McIntosh MA8950
McIntosh stereo integrated amplifier delivering 200 watts per channel, combining phono preamplification and an upgradeable digital DAC module in a single unit.
Description
The MA8950 is a McIntosh stereo integrated amplifier, designed to bring together a preamplifier and a power stage within a single unit intended to drive a pair of speakers directly. It features a DA2 digital audio module which allows it to also act as a digital-to-analogue converter for sources connected via USB, coaxial, optical or HDMI ARC.
The stated power output reaches 2x 200 watts RMS, with a rated power bandwidth covering 20 Hz to 20 kHz and a total harmonic distortion of 0.005%, ensuring clean sound reproduction even at high listening levels. The 3.1 dB dynamic headroom reflects enhanced filtering capability, useful for reproducing musical peaks with less distortion and providing better control over low frequencies. The damping factor of over 40 indicates good control over speaker driver movement, particularly in the lower part of the spectrum.
In terms of connectivity, the unit offers two separate phono inputs, one for moving coil cartridges with adjustable loading, the other for moving magnet cartridges with fixed loading, as well as balanced and unbalanced high-level inputs. The built-in DAC, capable of processing PCM and DSD up to 32-bit/384 kHz in a quad-balanced architecture, allows direct connection of modern digital sources, while the 6.35 mm jack headphone output benefits from Headphone Crossfeed Director technology.
This type of amplifier is intended for a user wishing to centralise vinyl listening, digital sources and television sound via the HDMI ARC input on a single unit, within a high-end stereo system where conversion quality and available power matter as much as input versatility.
Technical specifications
| RMS power | 2x 200 W |
| Speaker impedance | 2, 4 or 8 ohms |
| Rated power bandwidth | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.005 % |
| Dynamic headroom | 3.1 dB |
| Frequency response (+0, 0.5 dB) | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Frequency response (+0, 3 dB) | 10 Hz to 100 kHz |
| Phono sensitivity (moving coil) | 0.25 mV |
| Phono sensitivity (moving magnet) | 2.5 mV |
| High level input sensitivity (Balanced) | 0.5 V |
| High level input sensitivity (Unbalanced) | 0.25 V |
| Sensitivity (power amplifier input) | 1.4 V |
| Signal to noise ratio (moving coil) | 80 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio (moving magnet) | 82 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio (high level) | 95 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio (power amplifier input) | 113 dB |
| Input impedance | 20 kOhms |
| Damping factor | >40 |
| Maximum output | 8 V |
| Digital audio module | DA2 |
| DAC type | 8 channels, PCM/DSD 32-bit/384 kHz, Quad balanced |
| Digital coaxial input sample rate | 24-bit/44.1 kHz to 192 kHz |
| Digital optical input sample rate | 24-bit/44.1 kHz to 192 kHz |
| MCT digital input sample rate (DIN) | 16-bit/44.1 kHz (CD), DSD64 (SACD) |
| USB digital input sample rate | 32-bit/44.1 kHz to 384 kHz (PCM), DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512, DXD352.8 kHz, DXD384 kHz |
| Headphone output | 6.35 mm (1/4") jack High Drive with HXD technology |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 445 x 194 x 476 mm |
| Weight | 34.1 kg |
What to check before buying used
On an integrated amplifier of this power output, attention should focus first on the protection relays and output stage capacitors, which are put under strain by the 200 watts per channel. The phono inputs, particularly the circuit dedicated to the moving coil cartridge, should be tested with a vinyl source to check for the absence of hiss or hum. As the DA2 DAC module is a separate digital unit, it is worth confirming that all digital inputs (USB, coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC) are properly recognised and functional before purchase.
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