The MSA5500 is an Streaming Integrated Amplifier by McIntosh that delivers . Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the MSA5500 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 MSA5500 lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle.
There are 3 McIntosh amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
McIntosh Integrated Amplifier Series
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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 MSA5500 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 MSA5500 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.
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the McIntosh MSA5500, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Inputs
- Phono Input
- 2 Optical Digital Input
- 2 Coaxial Digital Input
- USB Input:
Outputs
- Yes Preamp Outputs
- Pre-out/Main-in Loop
- 1/4 Headphone Output
Bluetooth Connectivity
McIntosh MSA5500 features built-in Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.
Phono Input
DAC and Digital Music
The McIntosh MSA5500's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.
McIntosh MSA5500 External Dimensions and Weight
McIntosh MSA5500 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 6 x 17-1/2 x 22-1/4 inch (152.4 x 444.5 x 565.2 mm ). The unit weighs
17.24kg / 37.9lbs.
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 MSA5500 is approximately 2512.3cm2 / 389.4inch2.
- Width: 444.5mm (17-1/2")
- Height: 152.4mm (6")
- Depth: 565.2mm (22-1/4")
- Weight: 17.24 kg (38.00lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~2512.3cm2 / 389.4inch2
- Volume: ~38.3 liter / 10.1 gallon
Warranty
3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the McIntosh MSA5500 by the manufacturer.
| General |
| Brand |
McIntosh |
| Full Model Name |
McIntosh MSA5500 |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Amp Class |
Class AB |
| 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 |
Yes |
| WiFi |
802.11ax |
| Ecosystem |
| Apple AirPlay |
Yes |
| Apple AirPlay2 |
Yes |
| DTS Play-Fi |
No |
| Chromecast built-in |
Yes |
| Roon |
Ready |
| HEOS |
No |
| BluOS |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
|
| Phono Input |
Yes |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
2 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
2 |
| USB Input |
Yes |
| Preamp Outputs |
Yes |
| Pre-out / Main-in Loop |
Yes |
| Headphone Output |
1/4 |
| Removable Power Cord |
IEC 3-prong |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
152.4mm (6") |
| Width |
444.5mm (17-1/2") |
| Depth |
565.2mm (22-1/4") |
| Weight |
17.24 kg (38.00lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |