The MA5300 is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by McIntosh that delivers 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 160 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the MA5300 compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. McIntosh MA5300 lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle. McIntosh MA5300 has an MSRP of 6000$.
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Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The McIntosh MA5300 is rated at 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms. McIntosh provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.005% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 100 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.005%
- 160 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
- 110dB Signal to Noise Ratio
When pairing the McIntosh MA5300 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
What size of room is the McIntosh MA5300 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the McIntosh MA5300 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Poor |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Good |
| Very Large Room | Average |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the McIntosh MA5300, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
McIntosh MA5300 has total of 5 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).
McIntosh MA5300 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
- Phono Input
- 2 Optical Digital Input
- 2 Coaxial Digital Input
- USB Input:
- USB-B(connect to your computer to playback files)
Outputs
- Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
- Pre-out/Main-in Loop
- 1/4 Headphone Output
Bluetooth Connectivity
McIntosh MA5300 doesn't have bluetooth connectivity feature. In order to stream your music via bluetooth, the easiest way is to connect an external bluetooth receiver to your McIntosh MA5300. Two bluetooth receivers that we recommend are the
iFi Zen Blue V2 and the
Audioengine B1.
Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:
Phono Input
McIntosh MA5300 features one Phono Input which is compatible with
MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage such as the
Cambridge Duo or the
iFi ZEN Phono.
Subwoofer Output
McIntosh MA5300 has Stereo RCA preamp outputs which can be used to connect to a powered subwoofer via an RCA cable ( as long as your sub supports this connection).
Check our
Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with McIntosh MA5300 amp and your speakers.
DAC and Digital Music
The McIntosh MA5300's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.
McIntosh MA5300 External Dimensions and Weight
McIntosh MA5300 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 6inch x 17-1/2inch x 22inch (153.0mm x 445.0mm x 559.0mm ). The unit weighs
17.27kg / 38lbs.
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the McIntosh MA5300 is approximately 2487.6cm2 / 385.6inch2.
- Width: 445.0mm (17-1/2")
- Height: 153.0mm (6")
- Depth: 559.0mm (22")
- Weight: 17.27 kg (38.00lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~2487.6cm2 / 385.6inch2
- Volume: ~38.1 liter / 10.1 gallon
What's in the Box of McIntosh MA5300?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of MA5300:
Stereo integrated amplifier6-feet AC power cordRemote controlOwners Manual
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the McIntosh MA5300 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for McIntosh MA5300
Warranty
3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the McIntosh MA5300 by the manufacturer.
| General |
| Brand |
McIntosh |
| Full Model Name |
McIntosh MA5300 |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
100 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
160 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20-20k |
| THD |
0.005% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
110 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| Bluetooth |
No |
| WiFi |
N/A |
| Ecosystem |
| Apple AirPlay |
No |
| Apple AirPlay2 |
No |
| DTS Play-Fi |
No |
| Chromecast built-in |
No |
| Roon |
No |
| HEOS |
No |
| BluOS |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
5 |
| Phono Input |
Yes |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
2 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
2 |
| USB Input |
Yes |
| USB Type |
USB-B(connect to your computer to playback files) |
| Preamp Outputs |
Stereo RCA |
| Pre-out / Main-in Loop |
Yes |
| Headphone Output |
1/4 |
| Removable Power Cord |
IEC 3-prong |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
153.0mm (6") |
| Width |
445.0mm (17-1/2") |
| Depth |
559.0mm (22") |
| Weight |
17.27 kg (38.00lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |