McIntosh MSA5500 vs McIntosh MA5300 Detailed Comparison

McIntosh MSA5500 vs McIntosh MA5300

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McIntosh MSA5500

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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McIntosh MA5300

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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McIntosh MSA5500

See at AMAZON

McIntosh MA5300

See at AMAZON

McIntosh MSA5500

See at AMAZON

McIntosh MA5300

See at AMAZON

McIntosh MSA5500 vs McIntosh MA5300 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 MA5300 is a Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of McIntosh MSA5500 and McIntosh MA5300 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 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

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how McIntosh MSA5500 and McIntosh MA5300 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 MA5300

Bluetooth	Yes vs No	Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Wi-Fi	Yes vs No	High quality streaming over WiFi
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 153mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose McIntosh MA5300 over McIntosh MSA5500

Handheld Remote	Yes vs No	Control the amplifier by the included RC
Base Surface Area	2487.6cm²/ 385.6inch² 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 MA5300 differs from each other.

McIntosh MSA5500 Inputs

Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:

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

Outputs

Yes Preamp Outputs
Pre-out/Main-in Loop
1/4 Headphone Output

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
Pre-out/Main-in Loop
1/4 Headphone Output

McIntosh MA5300 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of McIntosh MA5300?

Here are the items that come with the MA5300:

Stereo integrated amplifier

6-feet AC power cord

Remote control

Owners Manual