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McIntosh MA5300 vs Cambridge Audio Edge A
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McIntosh MA5300

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

McIntosh MA5300
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Cambridge Audio Edge A

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Cambridge Audio Edge A
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McIntosh MA5300 McIntosh MA5300
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Cambridge Audio Edge A Cambridge Audio Edge...
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McIntosh MA5300
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Cambridge Audio Edge...
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McIntosh MA5300 vs Cambridge Audio Edge A Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing MA5300 and Edge A, two Integrated Amplifiers from McIntosh and Cambridge. Let's have a brief look at the main features of McIntosh MA5300 and Cambridge Audio Edge A first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

McIntosh MA5300 Key Specs

  • 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Weight: 38.00 lbs / 17.27 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):6inch x 17-1/2inch x 22inch

Cambridge Audio Edge A Key Specs

  • 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • USB Input
  • HDMI Input (ARC)
  • Bluetooth v4.1
  • Weight: 53.70 lbs / 24.41 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):5-15/16inch x 18-1/8inch x 15-15/16inch

What size room are the McIntosh MA5300 and Cambridge Audio Edge A Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment McIntosh MA5300 Cambridge Audio Edge A
Near-field Poor Poor
Small Room Poor Poor
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Good Good
Very Large Room Average Average

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how McIntosh MA5300 and Cambridge Audio Edge A compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Reasons to choose McIntosh MA5300 over Cambridge Audio Edge A
MSRP Price(*) 6,000USD vs 6,499USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.005% vs 0.02% Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio 110 dB vs 103 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Total Analog Inputs 5 vs 3 More options for connecting Analog sources
PhonoInput Yes vs No Connect a turntable directly to your amp
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 vs 1 More options for connecting Digital sources

Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio Edge A over McIntosh MA5300
Watts into 4-ohms 200 watts vs 160 watts Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Bluetooth Yes vs No Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Base Surface Area 1867.1cm2/ 289.4inch2 vs 2487.6cm2/ 385.6inch2 takes less space in your room
Height 151mm vs 153mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the McIntosh MA5300 and Cambridge Audio Edge A differs from each other.

McIntosh MA5300 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)
  • XLR Input Port
Cambridge Audio Edge A Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-B(Connect to your PC for playback of stored files)
  • HDMI ARC
  • XLR Input Port
McIntosh MA5300 Back View
McIntosh MA5300 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • Pre-out/Main-in Loop
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
Outputs
  • Stereo RCA, XLR Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
Cambridge Audio Edge A Back View
Cambridge Audio Edge A Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of McIntosh MA5300?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of MA5300:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • Owners Manual
  • What's in the Box of Cambridge Audio Edge A?

    Here are the items that come with the Edge A:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 5-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 3 AAA batteries
  • Bluetooth antenna
  • Mono-minijack cable
  • User Manual
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