McIntosh MA8950

Description

Overview

The MA8950 is a two-channel integrated amplifier from McIntosh of Binghamton, New York, sitting just below the flagship in the range. It brings together a substantial solid-state power section, a full analogue preamplifier and McIntosh’s upgradeable DA2 digital module in one chassis, so a complete high-end system can be built around a single integrated amplifier.

Design & build

The MA8950 carries the classic McIntosh look: a black glass front panel with blue watt meters, an illuminated logo, a polished stainless-steel chassis and aluminium end caps. Monogrammed heatsinks flank the casework. It measures 17.5 × 7.63 × 18.75 inches and weighs 75 lb, the mass reflecting its Autoformer-coupled output.

Sound & performance

The MA8950 delivers 200 watts per channel, and thanks to McIntosh’s Autoformer output that rating holds into 2, 4 or 8 ohms, so the amplifier keeps its composure on demanding loudspeakers. Power Guard guards against clipping and the fuse-less Sentry Monitor protects the output devices, giving the amplifier its characteristic sense of unforced control.

Key features

The preamplifier section is generously equipped. Seven analogue inputs are provided — one balanced, six unbalanced — along with both moving-coil and moving-magnet phono inputs. A 5-band analogue equaliser allows ±12dB of adjustment, a High Drive headphone stage with Headphone Crossfeed Director is built in, and Home Theater PassThru lets the amplifier join a surround system.

Technology

Digital conversion is by the DA2 module, an 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz Quad Balanced converter. It offers two coaxial and two optical inputs to 24-bit/192kHz, a USB input handling PCM to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD512, an MCT input for McIntosh transports and an HDMI ARC input for a television. As a plug-in card, it allows the digital section to be updated in future.

Specifications

Type: two-channel integrated amplifier (solid state). Power: 200W into 2, 4 or 8 ohms. Analogue inputs: 1 balanced, 6 unbalanced, MM and MC phono. Digital (DA2): 2 coaxial, 2 optical, USB (to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD512), MCT, HDMI ARC. Equaliser: 5-band analogue, ±12dB. Protection: Power Guard, Sentry Monitor. Dimensions: 17.5 × 7.63 × 18.75 in. Weight: 75 lb.

Who it’s for

The MA8950 suits the listener who wants a single statement integrated to run digital sources, a turntable and demanding loudspeakers, without a full rack of separates. The passthrough also allows it to anchor the two-channel part of a wider AV installation.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

An amplifier of this stature rewards careful matching to loudspeakers, sources and room. We can demonstrate the MA8950, advise on partnering equipment and arrange delivery and installation across the South. Speak to our team to arrange a listen or to specify your system.

The wider view: McIntosh MA8950 reviews in brief

The MA8950 is a McIntosh integrated amplifier of 200 watts a channel. The company’s output autoformers hold that rating into 2, 4 or 8 ohms, so it copes calmly with speakers that are hard to drive. There are phono stages for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges and five tone controls that can be switched out of the circuit. McIntosh’s DA2 digital module sits on a plug-in card and takes a television over HDMI.

What Hi-Fi? gave it four stars in July 2022 and thought it about as well equipped as any high-end integrated amplifier it had tested. Once it had settled in, the sound was large and effortless and “almost valve amp-like in its fluidity”, yet it held the bass more firmly than most valve designs manage. It handled the 1812 Overture with wide dynamics and real force, and Bob Marley’s voice came through with clarity and air. Its balance sits slightly on the warm and smooth side of neutral, so harsh recordings stay listenable and partnering it is easy.

It is worth knowing that What Hi-Fi? found its detail good though short of the best at the price, and its timing not quite precise enough to set feet tapping. The digital inputs gave a little less transparency than the analogue ones, and the reviewers would add a separate phono stage if records came first. They also wanted a slicker feel from the knobs and a better remote.

It suits a listener who wants one box for a turntable, digital sources and the television, driving speakers that ask for real power. What Hi-Fi? also liked its headphone output, which it found clear and insightful. Where even more power is wanted, the MA9500 makes 300 watts a channel. We can demonstrate the MA8950 and help match it to your speakers.

What the reviewers say, in a nutshell

• What Hi-Fi?, July 2022. Four stars. Big, effortless and composed with a full set of features. Detail and timing good rather than class-leading.

Read what the critics say about more of our integrated amplifiers in The Hi-Fi Review Bible.