BINGHAMTON, NY – December 5, 2024 – Today, McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., the premier name in audio excellence, proudly announces the launch of its MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier. The cornerstone of any audio setup, the MSA5500 is crafted to perfection and intended to seamlessly integrate into a variety of spaces and equipment. With lots of functionality in its compact size, the MSA5500 is the perfect choice for smaller living spaces – making it a city dwelling audiophile’s dream – with timeless McIntosh aesthetics that epitomize audio sophistication.
In addition to having renowned McIntosh amplification, the MSA5500 is compatible with an assortment of leading streaming technologies and platforms, including Apple® AirPlay® 2; Bluetooth®; Chromecast; Spotify® Connect; and TIDAL® Connect (including TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality). It also has physical inputs, including a turntable and HDMI (ARC) input for non-streaming use. With the simple addition of speakers, a users’ cloud-based music or compatible smart TV1 programming will meet elevated sound quality, allowing listeners to experience their favorite songs, shows, and films with audio like never before.
Elevated Sound Quality
- To elevate the auditory experience of digital music, the MSA5500 employs an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital signals into the analog format needed for playback.
- The next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC features huge dynamic range and low distortion.
- Bluetooth streaming capabilities utilizing Bluetooth 5.0; the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard; Qualcomm® aptX™ HD for hi res audio playback; and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, a robust solution that delivers high resolution, uninterrupted audio over Bluetooth.
- Roon Ready certification from Roon Labs, making it an endpoint device for use with the Roon music player and proven to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming.
A Variety of Connections
- The MSA5500 comes with 7 digital and 5 analog audio inputs to connect audio components, such as a CD player or tuner, plus a Moving Magnet phono input to connect a turntable.
Unrivaled TV Sound
- The inclusion of a HDMI (ARC) input allows users to connect the MSA5500 with a compatible TV1, providing high-quality sound beyond what TV speakers or soundbars can produce.
McIntosh Amplification
- The MSA5500 provides that extraordinary McIntosh sound that knows no bounds and will deliver 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers.
McIntosh Technologies
- An arsenal of other McIntosh technologies is included that will contribute to the MSA5500’s longevity and reliability, including Power Guard®; Sentry Monitor™; Monogrammed Heatsinks™; Home Theater PassThru; Gold-plated Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts; Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®); and Power Control.
The MSA5500 is meant to be a lifetime partner for any aspiring audiophile, music lover’s or seasoned expert’s audio pursuits. Not only is it easy to use, given no special control app or technical skills are needed, but also its capabilities can evolve as any audio collection grows. If a larger amplifier is purchased, the MSA5500’s internal amplifier can be bypassed, and users can still leverage the product’s familiar streaming and preamplifier capabilities to continue to elevate all their listening experiences.