Dynamic headroom has been increased on both new designs by over 50% thanks to the filter capacity being doubled in each, allowing greater ability to reproduce musical peaks with even less distortion than their predecessors. The increased filter capacity will also help deliver more bass playback, low end performance, and overall bass control.
The McIntosh MA9500 and MA8950 come with the McIntosh DA2 Digital Audio Module factory installed instead of the DA1 module that came in the MA9000 and MA8900. The DA2 is powered by a new Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that has improvements in both dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The DA2 includes all the same digital inputs found on the DA1, including two coaxial, two optical, one USB Type B, and one proprietary MCT input. The new module adds an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection, and has received Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. The DA2 also features increased DSD playback support of up to DSD512 via the USB input compared to DSD256 support on the previous models.
Upgraded power supply components further reduce noise emissions while also adding more robustness under the most demanding conditions. Both the MA9500 and MA8950 continue to use powerful control microprocessors for smooth and reliable system operation, as well as some of the latest state-of-the-art audio-grade circuit components to produce the best sound possible.
MA9500 Integrated Amplifier
The MA9500 offers 300 Watts per channel, and features 10 analog inputs: two balanced, six unbalanced, plus one Moving Coil and one Moving Magnet phono inputs that both offer adjustable loading. It also includes a balanced and unbalanced output that can send the audio signal to another power amplifier. McIntosh's Solid Cinch gold-plated speaker binding posts will easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and prevent corrosion. The MA9500 includes a discrete, eight-band tone control that allows for advanced manual analog adjustment of ±12dB in 2dB increments at frequencies of 25Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, 1kHz, 2.5kHz, and 10kHz.
MA8950 Integrated Amplifier
The new MA8950 offers 200 Watts per channel and combines McIntosh's amplification expertise and preamplifier technologies into one comprehensive stereo sound system component. It comes with 9 analog inputs: one balanced, six unbalanced, one Moving Coil (with adjustable loading), and one Moving Magnet phono input. It also includes an unbalanced fixed output and an unbalanced variable output along with a discrete, five-band tone control that allows for advanced manual analog adjustment of ±12dB in 2dB increments at frequencies of 30Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 2kHz, and 10kHz.
Shared Features
The full power of each amplifier is delivered via a pair of the McIntosh Autoformer, to guarantee the speakers will always receive the full power regardless if they have 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance. McIntosh's Power Guard technology continuously monitors input and output signals and can dynamically adjust input levels to ensure maximum output while avoiding harsh sounding distortion and clipping that could damage the speakers.
McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks, made from high quality materials with excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation properties, combine with fuse-less short-circuit protection technology Sentry Monitor that disengages the output stage before the current can exceed safe operating levels, and resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal.
Home Theater PassThru allows for seamless integration into a home theater system and the High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) can bring an added dimension to headphone listening. Both models also feature Power Control to send power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown.
Orders for the MA9500 and MA8950 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers. Shipping of both is expected to begin in February 2022 to the United States and Canada, and to the rest of the world shortly thereafter. The MA9500 retails for $12,000 USD, while the MA8950 has a recommended retail price of $9,000 USD.
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