McIntosh MA9500 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier

300 Wpc solid-state integrated amplifier with Autoformers, 17 analog and digital inputs, and an upgradeable DA2 DAC module

The McIntosh MA9500 combines a 300 Wpc solid-state power amplifier, extensive analog preamplifier facilities, and high-resolution digital conversion in a single chassis. McIntosh Autoformers allow the amplifier to deliver its full rated 300 Wpc into 2-, 4-, or 8-ohm loudspeaker loads, making its rated power available across a broad range of speaker impedances.

Compared with the preceding MA9000, the MA9500 doubles filter capacity, increasing dynamic headroom from 1.8 dB to 2.8 dB. The additional energy storage gives the amplifier greater reserve for musical peaks while also contributing to improved low-frequency performance and control.

The MA9500 provides 17 inputs in total. Ten analog inputs include two balanced, six unbalanced, one Moving Coil phono input, and one Moving Magnet phono input, with adjustable loading provided for both phono stages. Seven digital inputs are housed 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. Coaxial and optical inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, while USB supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD512, and DXD up to 384 kHz. Its modular construction also allows the digital section to be replaced if McIntosh introduces a compatible future module.

Features

300 Wpc Into 2, 4, or 8 Ohms

McIntosh Autoformers allow each channel to deliver the full rated 300 W into 2-, 4-, or 8-ohm loudspeakers rather than limiting maximum power to a single nominal impedance.

2.8 dB Dynamic Headroom

Double the filter capacity of the preceding MA9000 increases dynamic headroom to 2.8 dB, providing additional energy storage for musical peaks and improved low-frequency control.

17 Analog and Digital Inputs

Ten analog and seven digital inputs provide extensive connectivity for turntables, disc transports, streamers, computers, televisions, and other source components.

Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phonostages

Separate Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono inputs allow two turntables or tonearms to remain connected, with adjustable loading provided for both cartridge types.

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. Its modular construction allows for future replacement with a compatible McIntosh digital module.

Eight-Band Analog Equalizer

A discrete eight-band analog equalizer provides ±12 dB of adjustment in 2 dB increments at 25 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.5 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 MA9500 to be incorporated into a multichannel system while retaining its normal role as a dedicated two-channel integrated amplifier.

What’s Included

• McIntosh MA9500 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier
• DA2 Digital Audio Module
• Remote control
• AC power cord

Specifications

Type: Solid-state integrated amplifier

Channels: 2

Power Output: 300 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: 2.8 dB

Phono Input Sensitivity: 0.3 mV Moving Coil; 3 mV Moving Magnet

High-Level Input Sensitivity: 0.6 V balanced; 0.3 V unbalanced

Power Amp Input Sensitivity: 1.7 V

Phono Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 82 dB Moving Coil; 84 dB Moving Magnet

High-Level Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 98 dB

Power Amp Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 114 dB

Input Impedance: 10 kΩ balanced; 22 kΩ unbalanced

Damping Factor: Greater than 40

Maximum Output: 16 V balanced; 8 V unbalanced

Balanced Inputs: 2

Unbalanced Inputs: 6

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

Balanced Variable Outputs: 1

Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 1

Unbalanced Fixed Outputs: 1

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

Tone Controls: Eight-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

Speaker Connections: Solid Cinch speaker binding posts

Chassis: Polished stainless steel and black painted steel

Power Requirement: 120 V, 50/60 Hz, 6.6 A

Standby Power Consumption: Less than 0.25 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 9-7/16" × 17-1/2" × 19-3/4" (240 × 445 × 502 mm)

Weight: 101 lb. (45.8 kg)