McIntosh MA9500

Product Details

• Product: McIntosh MA9500 Integrated Amplifier

• Color: Black with illuminated blue VU meters and brushed aluminum side panels

Product Description

The McIntosh MA9500 is the flagship model among McIntosh’s integrated amplifiers and the successor to the highly acclaimed MA9000. While its predecessor received numerous awards, the MA9500 takes things even further through technological enhancements, increased performance, and a more powerful design.

With a robust output of 300 watts per channel—regardless of speaker impedance (2, 4, or 8 ohms)—the MA9500 delivers effortless control, dynamics, and finesse. This is made possible by McIntosh’s patented Autoformer™ technology, which ensures consistent performance across all connected speakers.

One of the key improvements over the MA9000 is the doubled filter capacity, resulting in a greater dynamic headroom—from 1.8 dB to 2.8 dB. This allows the MA9500 to reproduce musical peaks with more precision and provides deeper and more controlled bass performance.

Cosmetic Description

As expected from McIntosh, the MA9500 blends high-end technology with classic design. Its iconic black glass front panel, vibrant blue VU meters, illuminated logos, and solid aluminum side panels offer a timeless and luxurious appearance. Controls are logically arranged and intuitive to use, while the central display provides clear feedback for source selection and volume.

Functional Notes

Analog Inputs

The MA9500 offers a total of ten analog inputs:

• 2 balanced XLR inputs

• 6 unbalanced RCA inputs

• 1 Moving Magnet (MM) phono input

• 1 Moving Coil (MC) phono input with ground terminal

This extensive analog section allows for easy integration of multiple sources, such as CD players, turntables, tuners, and tape decks. The MA9500 also features outputs for connecting an additional power amplifier for bi-amping or increased power delivery.

Digital Section – DA2 DAC Module

The built-in DA2 digital module is modular and replaceable. It includes an advanced 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz Quad Balanced DAC that supports high-resolution audio playback up to DSD512 and DXD 384kHz.

DA2 Input Options:

• 2x coaxial

• 2x optical

• 1x USB-B (Roon Tested)

• 1x MCT (McIntosh SACD/CD transport)

• 1x HDMI ARC (for TV audio with CEC volume control via the amplifier’s remote)

The optical and coaxial inputs decode audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, ideal for use with digital sources like network players or Blu-ray players. The USB input is Roon Tested, meaning the MA9500 is recognized natively by Roon and can be customized directly within the Roon interface. The MCT input provides a secure DSD connection for McIntosh transport systems.

Thanks to its modular design, the DA2 can be easily upgraded in the future—for example, with a more powerful DA3 module when available.

Power & Performance

• Output Power: 2 x 300 W RMS at 2, 4, or 8 ohms

• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+0, -3 dB)

• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio:

  • 114 dB (power amp)

  • 98 dB (line level)

  • 84 dB (MM phono)

  • 82 dB (MC phono)

• Damping Factor: >40

Additional Features

• 8-band tone control (±12 dB in 2 dB steps)

• Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) for realistic headphone listening

• Power Guard® anti-clipping protection

• Sentry Monitor™ output stage protection

• Home Theater PassThru for AV system integration

• Monogrammed Heatsinks™ for efficient, silent thermal management

• Roon Tested certification

Dimensions & Weight

• Dimensions: 44.5 cm (W) x 24 cm (H) x 50.2 cm (D)

• Weight: Approx. 45.8 kg