McIntosh MSA5500 2-Channel Streaming Integrated Amplifier

100 Wpc into 8 ohms, 160 Wpc into 4 ohms, built-in streaming, 32-bit/384 kHz DAC, and MM phono input

The McIntosh MSA5500 combines a full-featured network streamer, DAC, preamplifier, and solid-state power amplifier in a single chassis. Its direct-coupled output stage delivers 100 W per channel into 8 ohms or 160 W per channel into 4 ohms, making it a compact system centerpiece that requires only a pair of speakers for network-based music playback.

Built-in streaming support includes Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive. The MSA5500 is also both Roon Ready and Roon Tested, while Wi-Fi 6 and Ethernet provide wireless or wired network connectivity.

High-Resolution Digital Playback

The MSA5500 uses a Quad Balanced eight-channel, 32-bit DAC and provides seven physical digital inputs. USB supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD256, and DXD up to 384 kHz, while coaxial and optical inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz. An MCT input provides a dedicated connection for compatible McIntosh SACD/CD transports.

An HDMI ARC input allows audio from a compatible television to play through the system, with supported Dolby and DTS multichannel formats converted for two-channel playback. A dedicated subwoofer output makes it easy to add low-frequency reinforcement.

Analog Sources and McIntosh Amplification

Five analog inputs include one balanced, four unbalanced, and a dedicated Moving Magnet phono input with fixed loading. Bass and treble tone controls can be bypassed, while Home Theater PassThru allows the MSA5500 to be incorporated into a multichannel system. The internal power amplifier can also be bypassed if a larger external amplifier is added later.

McIntosh technologies include Power Guard to help prevent clipping, Sentry Monitor protection, Monogrammed Heatsinks, and Solid Cinch speaker binding posts. A High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) is provided for headphone listening, while traditional blue Watt meters display real-time power output.

Specifications

Power Output per Channel: 100 W into 8 ohms; 160 W into 4 ohms

Number of Channels: 2

Rated Power Band: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%

Dynamic Headroom: 1.8 dB

Frequency Response (+0, -0.5 dB): 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Frequency Response (+0, -3 dB): 10 Hz to 100 kHz

Phono Sensitivity (MM): 2.5 mV

High-Level Sensitivity (Balanced / Unbalanced): 0.5 V / 0.25 V

Power Amplifier Input Sensitivity: 1 V

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (MM): 82 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (High Level / Power Amplifier): 95 dB / 110 dB

Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced): 20 kohms / 20 kohms

Damping Factor (8 / 4 ohms): >200 / >100

Maximum Output: 8 V unbalanced

Streaming Services: Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, Google Cast, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, Roon Tested, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect

Balanced Inputs: 1

Unbalanced Inputs: 4

Phono Inputs: 1 Moving Magnet (fixed loading)

Digital Inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 MCT, 1 USB, 1 HDMI ARC

Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 1

Subwoofer Outputs: 1

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

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

Coaxial / Optical Input: PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz

MCT Input: 16-bit/44.1 kHz PCM, DSD64

USB Input: PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz; DSD64, DSD128, DSD256; DXD352.8, DXD384

Network / Wi-Fi Input: PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz

Tone Controls: Bass and treble

Tone Bypass: Yes

Home Theater PassThru: Yes

Power Control Outputs: 1 main

Rear-Panel Data Ports: 2

Rear-Panel IR Sensor Input: Yes

RS232 Control: Yes

Type: Solid state

Output Type: Direct coupled

Dimensions (H × W × D): 6" × 17.5" × 18.75" (152 × 445 × 476 mm); 8.125" (206 mm) high with vertical antenna; 22.25" (565 mm) deep with horizontal antenna

Weight: 38 lb. (17.2 kg)