The MHA200 is a headphone amplifier by McIntosh. It was released in 2021. The MHA200 is an all-valve design. The MHA200 has an MSRP of $3,000.
Performance Specs
The MHA200 drives headphones rather than loudspeakers, so its power is quoted into headphone impedances instead of into 8 ohms: 500 mW. McIntosh quotes a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.5% maximum from 250 mW to rated power, 20 Hz to 20 kHz (lower is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 94dB Signal to Noise Ratio
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the MHA200, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
MHA200 has total of 2 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Outputs
- Balanced XLR Output
- 1/4 Headphone Output
Balanced connections
MHA200 has balanced XLR connections on both its input and its output. A balanced cable carries the signal twice, on two conductors of opposite polarity. Interference picked up along the way lands on both equally and cancels when the two are recombined at the far end, so the longer the cable run and the noisier the surroundings, the more the connection is worth. On a headphone output the other benefit is separation: a balanced connector gives each channel its own return conductor instead of the two sharing a common ground, which lowers crosstalk between left and right. Whether a balanced connection also yields more power depends on how the amplifier is built inside - some are balanced end to end, others convert to single-ended internally and deliver the same power either way, so it is worth reading the maker's own wording rather than assuming.
MHA200 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- Nothing the published specs single out.
- ✗No DAC on board, so a digital source needs its own converter.
- ✗It has no speaker terminals - this drives headphones, not loudspeakers.
MHA200 External Dimensions and Weight
MHA200 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 5-3/4 x 6-1/8 x 9-1/8 inch (146 x 156 x 232 mm ). The unit weighs
4.8 kg (10.5 lbs).
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 MHA200 is approximately 361.9cm2 / 56.1inch2.
- Width: 156.0mm (6-1/8")
- Height: 146.0mm (5-3/4")
- Depth: 232.0mm (9-1/8")
- Weight: 4.8 kg (10.5 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~361.9cm2 / 56.1inch2
- Volume: ~5.3 liter / 1.4 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
McIntosh |
| Full Model Name |
McIntosh MHA200 |
| Release Date |
2021 |
| Amplifier Type |
Headphone Amplifier |
| Amplifier Technology |
Tube |
| Performance |
| Headphone Output Power |
500 mW |
| Output Impedance |
N/A |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| Damping Factor |
150 |
| THD |
0.5% maximum from 250 mW to rated power, 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
94 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
No |
| Bluetooth |
|
| WiFi |
|
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
2 |
| Preamp Outputs |
No |
| Balanced XLR Output |
Yes |
| Headphone Output |
1/4 |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
146.0mm (5-3/4") |
| Width |
156.0mm (6-1/8") |
| Depth |
232.0mm (9-1/8") |
| Weight |
4.8 kg (10.5 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
Does the MHA200 use vacuum tubes?
Yes. The MHA200 is an all-valve amplifier: vacuum tubes do the amplifying from input to output.
How long do the tubes in the MHA200 last?
Output valves are a consumable. In normal domestic use a set lasts somewhere between about 2,000 and 5,000 hours - a few years for most people - and they degrade gradually rather than failing outright. Input and driver valves last far longer, often the life of the amplifier. Check the warranty card before you buy: valves are almost never covered by the amplifier's own parts warranty, and are usually warranted separately for 90 days to a year.
What speakers suit the MHA200?
A valve amplifier is judged on the speaker's sensitivity, not just on watts.
Does the MHA200 have a built-in DAC?
No. The MHA200 has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.
Does the MHA200 have a headphone output?
Yes. The MHA200 has a 1/4-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.
How much does the MHA200 cost?
The MHA200 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $3,000.
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