The MI254 is a multi-zone amplifier by McIntosh that delivers 250 watts x 4 channels into 8 ohms and 300 watts x 4 into 4 ohms, to the FTC power output standard.. It was released in 2021. It is a 4-channel design using a Class D output stage. The McIntosh MI254 has an MSRP of $6,000.
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on a multi-zone amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The McIntosh MI254 is rated at 250 watts RMS into 8-ohms. McIntosh provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.025% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 250 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.025%
- 300 watts into 4-ohms
- 100dB Signal to Noise Ratio
How loud will 250 watts actually play in your room? →
When pairing the McIntosh MI254 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the McIntosh MI254, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
McIntosh MI254 has total of 4 Analog inputs .
McIntosh MI254 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
Outputs
Zones and channels
The McIntosh MI254 has
4 amplifier channels, which is
2 stereo zones from one chassis. That is the
number to compare across this category, not the watts: a distribution amplifier is
bought to replace 2 separate stereo amplifiers and the rack
space, mains sockets and cabling that go with them.
Most of these will also run each channel as its own mono zone where a room needs a
single speaker, so the stereo figure above is the conservative reading. As the maker
describes it: Yes (2 zones in one chassis).
What the power figure actually means
McIntosh MI254 is rated
250 watts into 8 ohms with every channel driven at once,
which is 1,000 watts in total and the strict way to measure a multi-channel amplifier. Most makers of any kind of
multi-channel amplifier publish a figure measured with two channels running and the
rest idle, which flatters a shared power supply. This one does not.
As the manufacturer states it: 250 watts x 4 channels into 8 ohms and 300 watts x 4 into 4 ohms, to the FTC power output standard.
Feeding it
Sources reach the McIntosh MI254 at line
level: 4 analogue line inputs.
Everything in this category is designed to sit in a rack behind the scenes, so volume
and source selection are normally handled per zone rather than from a front panel.
McIntosh MI254 External Dimensions and Weight
McIntosh MI254 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 4.33inch x 17.5inch x 20.98inch (110mm x 444.5mm x 533mm ). The unit weighs
10.7 kg (23.6 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 McIntosh MI254 is approximately 2369.2cm2 / 367.2inch2.
- Width: 444.5mm (17.5")
- Height: 110.0mm (4.33")
- Depth: 533.0mm (20.98")
- Weight: 10.7 kg (23.6 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~2369.2cm2 / 367.2inch2
- Volume: ~26.1 liter / 6.9 gallon
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the McIntosh MI254 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for McIntosh MI254
Warranty
2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the McIntosh MI254 by the manufacturer.
| General |
| Brand |
McIntosh |
| Full Model Name |
McIntosh MI254 |
| Release Date |
2021 |
| Amplifier Type |
Multi-Zone Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
4 |
| Amp Class |
Class D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
250 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
300 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| Damping Factor |
85 |
| THD |
0.025% |
| Minimum Impedance |
|
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
100 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
No |
| Bluetooth |
No |
| WiFi |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
4 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
No |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
No |
| USB Input |
No |
| Headphone Output |
No |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
110.0mm (4.33") |
| Width |
444.5mm (17.5") |
| Depth |
533.0mm (20.98") |
| Weight |
10.7 kg (23.6 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
How much power does the McIntosh MI254 have?
The McIntosh MI254 delivers 250 watts x 4 channels into 8 ohms and 300 watts x 4 into 4 ohms, to the FTC power output standard.. It increases its output into 4 ohms, so it has some headroom for harder-to-drive speakers.
Does the McIntosh MI254 use vacuum tubes?
No. The McIntosh MI254 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
What amplifier class is the McIntosh MI254?
The McIntosh MI254 uses a Class D amplifier design. Class D is a modern switching design that runs cool and wastes very little energy as heat, which is how makers fit high power into a compact, light chassis.
Does the McIntosh MI254 have a built-in DAC?
No. The McIntosh MI254 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.
Can I connect a turntable to the McIntosh MI254?
No. The McIntosh MI254 has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Does the McIntosh MI254 have Bluetooth?
No. The McIntosh MI254 does not have Bluetooth built in; you would need an external Bluetooth receiver connected to one of its inputs.
Does the McIntosh MI254 have a headphone output?
No. The McIntosh MI254 does not have a headphone output, so headphone listening needs a separate headphone amplifier.
How much does the McIntosh MI254 cost?
The McIntosh MI254 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $6,000.
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