McIntosh MA5300 vs Rotel A12 MKII Detailed Comparison

McIntosh MA5300 vs Rotel A12 MKII

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McIntosh MA5300

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Rotel A12 MKII

Integrated Amplifier | 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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McIntosh MA5300

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Rotel A12 MKII

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McIntosh MA5300

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Rotel A12 MKII

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McIntosh MA5300 vs Rotel A12 MKII Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing MA5300 and A12 MKII, two Integrated Amplifiers from McIntosh and Rotel. Let's have a brief look at the main features of McIntosh MA5300 and Rotel A12 MKII 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

Rotel A12 MKII Key Specs

60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Bluetooth

Weight: 19.70 lbs / 8.95 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):3-11/16inch x 17inch x 14-7/8inch

What size room are the McIntosh MA5300 and Rotel A12 MKII 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	Rotel A12 MKII
Near-field	Poor	Average
Small Room	Poor	Good
Mid-size Room	Good	Average
Large Room	Good	Poor
Very Large Room	Average	Bad

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how McIntosh MA5300 and Rotel A12 MKII 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 Rotel A12 MKII

Watts into 8-ohms	100 watts vs 60 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.005% vs 0.03%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio	110 dB vs 100 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Total Analog Inputs	5 vs 4	More options for connecting Analog sources

Reasons to choose Rotel A12 MKII over McIntosh MA5300

MSRP Price(*)	1,100USD vs 6,000USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Bluetooth	Yes vs No	Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Base Surface Area	1633.0cm²/ 253.1inch² vs 2487.6cm²/ 385.6inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	94mm 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 Rotel A12 MKII 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

Rotel A12 MKII Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-A front(Connects to iOS devices)
- USB-A rear (Charging only)
- USB-B (allows connection to your Windows PC or Mac computer)

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 Preamp Outputs
3.5mm Headphone Output

Rotel A12 MKII 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 Rotel A12 MKII?

Here are the items that come with the A12 MKII:

Stereo integrated amplifier

58-inch AC power cord

Remote control (RR-AX1400)

2 AAA batteries

5-feet USB-B to USB-A cable

Quick Installation Guide

Warranty/Registration Card

Important Safety Instructions

Addendum For Roon Test