McIntosh MA9500 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier

Description

Overview

The MA9500 is the flagship two-channel integrated amplifier from McIntosh, the Binghamton, New York maker whose blue meters and glass fascias are among the most recognisable in audio. It gathers a genuine reference-grade power section, a comprehensive analogue preamplifier and McIntosh’s upgradeable DA2 digital module into a single chassis, so an entire high-end system can run from one integrated amplifier without compromise.

Design & build

The MA9500 wears the full McIntosh dress code: a black glass front panel with fibre-optic LED lighting, illuminated logo, machined knobs and a pair of blue peak-responding watt meters. The chassis is substantial, with monogrammed heatsinks and gold-plated Solid Cinch speaker binding posts, and at 101 lb it has the mass its output stage demands. It measures 17.5 × 9.44 × 19.75 inches (W × H × D).

Sound & performance

The MA9500 delivers 300 watts per channel, and because of McIntosh’s Autoformer output that figure holds into 2, 4 or 8 ohms alike — the amplifier does not run out of grip on a difficult loudspeaker. Power Guard monitoring guards against clipping in real time and the fuse-less Sentry Monitor protects the output stage, so the character is one of effortless, unforced authority rather than strain.

Key features

The preamplifier is unusually complete. Ten analogue inputs are provided — two balanced, six unbalanced and, notably, both a moving-coil and a moving-magnet phono input, each with adjustable loading. An 8-band analogue equaliser allows ±12dB of tailoring across the range, and a High Drive headphone stage with Headphone Crossfeed Director is built in. Home Theater PassThru lets the amplifier sit within a surround system.

Technology

Digital duties fall to the DA2 module, an 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz Quad Balanced converter. It carries two coaxial and two optical inputs to 24-bit/192kHz, a USB input handling PCM to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD512 and DXD, an MCT connection for McIntosh transports and an HDMI ARC input for a television. Because the module is a plug-in card, the digital section can be updated in future without replacing the amplifier.

Specifications

Type: two-channel integrated amplifier (solid state). Power: 300W into 2, 4 or 8 ohms. Analogue inputs: 2 balanced, 6 unbalanced, MM and MC phono. Digital (DA2): 2 coaxial, 2 optical, USB (to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD512, DXD), MCT, HDMI ARC. Equaliser: 8-band analogue, ±12dB. Protection: Power Guard, Sentry Monitor. Dimensions: 17.5 × 9.44 × 19.75 in. Weight: 101 lb.

Who it’s for

The MA9500 suits the listener who wants one statement component to run a complete two-channel system — digital sources, a turntable and demanding loudspeakers — without a rack of separates. It is equally at home as the heart of a serious hi-fi or, thanks to the passthrough, folded into 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 MA9500 in our listening room, 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.