McIntosh introduces new MSA5500 integrated streaming amplifier

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., the luxury audio brand recently acquired by Bose, has announced the launch of its MSA5500 integrated streaming amplifier. The new MSA5500 is designed to integrate into a variety of rooms, homes and facilities. Offering tons of functionality in a compact form factor, the MSA5500 is aimed at smaller living spaces, but still has the classic McIntosh look synonymous with high-end listening.

The MSA5500 is compatible with a range of popular streaming technologies and platforms including Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect, including TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality. There are numerous physical inputs, including a phono stage and HDMI (ARC) for routing TV sound.

To get the most out of digital sources, the MSA5500 features an audiophile-grade, quad-balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC with wide dynamic range and low distortion. The device’s Bluetooth streaming capabilities support AAC, Qualcomm aptX HD and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio codecs for high-resolution wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets and computers. The MSA5500 is also Roon Ready certified, making it an instant endpoint device for use with Roon’s music management and discovery software.

The MSA5500 has seven digital and five analog audio inputs for connecting audio components such as CD players, FM tuners or a vinyl record player with an MM cartridge. By integrating an HDMI ARC input, users can connect the MSA5500 to a compatible smart TV, providing high-quality home theater sound with volume, power and mute controls.

The integrated amplifier in the MSA5500 can output up to 100W per channel into 8Ω or 160W per channel into 4Ω. Other McIntosh technologies include McIntosh Power Guard and Sentry Monitor with monogrammed heatsinks and Home Theater PassThru. The MSA5500’s speaker outputs are via McIntosh’s gold-plated solid RCA speaker terminals, and there is also Headphone Crossfeed Director and Power Control.

The MSA5500 is designed to be the heart of an audiophile sound system and is easy to use. For those wanting a more powerful amplifier in the future, the MSA5500’s internal amplifier can be bypassed and the preamp output sent to a power amp.

Prices and availability: The McIntosh MSA5500 will be available in the UK from January and will be distributed through Fine Sounds UK and authorized McIntosh dealers around the world. The price of the MSA5500 is $8,000 / £9,995 / €9,990.