MCINTOSH MA8950

The MA8950 Integrated Amplifier delivers 200 watts per channel and combines McIntosh's expertise in amplification and preamplifier technologies into one complete stereo audio system component. It replaces the award-winning MA8900 and adds performance enhancements to an already outstanding stereo integrated amplifier.

Dynamic headroom has increased from 2.0dB to 3.1dB in the MA8950, thanks to the doubling of the filter capacity. This gives the MA8950 greater ability to reproduce musical peaks with less distortion. The increased filter capacity also helps improve bass reproduction, low-frequency performance, and overall bass control.

The MA8950 comes standard with the DA2 Digital Audio Module instead of the DA1 Digital Audio Module found in the MA8900. The DA2 offers 7 digital inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, and 1 HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) audio-only connection. TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output can be connected to the MA8950 to enjoy your TV’s sound like never before through your home audio system. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback. The MA8950 remote can control the TV's power and volume when CEC communication is enabled on both the amplifier and the TV. The DA2 also offers enhanced DSD playback support up to DSD512 via the USB input.

The DA2 is powered by an audiophile-grade, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that improves both dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1’s DAC. The coaxial and optical inputs on the DA2 can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for high-resolution audio playback. The DA2 features an exclusive McIntosh MCT input that provides a secure DSD connection to any of our MCT series SACD/CD Transports for the best possible sound quality of the high-definition audio found on your SACDs. With its modular design, it is possible to replace the DA2 with a newer Digital Audio Module in the future.

While the MA8950 offers a wide selection of digital audio inputs, it also covers analog connectivity. It includes 1 balanced stereo input, 6 unbalanced stereo inputs, as well as 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono input for your turntables. All inputs can be custom-named for easier system control and configuration. The Moving Coil phono input comes with adjustable loading, allowing you to fine-tune the sound of your vinyl records. All unbalanced analog connectors are made from premium gold-plated solid brass for superior signal handling and grounding. All analog and digital inputs can be custom-named for easier system control. For added flexibility, the MA8950 includes a fixed unbalanced output and a variable unbalanced output that can be used to send the audio signal to a second power amplifier.

Other updates include improved power supply components for even lower noise emissions and enhanced reliability under the most demanding conditions. The MA8950 continues to use powerful microprocessors for robust and smooth system operation, along with some of the latest state-of-the-art audio-grade circuit components to produce the best sound possible.

Other McIntosh features included in the MA8950 are:

• Power Guard® that continuously monitors input and output signals and dynamically adjusts input levels to ensure maximum output while avoiding harsh distortion and clipping that could damage your speakers.
• Sentry Monitor™ fuse-less short-circuit protection technology that disengages the output stage before the current exceeds safe levels and automatically resets when operating conditions return to normal.
• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ made from high-quality materials with excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation properties.
• Home Theater PassThru that allows for seamless integration into a home theater system.
• High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) that can add an extra dimension to headphone listening.
• A discrete five-band tone control that allows for advanced manual analog adjustment of ±12dB in 2dB increments of your favorite recordings at 30Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 2kHz, and 10kHz frequencies.
• Power Control to send on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power-up and shutdown.
• Gold-plated speaker binding posts that prevent corrosion and ensure a high-quality signal is sent to your speakers.

Technical Specifications:

• FTC Power Output: 200 W
• Power Output per Channel: 200 W into 2, 4, or 8 ohms
• Number of Channels: 2
• Rated Power Band: 20Hz to 20kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%
• Dynamic Headroom: 3.1dB
• Frequency Response +0, -0.5dB: 20Hz to 20kHz
• Frequency Response +0, -3dB: 10Hz to 100kHz
• Phono Sensitivity (Moving Coil): 0.25mV
• Phono Sensitivity (Moving Magnet): 2.5mV
• High Level Sensitivity (Balanced / Unbalanced): 0.5V / 0.25V
• Power Amp Input Sensitivity: 1.4V
• Signal to Noise Ratio (Moving Coil): 80dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet): 82dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio (High Level): 95dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio (Power Amp Input): 113dB
• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced): 20K/20K
• Damping Factor: >40
• Maximum Output (Balanced / Unbalanced): 8V Unbalanced
• Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 44.5 cm x 19.4 cm x 47.6 cm
• Unit Weight: 34.1 kg