McIntosh 8950
McIntosh stereo integrated amplifier delivering 200 W per channel, fitted with a built-in DA2 DAC module and an MM/MC phono input.
Comparison with the observed price of the same product new; this is not a reduction on a previous price.
Description
The McIntosh MA8950 is a high-end stereo integrated amplifier, designed to provide both power amplification and digital-to-analogue conversion within a single unit. It features the DA2 module as standard, positioned as the most accomplished DAC in the McIntosh range, allowing it to handle digital sources directly without an external converter.
The rated output is 200 W per channel, available into 2, 4 or 8 Ω loads thanks to McIntosh's proprietary Autoformer technology, which matches the amplifier's output to the impedance of the connected speaker. The DA2 module houses an 8-channel 32-bit DAC in a Quad Balanced configuration, capable of decoding up to DSD512 via the USB input. The unit offers +3.1 dB of dynamic headroom, an instantaneous power margin available on the most dynamic passages of the signal without distortion. On the digital connectivity side, it provides two coaxial inputs, two optical inputs, one USB, one MCT and one HDMI ARC; on the analogue side, an MM and MC phono input is built in.
- Power: 200 W/channel (2, 4 or 8 Ω)
- McIntosh Autoformer technology
- DA2 DAC, 8-channel 32-bit Quad Balanced
- DSD512 via USB
- MM and MC phono input
This model is aimed at users wishing to centralise digital and analogue sources around a single integrated amplifier capable of driving demanding speakers, including those with variable impedance loads. Its versatile connectivity and phono input make it a sensible choice for a system combining streaming, optical playback, HDMI sources and a turntable.
Technical specifications
| Type | Stereo integrated amplifier |
| Power | 200 W/channel (2, 4 or 8 Ω) |
| Technology | Autoformer (McIntosh) |
| DAC module | DA2 (8-channel 32-bit, Quad Balanced) |
| DSD | Up to DSD512 via USB |
| Dynamic Headroom | +3.1 dB |
| Digital inputs | 2 coax, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, 1 HDMI ARC |
| Phono | MM and MC |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 240 × 445 × 533 cm |
| Weight | 48.5 kg |
Dimensions and weight
What to check before buying used
On a McIntosh integrated amplifier of this category, checking the operation of the Autoformers deserves particular attention, as they are responsible for matching the power output to the speaker impedance. The proper functioning of the MM/MC phono input should also be checked, along with the absence of noise or crackling on the potentiometers and selectors after several years of use. Checking the DA2 module and its digital inputs (USB, coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC) helps confirm that conversion and DSD512 recognition are working normally.
Tests & Reviews
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