support is increased from DSD256 to DSD512 via USB.

Both models benefit from powerful control microprocessors for smooth and reliable operation, plus state-of-the-art audiophile-grade circuit components.

About the MA9500 Integrated Amplifier

The MA9500 offers 300 watts per channel and ten analogue inputs: two balanced, six unbalanced, plus an MM/MC input with adjustable loading. Balanced and unbalanced outputs are also included. 

The MA9500 includes a discrete, eight-band tone control that allows for manual analogue adjustment of ± 12 dB (in 2 dB increments) across a wide range of frequencies. 

McIntosh's innovative gold-plated Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts are also included.

About the MA8950 Integrated Amplifier

The MA8950 offers 200 watts per channel and comes with nice analogue inputs: one balanced, six unbalanced, plus a MC (with adjustable loading) and a MM phono input. It also includes an unbalanced fixed output and an unbalanced variable output, along with a discrete, five-band tone control of ±12dB, again in 2 dB increments.

Shared features of the MA9500 and MA8950 Integrated Amplifiers

Both devices feature several proprietary McIntosh technologies including: McIntosh Autoformer™, which ensures loudspeakers will always receive full power regardless of impedance, McIntosh Power Guard® technology that continuously monitors input and output signals and can dynamically adjust input levels to avoid clipping, and Sentry Monitor™ fuse-less short-circuit protection technology.

The amps also include McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™, which have excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation properties, Home Theater PassThru for seamless integration into a home theatre system, and McIntosh’s High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®). Power Control is available to send power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components.

Pricing and availability

Orders for the MA8950 and MA9500 can now be placed with authorised McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in February 2022 (United States and Canada), and the rest of the world, shortly thereafter. 

MA8950: £12,495; MA9500: £14,995

UK distributor 

Fine Sounds UK 
+44(0)1592 744710 
www.finesounds.uk