McIntosh MA8950 and MA9500 Next-Gen Integrateds Revealed
McIntosh reveals MA8950 and MA9500 integrateds promising more headroom, lower noise and the latest factory-fitted high-res DA2 DAC module.
McIntosh's MA8950 and MA9500 integrated amplifiers replace the much-lauded MA8900 and MA9000 and boast a 50 percent increase in dynamic headroom, upgraded power supply components for lower noise, plus a Roon-Tested Digital Audio Module offering improvements in dynamic range and distortion, says the Binghamton, New York-based brand.
The MA9000 offers 300 watts per channel and ten analogue inputs: two balanced, six unbalanced, plus an MM/MC input with adjustable loading. Meanwhile, the MA8950 presents 200 watts per channel and nine analogue inputs: one balanced, six unbalanced, plus an MC (with adjustable loading) and a MM phono input.
Tone controls are available on both new models, with the MA9000 equipped with an eight-band control and the MA8950, a five-band version. These both allow for manual analogue adjustment of ± 12 dB (in 2 dB increments) across a range of frequencies.
The upgraded McIntosh DA2 Digital Audio Module comes installed in the two new integrateds and benefits from a Quad Balanced, eight-channel, 32-bit DAC. In addition, the module offers two coaxial, two optical, one USB and one proprietary MCT (for SACD data) input, alongside an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection. Furthermore, DSD playback support is increased from DSD256 to DSD512 via USB.
McIntosh states that both models benefit from powerful control microprocessors for smooth and reliable operation, plus state-of-the-art audiophile-grade circuit components as well as several proprietary McIntosh technologies.
The amps also include McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks, which promise excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation properties, Home Theater PassThru for integration into a home cinema system, and McIntosh's High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD).
Finally, Power Control is available to send power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components.
Orders for the MA8950 (US$9,000 ) and MA9500 (US$12,000) are being taken now, with shipping expected to begin in February 2022 (United States and Canada), with the rest of the world following shortly after.
Visit McIntosh for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION
Want to share your opinion or get advice from other enthusiasts? Then head into the Message
Forums where thousands of other enthusiasts are communicating on a daily basis.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE MEMBERSHIP
Trending
1Who needs an "Audiophile" light for their turntable? You do!
2Apple AirPods Pro 3 Set for 2025 with Redesigned Look and Smarter…
3Ø Audio Unveils Icon 12 at Florida International Audio Expo
4Sennheiser HD 505 Headphones For Audiophiles & Gamers
5Linn Records Music Downloads Stop In Favour of Qobuz Partnership
applause awards
Each time StereoNET reviews a product, it is considered for an Applause Award. Winning one marks it out as a design of great quality and distinction – a special product in its class, on the grounds of either performance, value for money, or usually both.
Applause Awards are personally issued by StereoNET’s global Editor-in-Chief, David Price – who has over three decades of experience reviewing hi-fi products at the highest level – after consulting with our senior editorial team. They are not automatically given with all reviews, nor can manufacturers purchase them.
The StereoNET editorial team includes some of the world’s most experienced and respected hi-fi journalists with a vast wealth of knowledge. Some have edited popular English language hi-fi magazines, and others have been senior contributors to famous audio journals stretching back to the late 1970s. And we also employ professional IT and home theatre specialists who work at the cutting edge of today’s technology.
We believe that no other online hi-fi and home cinema resource offers such expert knowledge, so when StereoNET gives an Applause Award, it is a trustworthy hallmark of quality. Receiving such an award is the prerequisite to becoming eligible for our annual Product of the Year awards, awarded only to the finest designs in their respective categories. Buyers of hi-fi, home cinema, and headphones can be sure that a StereoNET Applause Award winner is worthy of your most serious attention.