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McIntosh MSA5500 vs McIntosh MA252
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McIntosh MSA5500

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

McIntosh MSA5500
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McIntosh MA252

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

McIntosh MA252
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McIntosh MSA5500 McIntosh MSA5500
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McIntosh MA252 McIntosh MA252
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McIntosh MSA5500
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McIntosh MA252
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McIntosh MSA5500 vs McIntosh MA252 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by McIntosh. McIntosh MSA5500 is a Streaming Integrated Amplifier speaker whereas the MA252 is a Integrated Amplifier speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of McIntosh MSA5500 and McIntosh MA252 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

McIntosh MSA5500 Key Specs

  • 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth v5.0
  • Weight: 38.00 lbs / 17.24 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):6 x 17-1/2 x 22-1/4 inch

McIntosh MA252 Key Specs

  • 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 28.00 lbs / 12.70 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):8 x 12-1/16 x 17-5/16 inch

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how McIntosh MSA5500 and McIntosh MA252 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 MSA5500 over McIntosh MA252
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.005% vs 0.03% Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio 110 dB vs 97 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Buil-in DAC Yes vs No Connect digital sources without an external DAC
Bluetooth Yes vs No Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Optical Digital Inputs 2 vs No More options for connecting Digital sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 vs No More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input Yes vs No Connect Sources via USB
Preamp Outputs Yes vs No Connect a powered subwoofer or second amplifier.
Apple AirPlay Yes vs No Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay
Apple AirPlay 2 Yes vs No Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay 2
Built-in Chromecast Yes vs No Compatible with Chromecast Streaming
Roon Ready vs No Roon Compatibility
Built-in Chromecast Yes vs No Compatible with Chromecast Streaming
Height 152mm vs 203mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose McIntosh MA252 over McIntosh MSA5500
Base Surface Area 1347.2cm2/ 208.8inch2 vs 2512.3cm2/ 389.4inch2 takes less space in your room

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 MSA5500 and McIntosh MA252 differs from each other.

McIntosh MSA5500 Inputs
  • Phono Input
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
McIntosh MA252 Inputs
  • Phono Input
Outputs
  • Yes Preamp Outputs
  • Pre-out/Main-in Loop
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
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