McIntosh MA9500
McIntosh MA9500 stereo integrated amplifier, 2x300W, fitted with a DA2 digital module and a dual adjustable phono input for demanding systems.
Description
The MA9500 is a stereo integrated amplifier from McIntosh, designed to drive a pair of speakers directly whilst centralising the analogue and digital sources of a high-fidelity system. It features a DA2 digital audio module that replaces the DA1 found in the previous MA9000, adding expanded conversion capabilities and connectivity within the same chassis.
The internal filtering of the MA9500 has been doubled compared with that of the MA9000, raising the headroom from 1.8 dB to 2.8 dB: in practice, the unit absorbs musical peaks better with less distortion and offers tighter control of low frequencies. The DA2 module is built around a 32-bit DAC with a quad-balanced design across 8 channels, which improves dynamic range and reduces total harmonic distortion compared with the previous DA1; it handles seven digital inputs, including two coaxial and two optical decoding up to 24-bit/192 kHz, a USB input accepting 32-bit/384 kHz PCM, and a proprietary McIntosh MCT input for a secure DSD link with the brand's SACD/CD players. On the power side, the amplifier delivers 2x300 Watts RMS with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz (+0/-0.5dB) and a damping factor greater than 40, whilst the signal-to-noise ratio reaches 114dB on the high-level input.
On the analogue side, the MA9500 offers ten inputs: two balanced, six unbalanced, plus a moving coil phono input and a moving magnet phono input, each fitted with adjustable loading and separate ground terminals to fine-tune vinyl playback. The unbalanced connectors are made of solid gold-plated brass for better signal retention, and all inputs can be renamed to simplify everyday use. A balanced output and an unbalanced output also allow a second power amplifier to be fed.
This level of specification is aimed at a hi-fi system built around a demanding vinyl source, with a turntable fitted with an MC or MM cartridge, as well as multiple digital sources requiring centralised high-resolution conversion. The MA9500 will suit an already structured stereo system, where the amplifier acts as the system's core, able to drive speakers directly or feed an additional power amplifier stage.
Technical specifications
| RMS power | 2x 300 Watts |
| Frequency response (+0, 0.5dB) | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Frequency response (+0, 3dB) | 10Hz-100kHz |
| Headroom | 2.8 dB |
| Phono sensitivity (moving coil) | 0.30mV |
| Phono sensitivity (moving magnet) | 3.0mV |
| High level input sensitivity (balanced/unbalanced) | 0.6V/0.3V |
| Power amplifier input sensitivity | 1.7V |
| Signal to noise ratio (moving coil) | 82dB |
| Signal to noise ratio (moving magnet) | 84dB |
| Signal to noise ratio (high level) | 98dB |
| Signal to noise ratio (power amplifier input) | 114dB |
| Input impedance (balanced/unbalanced) | 10K/22K |
| Damping factor | >40 |
| Coaxial digital input | 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz |
| Optical digital input | 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz |
| MCT digital input (DIN) | 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD) |
| USB digital input | 32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 44.5 x 24 x 50.2 cm |
| Weight | 50.2 kg |
What to check before buying used
On a used MA9500, every analogue and digital input should be tested, including the proprietary MCT input and the seven inputs of the DA2 module, to check for dropouts or background noise. The volume potentiometers and input switches deserve particular attention, as does the loading adjustment on the two MC and MM phono inputs, which must remain functional across its full range. Checking that the balanced and unbalanced preamp outputs work correctly is also recommended if the unit is to feed a second amplifier.
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