McIntosh MA8950 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier

200 Wpc solid-state integrated amplifier with Autoformers, 15 analog and digital inputs, and an upgradeable DA2 DAC module

The McIntosh MA8950 combines a 200 Wpc solid-state power amplifier with extensive analog and digital connectivity in a single chassis. A pair of McIntosh Autoformers allows the amplifier to deliver its full rated 200 Wpc into 2-, 4-, or 8-ohm loudspeaker loads, providing consistent rated output across a wide range of speaker impedances.

Compared with the preceding MA8900, filter capacity has been doubled, increasing dynamic headroom from 2 dB to 3.1 dB. The additional energy storage gives the MA8950 greater reserve for musical peaks while also contributing to improved bass performance and control.

The MA8950 provides 15 inputs. Its eight analog inputs include one balanced, six unbalanced, one Moving Coil phono input, and one Moving Magnet phono input. The Moving Coil input provides adjustable loading, while all inputs can be assigned custom names for easier system operation.

Seven digital inputs reside in the included DA2 Digital Audio Module: two coaxial, two optical, USB, MCT, and HDMI ARC. The DA2 uses an eight-channel, 32-bit DAC in Quad Balanced mode, supports DSD512 through USB, and can be replaced if McIntosh introduces a compatible future digital module.

Features

200 Wpc Into 2, 4, or 8 Ohms

McIntosh Autoformers allow each channel to deliver its full rated 200 W into 2-, 4-, or 8-ohm loudspeakers rather than limiting maximum power to a single nominal impedance.

3.1 dB Dynamic Headroom

Double the filter capacity of the preceding MA8900 increases dynamic headroom to 3.1 dB, providing additional energy storage for musical peaks and improved low-frequency control.

15 Analog and Digital Inputs

Eight analog and seven digital inputs accommodate a wide range of source components, from turntables and disc transports to computers and televisions.

Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phonostages

Separate Moving Coil and Moving Magnet inputs support dedicated turntable connections, with adjustable loading provided for the Moving Coil input.

Upgradeable DA2 Digital Audio Module

The included DA2 module uses a Quad Balanced eight-channel 32-bit DAC and provides seven digital inputs, including HDMI ARC and McIntosh’s proprietary MCT connection.

Five-Band Analog Equalizer

A discrete five-band analog equalizer provides ±12 dB of adjustment in 2 dB increments at 30 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 2 kHz, and 10 kHz.

Power Guard

Power Guard continuously compares the amplifier’s input and output signals and dynamically adjusts the input level when necessary to prevent clipping and the harsh distortion it can produce.

Sentry Monitor

Sentry Monitor provides fuse-less short-circuit protection, disengaging the output stage before current exceeds safe operating limits and automatically restoring operation when conditions return to normal.

High Drive Headphone Amplifier

The front-panel headphone output incorporates McIntosh High Drive circuitry and Headphone Crossfeed Director technology for dedicated headphone listening.

Home Theater PassThru

Home Theater PassThru allows the MA8950 to be incorporated into a multichannel system while retaining its role as a dedicated two-channel integrated amplifier.

What’s Included

• McIntosh MA8950 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier
• DA2 Digital Audio Module
• Remote control
• AC power cord

Specifications

Type: Solid-state integrated amplifier

Channels: 2

Power Output: 200 Wpc into 2, 4, or 8 ohms

Rated Power Band: 20 Hz–20 kHz

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/–0.5 dB; 10 Hz–100 kHz (+0/–3 dB)

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%

Dynamic Headroom: 3.1 dB

Phono Input Sensitivity: 0.25 mV Moving Coil; 2.5 mV Moving Magnet

High-Level Input Sensitivity: 0.5 V balanced; 0.25 V unbalanced

Power Amp Input Sensitivity: 1.4 V

Phono Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80 dB Moving Coil; 82 dB Moving Magnet

High-Level Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95 dB

Power Amp Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 113 dB

Input Impedance: 20 kΩ balanced; 20 kΩ unbalanced

Damping Factor: Greater than 40

Maximum Output: 8 V unbalanced

Balanced Inputs: 1

Unbalanced Inputs: 6

Phono Inputs: 1 Moving Coil with adjustable loading; 1 Moving Magnet with fixed loading

Digital Audio Module: DA2, upgradeable

Digital Coaxial Inputs: 2

Digital Optical Inputs: 2

Digital MCT Input: 1

Digital USB Input: 1

HDMI ARC Input: 1

DAC: Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit/384 kHz PCM/DSD

Coaxial and Optical Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192 kHz

USB Resolution: PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz; DSD512; DXD up to 384 kHz

Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 2

Unbalanced Fixed Outputs: 1

Headphone Output: 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director

Tone Controls: Five-band analog equalizer, ±12 dB in 2 dB increments

Home Theater PassThru: Yes

Output Type: Autoformer

Output Meters: Yes

RS232 Control: Yes

Power Control Outputs: 1 Main, 2 Trigger

Data Ports: 4

IR Sensor Input: Yes

Service Port: 1

Chassis: Polished stainless steel and black painted steel

Power Requirement: 120 V, 50/60 Hz, 4.4 A

Standby Power Consumption: Less than 0.25 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 7-5/8" × 17-1/2" × 18-3/4" (194 × 445 × 476 mm)

Weight: 75 lb. (34.1 kg)