McIntosh MA 8950 Amplifier

The MA8950 integrated amplifier delivers 200 watts per channel from 2 to 8 ohms. It combines McIntosh’s expertise in amplification and preamplification within a complete stereo audio system.

It replaces the renowned MA8900, award winner (Best Stereo Integrated Amplifier 2017 according to Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity), and brings significant improvements to an already exceptional stereo integrated amplifier.

The 200 watts per channel of the MA8950 are delivered by a pair of McIntosh Autoformer™ transformers, providing sufficient power to properly drive nearly all loudspeakers. The unique Autoformer design ensures that speakers always receive the full 200 watts, regardless of their impedance (2, 4 or 8 ohms).

MC INTOSH MA8950: DAC

The McIntosh MA8950 amplifier comes standard with the DA2 digital audio module, unlike the DA1 module found in the MA8900.

The DA2 offers seven digital inputs:

• Two coaxial

• Two optical

• One USB

• One MCT

• One HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connection dedicated to audio

The DA2 features an audiophile-grade 8-channel, 32-bit Quad Balanced DAC, offering improved dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1 DAC.

Its coaxial and optical inputs allow decoding of digital audio files up to 24-bit/192 kHz for high-resolution playback.

The DA2 includes a McIntosh-exclusive MCT input, providing secure DSD connection with all MCT series SACD/CD players, ensuring optimal playback of high-definition SACD sound quality.

Its modular design allows for future upgrades to newer digital audio modules.

Televisions equipped with a compatible HDMI ARC output can be connected to the MA8950 to enjoy exceptional sound through your home audio system. The most common multi-channel Dolby® and DTS® audio formats are supported and converted to stereo for optimal playback.

The MA8950 remote control allows control of the TV’s power and volume when CEC is enabled on both the amplifier and the television.

The DA2 also supports DSD playback up to DSD512 via the USB input.

The MA8950 is one of many McIntosh products to receive Roon Tested certification from Roon Labs. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh provided hardware to Roon for testing across various operating systems and computers and shared detailed information about its design and features.

MC INTOSH MA8950: Inputs

The MA8950 offers an extensive selection of digital audio inputs, while analog connectivity has not been overlooked.

It includes:

• One balanced stereo input

• Six unbalanced stereo inputs

• One Moving Coil phono input

• One Moving Magnet phono input

The Moving Coil phono input features adjustable input impedance, allowing fine-tuning of your vinyl playback.

All unbalanced analog connectors are made of high-quality gold-plated solid brass for optimal signal management and perfect grounding.

All analog and digital inputs can be customized for simplified system configuration and control.

For greater flexibility in stereo system configuration, the MA8950 includes one fixed unbalanced output and one variable unbalanced output, allowing the audio signal to be sent to a second power amplifier.

MC INTOSH MA8950: Sound Performance

The MA8950 perfectly illustrates McIntosh’s expertise. Build quality and finish are exceptional. Behind its classic appearance lies an amplifier capable of handling virtually any equipment and driving nearly any loudspeaker on the market, while offering outstanding performance and flexibility.

Musicality is exemplary, and both subjective and objective results are sensational.

It delivers considerable and effortless power regardless of impedance, along with extremely flexible connectivity and configuration options.

The sound reproduction is both expansive and precise, while remaining captivating and forgiving toward recording imperfections.

If you are looking to control a demanding pair of high-end loudspeakers without sacrificing musicality, the McIntosh MA8950 is currently the best choice.