McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

MSA5500 2-Channel Streaming Integrated Amplifier

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All-In-One McIntosh Amplification and Streaming
Works with Apple^® AirPlay^®; Bluetooth^®; Google Cast™; Spotify^® Connect; TIDAL^® Connect
A certified Roon Ready endpoint device
Dedicated turntable input
HDMI (ARC) input for unparalleled TV sound
100 Watts into 8 Ohm speakers
160 Watts into 4 Ohm speakers

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3 Year Limited Warranty

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MSA5500 2-Channel Streaming Integrated Amplifier

3 Year Limited Warranty

Print this page

COMPARE

Ask an Expert

Add to WishlistRemove From Wishlist

ALL-IN-ONE EFFORTLESS MUSIC STREAMING

The MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier is both a full featured music streamer and powerful integrated amplifier in one. It can serve as the cornerstone of your audio setup, whether it be your first venture into high-fidelity audio, an addition to your existing system, or to use at your office or vacation home. Crafted to perfection and compact in size, the MSA5500 is tailor-made for modern living spaces, making it an ideal choice for those seeking premium audio in more confined environments.

The versatile MSA5500 has a wide assortment of wireless music streaming capabilities plus a variety of physical inputs to connect source components. If all your music is cloud based digital music, a simple addition of speakers is all that's needed to be bathed in elevated sound quality.

ENDLESS STREAMING POSSIBILITIES AWAIT

The MSA5500 is compatible with a multitude of leading streaming technologies and platforms including Apple^® AirPlay^®; Bluetooth^®; Google Cast™ (formerly Chromecast); Spotify^® Connect; and TIDAL^® Connect (including TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality). No special control app or technical skills are needed; the easy-to-use MSA5500 invites you to simply stream your music directly from your smart device.¹ If you've been using a lower quality wireless home sound system, then listening to your favorite tracks through the MSA5500 will be like hearing them again for the first time.

For Bluetooth streaming, the MSA5500 utilizes 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. Two Wi-Fi 6 antennas and one Bluetooth antenna provide stable wireless connections, while an Ethernet port is also available for wired connections.

STREAMED MUSIC HAS NEVER SOUNDED SO GOOD

To elevate your auditory experience of your digital music, the MSA5500 employs an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital signals into the analog format needed for playback. This next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC features huge dynamic range and low distortion. Regardless the file format, you can expect a transcendent audio experience with pristine sound reproduction.

The MSA5500 has received Roon Ready certification from Roon Labs, making it an endpoint device for use with the Roon music player. Roon brings all your music together and adds tons of data – bios, reviews, photos, lyrics, tour dates, and cross-linked credits for performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and composers. Roon Ready network devices have Roon streaming technology built in and are certified by Roon to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming.

ALL THE CONNECTIONS YOU NEED

In addition to all its streaming capabilities, the MSA5500 also comes 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. The digital inputs support high resolution digital audio playback; the USB input supports native playback of DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while the coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz.

UNRIVALED TV SOUND

The inclusion of an HDMI (ARC) input lets you connect your compatible TV so you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies with a sound quality level that TV speakers or soundbars just can't provide.² Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby^® and DTS^® will be expertly converted to two-channel audio for proper playback. The subwoofer output allows for a powered subwoofer to be added for extra punch so you can feel every bass and low-end note.

HEAR SOUND LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH UNCOMPROMISING MCINTOSH AMPLIFICATION

The power amplifier section of the MSA5500 proves that extraordinary sound knows no bounds. Delivering 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers, this amplifier ensures ample power delivery for a diverse array of speakers, such as our vintage styled ML1 Loudspeaker Mk II, XR50 Bookshelf Speakers, XR100 Floorstanding Speakers, or a variety of other speakers. Real-time power output is visualized through fast responding, dual-scale Watt meters in our trademarked McIntosh "Blue" color, affording insight into the amplifier's performance.

An arsenal of other McIntosh technologies is included that will contribute to the MSA5500's longevity and reliability:

Power Guard^® that monitors the output signal for over driving and makes real time micro adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh sounding clipping that could potentially damage your speakers
Our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit Sentry Monitor^™ that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal
McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks^™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors that minimize thermal equilibrium lag (or warm-up) time and help keep the MSA5500 running cool
Home Theater PassThru that allows for seamless integration into a home theater system
Our patented Solid Cinch^™ speaker binding posts that easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short; the binding posts are also gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables to your speakers
High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®) which can bring an added dimension to headphone listening
Power Control to send power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown

ACCOMODATES YOUR CHANGING NEEDS

As your audio needs evolve, the MSA5500 can grow with you. Someday you may move into a bigger space or add a larger set of speakers and find that you need more power. If that happens, you could bypass the internal amplifier and connect a bigger external amplifier – all while continuing to use the MSA5500's familiar streaming and preamplifier sections. You can rest assured that the MSA5500 can accommodate your changing needs and be a lifelong partner in your audio pursuits.

EMBRACE THE ICONIC MCINTOSH EXPERIENCE

Elegantly appointed with timeless McIntosh aesthetics, including blue Watt meters, a sleek black glass front panel with aluminum end caps, rotary control knobs, an illuminated logo, and impeccable build quality, the MSA5500 epitomizes audio sophistication. Contact your local dealer today to embark on your journey of audio discovery.

To connect the MSA5500 to your wireless network via an Android device, or to enable Google Cast functionality from any type of device, you will need to use our McIntosh Cast Connect app that is available for both Android and Apple devices.
The HDMI (ARC) input will only play audio from a compatible TV. It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source. TV must have an HDMI (ARC) output.

The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademarks of DTS, Inc. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Google Cast is a trademark of Google LLC.

Specifications
Electronic Specifications
- FTC Power Output Rating
  
  100 W
- Power Output per Channel
  
  100 W into 8 ohms
  160 W into 4 ohms
- Number of Channels
  
  2
- Rated Power Band
  
  20Hz to 20kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion
  
  0.005%
- Dynamic Headroom
  
  1.8dB
- Frequency Response +0,-0.5dB
  
  20Hz to 20kHz
- Frequency Response, +0, -3dB
  
  10Hz to 100kHz
- Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)
  
  N/A
- Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)
  
  2.5mV
- Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)
  
  0.5V/0.25V
- Sensitivity (Power Amp input)
  
  1V
- Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)
  
  N/A
- Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)
  
  82dB
- Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
  
  95dB
- Signal To Noise Ratio (Power Amp input)
  
  110dB
- Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)
  
  20K/20K
- Damping Factor
  
  8 ohms: >200
  4 ohms: >100
- Maximum Output (Balanced / Unbalanced)
  
  8V Unbalanced
Connectivity
- Balanced Input
  
  1
- Unbalanced Input
  
  4
- Phono Input Moving Coil
  
  0
- Phono Input Moving Magnet
  
  1 (fixed loading)
- Upgradeable Digital Audio Module
  
  No
- Digital Coaxial Input
  
  2
- Digital Optical Input
  
  2
- Digital MCT Input
  
  1
- Digital USB Input
  
  1
- HDMI (ARC) Input
  
  1
- Balanced Variable Output
  
  0
- Unbalanced Fixed Output
  
  0
- Unbalanced Variable Output
  
  1
- Headphone Output
  
  1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®)
- Subwoofer Output
  
  1
- AM/FM Tuner option
  
  No
- Home Theater PassThru
  
  Yes
- Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
  
  Standard
- Speaker Binding Post Type
  
  Standard
- Service Port
  
  1
Digital Audio Specifications
- Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type
  
  8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced
- Digital Coaxial Input Sample Rate
  
  24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
- Digital Optical Input Sample Rate
  
  24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
- Digital MCT Input Sample Rate
  
  16-bit/44.1kHz (CD)
  DSD64 (SACD)
- Digital USB Input Sample Rate
  
  32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM)
  DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz
Control
- Tone Controls
  
  Bass and Treble
- Tone Bypass and Input Assign
  
  Yes
- RS232 Control Input
  
  Yes
- Power Control Output
  
  1 Main
- Rear Panel Data Port
  
  2
- Rear Panel IR Sensor Input
  
  Yes
- Input Level Match
  
  Yes
General Specifications
- Vacuum Tube or Solid State
  
  Solid State
- Output Type
  
  Direct Coupled
- Output Meters
  
  Yes
- Dual Layer Chassis
  
  Yes
- Chassis Finish
  
  Black painted steel
- McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™
  
  Yes
- Power Requirement
  
  100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.7 amps
  110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.4 amps
  120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.2 amps
  220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 1.8 amps
  230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 1.6 amps
  240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 1.6 amps
- Standby Power Requirement
  
  <0.25 Watts
Weights & Dimensions
- Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
  
  17-1/2" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.2cm) (8-1/8” (20.6cm) with vertical antenna) x 18-3/4” (47.6cm) with vertical antenna (22-1/4" (56.5cm) with horizontal antenna)
- Unit Weight
  
  38 lbs (17.2 kg)
- Shipping Weight
  
  55.5 lbs (25.2 kg)

Downloads

Product Literature	User Documents	Apps	Software Updates
MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier Brochure (7.84 MB) MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier Product Sheet (0.73 MB)	MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier Owner's Manual (2.92 MB)	Cast Connect App for Android Devices Cast Connect App for Apple Devices	McIntosh USB Audio Windows Driver I v1.13 (compatible with Windows 10 and 11) (3.86 MB) McIntosh USB Audio Windows Driver I v1.5 (compatible with Windows 7) (2.1 MB)

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