McIntosh MA9500, 2-channel solid-state integrated amplifier

The McIntosh MA9500 is a powerful 2-channel integrated amplifier that delivers 300 watts per channel. It combines classic McIntosh design features with state-of-the-art technology and offers both analog and digital connectivity options.

🔧 Technical Specifications

Power: 300 watts per channel into 2, 4, or 8 ohm speaker impedances, thanks to Autoformer™ technology.
Dynamic Headroom: Increased from 1.8 dB to 2.8 dB through doubled filter capacity, enabling improved reproduction of musical peaks with less distortion.

Frequency Response: +0, -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz; +0, -3 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.005%.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
High-level: 98 dB
Phono MM: 84 dB
Phono MC: 82 dB

Dimensions (W × H × D): 44.5 cm × 24 cm × 50.2 cm.
Weight: 45.8 kg
Shipping weight: 60.8 kg

🎵 Sound Quality & Features

DA2 Digital Audio Module: Includes seven digital inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, and 1 HDMI (ARC). Supports high-resolution digital music up to DSD512 and 24-bit/192 kHz.
Analog Inputs: 2 balanced, 6 unbalanced, 1 Moving Coil (adjustable), 1 Moving Magnet (adjustable).
Tone Controls: 8-band tone control with ±12 dB adjustment in 2 dB increments at frequencies from 25 Hz to 10 kHz.
Headphone Amplifier: 1/4” High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®).
Home Theater PassThru: Enables seamless integration into home theater systems.

Additional Features:
Power Guard®: Continuously monitors input and output signals and dynamically adjusts input levels to ensure maximum output power while preventing distortion and clipping.
Sentry Monitor™: A safety feature that disables the output stage before current exceeds safe operating limits, and automatically resets when operating conditions return to normal.
Monogrammed Heatsinks™: High-quality heatsinks for optimal heat dissipation.
Solid Cinch™ Speaker Connectors: Gold-plated connectors for a secure fit and optimal signal transfer.

📐 Design & Operation

Front Panel: Classic McIntosh design with black glass, an illuminated logo, and blue VU meters.
Controls: Rotary controls and toggle switches for all functions, plus a remote control.
Chassis: Polished stainless steel with a black lacquer finish.

Conclusion:

The McIntosh MA9500 offers an impressive combination of power, flexibility, and sound quality. With its extensive feature set, including the DA2 Digital Audio Module and 8-band tone controls, it is an excellent choice for discerning music lovers who want to enjoy both analog and digital sources in the highest quality.