The McIntosh MHA200 headphone amplifier was designed for demanding audiophiles who own high-performance headphones.
To achieve this, it features tube amplification technology and balanced input and output connections, enabling it to connect to (almost) all types of Hi-Fi headphones.
MCINTOSH MHA200: CHASSIS
This headphone amplifier evokes the timeless look and design of the legendary McIntosh MC275 amplifier.
On the right side of the chassis, there are two stereo inputs: an unbalanced RCA input and a balanced XLR input. The left side houses the power switch, volume control, and headphone impedance selector. You can select 32, 100, 250, or 600 ohms.
There are three output options: a traditional 6.35 mm stereo jack, a balanced 4-pin XLR stereo headphone output, and a rare dual 3-pin XLR mono balanced headphone output.
MCINTOSH MHA200: TECHNOLOGY
The McIntosh MHA200 employs tube amplification technology. A pair of 12AT7 dual-triode tubes amplifies the incoming audio signal, while the 12BH7A tubes provide the necessary power to drive and amplify the headphone output.
Like all tube amplifiers, the MHA200 uses a pair of McIntosh output transformers. The circuitry is the same technology that the brand has been using since 1949! This technology is still used in the timeless MC275 and the more recent MC1502.
The output transformers coupled with the Unity Coupled Circuit allow the output impedance to be adjusted to produce four impedance ranges for headphones from 32 to 100, 100 to 250, 250 to 600, and 600 to 1,000 Ohms (at 500 mW). This enables pairing with 98% of quality headphones.
MCINTOSH MHA200: TEST AND LISTENING
After about fifty hours of break-in, the sound quality is up to the American manufacturer's standards. The musicality of McIntosh's best amplifiers is immediately recognizable.
The timbre is beautiful, and the realism is remarkable. The dynamics are surprising, regardless of the Hi-Fi headphones used. Even the most resistant ones are "moved" by the MHA200!
The midrange is astonishing, reproduced with great elegance and delicacy. The low end is tight and impactful. The treble is similar to the MA252 integrated amplifier, very airy and precise, without any aggressiveness. The soundstage remains very realistic and precise, even at high volumes.
The McIntosh MHA200 tube headphone amplifier is among the best headphone amps we've heard. It surpasses more complex and often more esoteric designs.
Our favorite!
AWARD:
Positive Feedback - Highly Recommended
FranckAmplifier: 500 mW
Compatibility: headphones from 16 to 1000 ohms
Distortion: 0.5
Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz (+/- 0.5 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio: 94 dB
Unbalanced input impedance: 10 k ohms
Balanced input impedance: 20 k ohms
Adjustable load: 32, 100, 250 and 600 ohms
Gain :
. 12dB at 32 Ohms
. 17dB at 100 Ohms
. 21dB at 250 Ohms
. 25dB at 600 Ohms
Unbalanced stereo headphone output: 6.35 mm stereo jack
Balanced stereo headphone output: XLR 4 pins
Mono balanced headphone outputs: 2 x XLR 3 Pins
Unbalanced analog input: 1 x RCA
Balanced analog input: 1 x XLR
Trigger: In/Out
Driver tubes: 2 x 12AT7
Power tubes: 2 x 12BH7
Power supply transformer: 1
Output transformer: 2
Dimensions : 15.6 x 14.6 x 23.2 cm
Weight : 4.8 kg
