MA9500

The McIntosh MA9500 is an integrated stereo amplifier with extensive analogue and digital connectivity, a DA2 Digital Audio Module, and a power supply designed to provide greater dynamic headroom than the MA9000. Filter capacity has been doubled from the MA9000, increasing dynamic headroom from 1.8dB to 2.8dB. This gives the amplifier more ability to reproduce musical peaks with less distortion, while also improving bass playback and control.

The standard DA2 Digital Audio Module provides 7 digital inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT and 1 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection. Its audiophile-grade, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analogue Converter has improved dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared with the DAC used in the DA1 module. Coaxial and optical inputs support digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz, while the USB input supports DSD playback up to DSD512.

The MCT input provides a secure DSD connection to McIntosh MCT series SACD/CD Transports for playback of high-definition audio from SACDs. The modular design also allows the DA2 to be replaced with a newer Digital Audio Module in future.

A compatible television with an HDMI ARC output can send its sound through the MA9500 and a home music system. Dolby and DTS multi-channel audio formats are supported and converted to 2-channel audio for playback. When CEC communication is enabled in both the amplifier and television, the MA9500 remote can control the television’s power and volume.

Analogue connectivity includes 10 inputs, comprising 2 balanced inputs, 6 unbalanced inputs, 1 Moving Coil phono input and 1 Moving Magnet phono input. The 2 phono inputs have separate grounding terminals for turntables and adjustable loading for fine adjustment of vinyl playback. Unbalanced analogue connectors use gold-plated solid brass for signal handling and grounding. All analogue and digital inputs can be assigned custom names for system control and configuration. Balanced and unbalanced outputs allow the audio signal to be sent to another power amplifier.

Upgraded power supply components reduce noise emissions and provide greater robustness under demanding conditions. Control microprocessors support smooth, reliable system operation, while audio-grade circuit components are used throughout the amplifier.

Solid Cinch speaker binding posts provide a secure connection for speaker cables, helping to prevent them from coming loose and causing a short circuit. The posts are gold-plated to resist corrosion and maintain signal transmission to the speakers.

McIntosh MA9500 has Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh has supplied equipment to Roon for testing with a range of operating systems and computers, and has shared information about the amplifier’s design and capabilities.

The front panel uses black glass with LED lighting, 2 peak-responding blue watt meters, control knobs and an illuminated logo. Aluminium end caps incorporate built-in handles, and the amplifier uses a polished stainless steel chassis.

Additional features include:

• Power Guard^® continuously monitors input and output signals and dynamically adjusts input levels to provide maximum output while avoiding harsh distortion and clipping that could damage speakers
• Fuse-less Sentry Monitor^™ short-circuit protection disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels, then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal
• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks^™ use materials with high thermal conductivity and heat dissipation properties
• Home Theatre PassThru supports integration into a home theatre system
• High Drive headphone amplification with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®) adds a further dimension to headphone listening
• A discrete, 8-band tone control provides manual analogue adjustment of ±12dB in 2dB increments at 25Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, 1kHz, 2.5kHz and 10kHz
• Power Control sends power on and power off signals to connected McIntosh components for system start-up and shutdown