A brand mainly associated with classic, high-end hifi, McIntosh Laboratory just announced a new streaming and amplifier all-in-one setup, crafted for modern living. Under the unmistakably McIntosh design with the iconic blue Watt Meters, the compact MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier’s combines endless capabilities and connectivity such as AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and more, as well as physical inputs for a turntable and HDMI (ARC). Just add the right speakers.
A brand mainly associated with classic, high-end hifi, McIntosh Laboratory just announced a new streaming and amplifier all-in-one setup, crafted for modern living. Under the unmistakably McIntosh design with the iconic blue Watt Meters, the compact MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier’s combines endless capabilities and connectivity such as AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and more, as well as physical inputs for a turntable and HDMI (ARC). Just add the right speakers.
The Binghamton, NY manufacturer that is
now part of Bose, created a surprising audio system that is exactly what is needed to conquer a new generation of users with an emotional attachment to the brand. The MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier is intended to seamlessly integrate into a variety of spaces and equipment, offering lots of functionality in its compact size. From a city dwelling audiophile’s dream to the only system a modern family need, the MSA5500 offers the timeless McIntosh aesthetics associated with audio sophistication.
In addition to featuring renowned McIntosh amplification in a fully integrated system, the MSA5500 is compatible with an assortment of leading streaming technologies and platforms, including TIDAL Connect with TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality. As an all-in-one is also offers a Moving Magnet phono preamp and HDMI (ARC) input to connect to a TV. With the simple addition of speakers, the MSA5500 takes streaming and TV watching to a whole new level.
To elevate the experience, the MSA5500 employs a high quality, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) delivering huge dynamic range and low distortion. Streaming capabilities include support for AAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive over Bluetooth, while the Roon Ready certification makes it an endpoint device for use with the Roon music player, providing high-quality in network streaming. In total, the MSA5500 comes with 7 digital and 5 analog audio inputs to connect audio components, such as a CD player or tuner, plus the mentioned phono input.
The amplification on the MSA5500 is no compromise, with 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers and all the renowned McIntosh technologies included Power Guard, and Sentry Monitor. Additional refined details include Monogrammed Heatsinks, Home Theater PassThru, gold-plated Solid Cinch speaker binding posts, Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD), and Power Control.
“The MSA5500 is meant to be a lifetime partner for any aspiring audiophile, music lover’s or seasoned expert’s audio pursuits. Not only is it easy to use, given no special control app or technical skills are needed, but also its capabilities can evolve as any audio collection grows. If a larger amplifier is purchased, 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,” the company explains in its announcement.
The McIntosh MSA5500 will be available globally starting in December 2024 through authorized McIntosh dealers with an MSRP of $8,000 USD or €9,990 EUR. For many, this could be not only “My First McIntosh” but the only one needed.
www.McIntoshLabs.com
