McIntosh MI254
McIntosh MI254 4-channel power amplifier, Class D, 250 watts into 8 ohms, designed for distributed audio and home cinema.
Description
The McIntosh MI254 is a 4-channel power amplifier designed to equip distributed audio installations as well as home cinema systems or classic stereo listening. Thanks to its four independent channels, it can power several listening zones or drive the surround speakers of an existing cinema setup.
It is built on a closed-loop digital switching architecture, paired with robust power supplies. This Class D design allows it to deliver 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms and up to 300 watts into 4 ohms, while remaining efficient enough to do without cooling fans, an important point for discreet integration into a living space. The 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio and total harmonic distortion of 0.025% demonstrate the level of precision sought in this type of amplification, with a frequency response covering the audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
On the glass front panel characteristic of the brand, two blue wattmeters display the combined output power of channels 1+2 and 3+4, complemented by LED indicators showing the status of each channel. At the rear, each channel has a balanced and unbalanced input, and the unit offers BUS inputs and outputs for distributing a stereo signal to several amplifiers, as well as a 12V trigger and automatic standby in the absence of a signal.
The MI254 also incorporates two protection technologies specific to McIntosh: Power Guard, which limits speaker overload, and Sentry Monitor, which cuts the output stage in the event of a short circuit before automatically resetting. Its compact dimensions and 2U format, with removable mounting ears, make it easy to integrate into a rack or wall-mounted installation.
This model is aimed at installers and enthusiasts wishing to equip multi-room distribution, a multichannel home cinema system or a demanding stereo setup, in a format designed for discreet integration rather than the aesthetics of a traditional hi-fi amplifier.
Technical specifications
| Power | 250 W into 8 ohms / 300 W into 4 ohms |
| Signal to noise ratio | 100 dB |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| THD | 0.025 % |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 444 x 110 x 533 mm |
| Weight | 10.7 kg |
| Connections | 4x mono RCA inputs, 4x mono XLR inputs, 2x stereo RCA inputs, 2x stereo RCA BUS outputs, trigger input and output, gold-plated screw terminals compatible with banana plugs |
What to check before buying used
On this type of Class D power amplifier, the main point to check remains the internal electronics: verify the absence of background noise, hum or unexpected channel cut-out on power-up, which could indicate a worn power supply module. The gold-plated screw terminals and RCA/XLR connectors at the rear deserve a visual inspection to rule out any trace of oxidation or mechanical play. As the absence of a fan requires passive heat dissipation, prolonged operation under heavy load should remain silent and free of any overheating smell. Testing all four channels independently also ensures that none of them shows a loss of power or abnormal distortion.
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