This month, McIntosh will begin selling a new $5,000 integrated amplifier. The MA5300 is rated to deliver 100 watts per channel into eight ohms, and it sports 12 inputs: six analog (four unbalanced, one balanced, and one Moving Magnet) and six digital (two coaxial, two optical, one USB, and one proprietary MCT). The digital inputs reside in the company's DA1 Digital Audio Module, which allows for easy upgrades to help futureproof the amp. The MA5300 also features a headphone amplifier and home theater pass-through.
From McIntosh
McIntosh is proud to announce the MA5300 Integrated Amplifier.
The MA5300 Integrated Amplifier is proof that big sound can come in small packages. It is our smallest solid-state integrated amplifier in terms of both power output and physical size, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or for someone just beginning to assemble a home audio system. It's a direct coupled amplifier that delivers 100 watts per channel into eight-ohm speakers or 160 watts per channel into four-ohm speakers. New dual scale blue watt meters give an accurate readout of power output for both four- and eight-ohm impedances.
The MA5300's complement of 12 inputs includes six analog inputs (four unbalanced, one balanced and one Moving Magnet) and six digital inputs (two each coaxial and optical, one USB and one proprietary MCT for use with our MCT series of SACD/CD transports). All digital inputs are housed in our DA1 Digital Audio Module, which can be replaced by future modules as new digital audio technologies are developed. The DA1 comes with an eight-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) used in Quad Balanced mode and supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz for high-resolution audio playback. All inputs can be given user-friendly names to simplify system control and configuration.
Included on the MA5300 are our McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks, which are connected to advanced high current output transistors that eliminate warm-up time so the MA5300's complete sonic capabilities can be enjoyed from the moment it's turned on. Powerful new control microprocessors have been used to improve overall system operation, along with some of the latest audio-grade circuit components to deliver the best possible sound. Bass and treble tone controls have been added to help further fine tune the music to the listener's personal preferences.
Rounding out the MA5300 are time tested McIntosh technologies including Power Guard, Sentry Monitor, Home Theater Pass-Through, High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD), and gold-plated speaker binding posts. The classic McIntosh aesthetic of blue watt meters, a black glass front panel with aluminum end caps, control knobs and illuminated logo complete the MA5300.
Pricing and Availability
Orders for the MA5300 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers, with shipping expected to begin in October.
Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $5,000 USD.
Additional Resources
• Visit the McIntosh website for more product information.
• New MHA50 Portable DAC/Amplifier from McIntosh at HomeTheaterReview.com.
