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McIntosh 2-Channel Streaming Integrated Amplifier - MSA5500
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McIntosh MSA5500 2-Channel Streaming Integrated Amplifier
Key Features
- 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
Features
- 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.
California customers:
General
Color
Black
Type
Integrated Amplifier
Watts Per Channel (RMS)
100 W into 8 ohms, 160 W into 4 ohms
Number of Channels
2
Bluetooth
No
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
0.005%
Signal to Noise Ratio
75dB (Moving Coil), 114dB (Power Amp input)
Wi-Fi
No
Number of HDMI Inputs
1
Inputs
2 x Coaxial, 2 x Optical, 1 x MCT, 1 x USB, 1 x GDMI (ARC)
Outputs
1 x Unbalanced Variable Output, 1 x Headphone, 1 x Subwoofer
Number of USB Ports
1
Standby Power Consumption
<0.25W
Frequency Response
+0,-0.5dB: 20Hz to 20kHz, +0, -3dB: 10Hz to 100kHz
Damping Factor
8 ohms: >200 / 4 ohms: >100
Input Impedance
20K Balanced, 20K Unbalanced
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20kHz
Dynamic Headroom
1.8dB
Warranty Information
Parts Warranty
3 Years Limited
Labor Warranty
3 Years Limited
Approximate Weight
Unit Weight (lbs.)
38
Package Weight (lbs)
58
Approximate Dimensions
Height (in)
6
Width (in)
17.5
Depth (in)
18.75
Package Size HxWxL (in)
13 x 25 x 27
Frequently Asked Questions
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Supports Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC, Qualcomm aptX HD and Adaptive, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL Connect including TIDAL HiFi Lossless. These options allow direct streaming from smart devices without needing a special app.
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Includes 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 MCT, 1 USB, 1 HDMI ARC input, plus 5 analog audio inputs including a Moving Magnet phono input for turntables. USB supports DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz and digital inputs support up to 24-bit/192kHz playback.
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Delivers 100 Watts RMS per channel into 8 Ohms and 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms, providing ample power for a wide range of speakers to produce clear, dynamic sound.
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Yes, features Home Theater PassThru and an HDMI (ARC) input for seamless connection to a compatible TV. It converts multi-channel audio from Dolby and DTS formats into two-channel audio for optimized playback.
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Includes Power Guard to prevent distortion clipping, Sentry Monitor short-circuit protection that auto-resets, gold-plated Solid Cinch speaker binding posts for secure connections, and efficient McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks for thermal management.

