The latest launch from McIntosh offers streaming and McIntosh amplification all-in-one with the MSA5500.
Today, McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., the premiere name in audio excellence, proudly announces the launch of its MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier. The new cornerstone of any audio setup, the MSA5500 is crafted to perfection and built to seamlessly integrate into a variety of spaces, homes and setups. Featuring an abundance of functionality from its compact size, the MSA5500 is said to be the perfect choice for smaller living spaces, complete with a timeless McIntosh aesthetic that epitomises high end listening.
In addition to bringing trademark McIntosh power, the MSA5500 is compatible with an assortment of streaming technologies and platforms, including Apple AirPlay 2; Bluetooth; Chromecast; Spotify Connect; and TIDAL Connect (including TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality). Physical inputs are plentiful, including a phono stage input and HDMI (ARC) for system flexibility. With the addition of speakers, a users’ streamed music or compatible smart TV programming will meet elevated sound quality, allowing listeners to experience their favourite music and entertainment in high-quality.
Elevated Sound Quality
To elevate the auditory experience of digital music, the MSA5500 employs an audiophile-grade, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC featuring strong dynamic range and low distortion. Bluetooth streaming capabilities utilise 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. The MSA5500 also comes with Roon Ready certification, making it an instant endpoint device for use with Roon’s popular music management and discovery software.
A Variety of Connections
The MSA5500 comes with seven digital and 5 analogue audio inputs to connect audio components such as a CD player or tuner, plus a Moving Magnet phono input to integrate analogue listening sources into one system.
High-Performance TV Sound
The inclusion of a HDMI (ARC) input allows users and installers to connect the MSA5500 to a compatible smart TV, providing high-quality home theatre sound.
McIntosh Amplification
The MSA5500 brings McIntosh’s power to the experience, delivering 100W per channel into 8 Ohms or 160W per channel into 4 Ohms.
McIntosh Technologies
An arsenal of McIntosh technologies come included, designed to contribute to the MSA5500’s longevity and reliability These include 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 designed to be a lifetime partner for any aspiring audiophile, music lover or seasoned expert’s audio pursuits. No special control app or technical skills are needed, making it easy to use, and its capabilities can evolve as any audio collection grows. If a more powerful amplifier is introduced into the system, the MSA5500’s internal amplifier can be bypassed, and users can still leverage the product’s familiar streaming and preamplifier capabilities to continue to elevate all their listening experiences.
AVAILABILITY, PRICING & ASSETS
The MSA5500 will be available in the UK starting in January to authorised McIntosh dealers with an MSRP £9,995 GBP / €9,990 EUR/ $8,000 USD.
