McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

MSA5500 2-Channel Streaming Integrated Amplifier

After Bose's recent acquisition of the McIntosh Group, they are pressing ahead and are now unveiling the new Integrated amplifier that can do it all. 

The MSA5500 2-channel Streaming Integrated Amplifier is both a full-featured music streamer and powerful integrated amplifier in one. It can serve as the cornerstone of your audio setup, whether it be your first venture into high-fidelity audio, an addition to your existing system, or for use at your office or vacation home. Crafted to perfection and compact in size, the MSA5500 is tailor-made for modern living spaces, making it an ideal choice for those seeking premium audio in more confined environments.

The versatile MSA5500 has a wide assortment of wireless music streaming capabilities plus a variety of physical inputs to connect source components. If all your music is cloud-based digital music, a simple addition of speakers is all that's needed to be bathed in elevated sound quality.

The MSA5500 is compatible with a multitude of leading streaming technologies and platforms including Apple® AirPlay®; Bluetooth®; Google Cast™ (formerly Chromecast); Spotify® Connect; and TIDAL® Connect (including TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality). No special control app or technical skills are needed; the easy-to-use MSA5500 invites you to simply stream your music directly from your smart device.1 If you've been using a lower quality wireless home sound system, then listening to your favorite tracks through the MSA5500 will be like hearing them again for the first time.

For Bluetooth streaming, the MSA5500 utilizes Bluetooth 5.0; the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard; Qualcomm® aptX™ HD for hi res audio playback; and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, a robust solution that delivers high resolution, uninterrupted audio over Bluetooth. Two Wi-Fi 6 antennas and one Bluetooth antenna provide stable wireless connections, while an Ethernet port is also available for wired connections.

To elevate your auditory experience of your digital music, the MSA5500 employs an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital signals into the analog format needed for playback. This next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC features huge dynamic range and low distortion. Regardless the file format, you can expect a transcendent audio experience with pristine sound reproduction. 

The MSA5500 has received Roon Ready certification from Roon Labs, making it an endpoint device for use with the Roon music player. Roon brings all your music together and adds tons of data – bios, reviews, photos, lyrics, tour dates, and cross-linked credits for performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and composers. Roon Ready network devices have Roon streaming technology built in and are certified by Roon to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming.

ALL THE CONNECTIONS YOU NEED

In addition to all its streaming capabilities, the MSA5500 also comes 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 digital inputs support high resolution digital audio playback; the USB input supports native playback of DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while the coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz.

UNRIVALED TV SOUND

The inclusion of an HDMI (ARC) input lets you connect your compatible TV so you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies with a sound quality level that TV speakers or soundbars just can't provide.2Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby®and DTS® will be expertly converted to two-channel audio for proper playback. The subwoofer output allows for a powered subwoofer to be added for extra punch so you can feel every bass and low-end note.

HEAR SOUND LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH UNCOMPROMISING MCINTOSH AMPLIFICATION

The power amplifier section of the MSA5500 proves that extraordinary sound knows no bounds. Delivering 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers, this amplifier ensures ample power delivery for a diverse array of speakers, such as our vintage styled ML1 Loudspeaker Mk II, XR50 Bookshelf Speakers, XR100 Floorstanding Speakers, or a variety of other speakers. Real-time power output is visualized through fast responding, dual-scale Watt meters in our trademarked McIntosh "Blue" color, affording insight into the amplifier's performance.

An arsenal of other McIntosh technologies is included that will contribute to the MSA5500's longevity and reliability:

• Power Guard® that monitors the output signal for over driving and makes real time micro adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh sounding clipping that could potentially damage your speakers

• Our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit Sentry Monitor™ that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal

• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors that minimize thermal equilibrium lag (or warm-up) time and help keep the MSA5500 running cool

• Home Theater PassThru that allows for seamless integration into a home theater system

• Our patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts that easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short; the binding posts are also gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables to your speakers

• High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) which can bring an added dimension to headphone listening

• Power Control to send power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown

ACCOMODATES YOUR CHANGING NEEDS

As your audio needs evolve, the MSA5500 can grow with you. Someday you may move into a bigger space or add a larger set of speakers and find that you need more power. If that happens, you could bypass the internal amplifier and connect a bigger external amplifier – all while continuing to use the MSA5500's familiar streaming and preamplifier sections. You can rest assured that the MSA5500 can accommodate your changing needs and be a lifelong partner in your audio pursuits.

The MSA5500 will be available in the UK starting in January, priced at £9995 / €9990 / $8000.

Web - https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/