When Bose acquired McIntosh in 2024, the audiophile world collectively held its breath. Would the legendary American brand known for glowing blue meters and handcrafted high-end amplifiers keep its soul—or be streamlined into Bose’s mass-market machine? Based on McIntosh’s latest announcement, the engineering DNA remains intact. But visually, the new concept version of the McIntosh MA8950 Solid State Integrated Amplifier might raise a few eyebrows.
Pro tip: McIntosh hasn’t confirmed whether this bold concept will ever make it to production.
The Backstory
Back in 2020, Virgil Abloh—Louis Vuitton’s artistic director and founder of Off-White—collaborated with McIntosh on an artistic proposal meant to evolve into a limited series of hi-fi components. The project was shelved following Abloh’s tragic passing from cancer in 2021, but the intent behind it was unmistakable.
Abloh saw music as more than sound—it was cultural expression, the heartbeat of design, and a bridge between worlds. Through his work with Louis Vuitton and Off-White, he blurred the lines between streetwear and luxury, fashion and art, sound and identity. A lifelong DJ who built sets as thoughtfully as he designed clothes, Abloh’s creative world always had a rhythm to it. His connection to music wasn’t just personal—it was foundational, and that’s what made McIntosh a natural part of his creative orbit.
McIntosh x Virgil Abloh – MA8950 Integrated Amplifier Concept
On what would have been Virgil Abloh’s 45th birthday, September 30th, McIntosh revealed a striking realization of his original concept for the MA8950 Integrated Amplifier. Dressed in vibrant orange—a color Abloh often used to symbolize energy, visibility, and disruption—the amp reimagines McIntosh’s signature black-and-silver look as a bold design statement through his unmistakable lens.
This one-of-a-kind MA8950 is currently on display at “Virgil Abloh: The Codes” at the Grand Palais in Paris. It serves as both a tribute and an evolution of his creative philosophy. Developed in collaboration with the Virgil Abloh Archive, the piece embodies a shared belief that sound and design aren’t just disciplines—they’re cultural languages.
For more than 75 years, McIntosh has built components that define both performance and visual identity. The MA8950 Virgil Abloh edition became a passion project for the McIntosh team, requiring every element to be reimagined through his creative lens. Capturing his signature orange wasn’t just a design exercise—it was a responsibility to preserve and honor Abloh’s vision with authenticity and respect.
McIntosh MA8950 – Core Features
In addition to the distinctive, vivid orange finish inspired by Virgil Abloh, here are the core features of the MA8950.
- McIntosh signature large Blue Watt Meters and front panel dial controls.
- McIntosh Autoformer amplifiers can deliver full power with 2, 4, or 8 Ohm speaker impedance.
- McIntosh’s Power Guard technology continuously monitors input and output signals and dynamically adjusts input levels for maximum output while avoiding distortion and clipping that would cause speaker damage.
- Fuse-less short-circuit protection technology (Sentry Monitor) can disengage the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal.
- McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks made from high-quality materials provide excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation properties.
- Home Theater Audio PassThru allows for easy integration into a home theater system.
- High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) for a more “speaker-like” listening experience – 1/4-inch headphone connection.
- Power Control to send power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown.
- DA2 Digital Audio Module – Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs.
McIntosh MA8950 Specifications
| Macintosh Model | Marantz MA8950 |
| Product Type | Solid State Integrated Amplifier |
| Price | $10,500 (regular version) |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Power Output per Channel (FTC) | 200 W into 2, 4, or 8 ohms |
| Rated Power Band | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.005% |
| Dynamic Headroom | 3.1dB |
| Frequency Response +0,-0.5dB | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Frequency Response, +0, -3dB | 10Hz to 100kHz |
| Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil) | 0.25mV |
| Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet) | 2.5mV |
| Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced) | 0.5V/0.25V |
| Sensitivity (Power Amp input) | 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 |
| Balanced Input | 1 |
| Unbalanced Input | 6 |
| Phono Input Moving Coil | 1 (adjustable loading) |
| Phono Input Moving Magnet | 1 (fixed loading) |
| Upgradeable Digital Audio Module | Yes: DA2 |
| Digital Coaxial Input | 2 |
| Digital Optical Input | 2 |
| Digital MCT (McIntosh Proprietary Digital Transport) Input | 1 |
| Digital USB Input | 1 |
| HDMI (ARC) Input | 1 |
| Balanced Variable Output | 0 |
| Unbalanced Fixed Output | 1 |
| Unbalanced Variable Output | 2 |
| Headphone Output | 1/4″ High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) |
| Subwoofer Output | 0 |
| Home Theater PassThru | Yes |
| Unbalanced Analog Connector Type | Standard |
| Speaker Binding Post Type | Standard |
| Service Port | 1 |
| Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type | 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced |
| Digital Coaxial Input Sample Rate | 24-bit/44.1kHz to192kHz |
| Digital Optical Input Sample Rate | 24-bit/44.1kHz to192kHz |
| Digital MCT Input Sample Rate | 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD) DSD64 (SACD) |
| Digital USB Input Sample Rate | 32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM) DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz |
| Tone Controls | 5-Band |
| Tone Bypass and Input Assign | Yes |
| RS232 Control Input | Yes |
| Power Control Output | 1 Main, 2 Trigger |
| Rear Panel Data Port | 4 |
| Rear Panel IR Sensor Input | Yes |
| Input Level Match | Yes |
| Output Type | Autoformer™ |
| Output Meters | Yes |
| Dual Layer Chassis | Yes |
| McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ | Yes |
| Power Requirement | 120V 50/60Hz, 4.4 amps |
| Standby Power Requirement | <0.25 Watts |
| Unit Dimensions (WHD) | 17-1/2 x 7-5/8 x 18-¾ inches 44.5 x 9.4 x 47.6 cm |
| Unit Weight | 75 lbs / 34.1 kg |
The Bottom Line
The McIntosh x Virgil Abloh MA8950 concept isn’t just an amplifier—it’s a statement piece that could outshine half the modern art in your living room. While its vibrant orange finish may leave traditionalists clutching their walnut-veneered turntables, it perfectly channels Abloh’s fearless fusion of art, fashion, and sound. Whether or not it ever hits production, the message is clear: McIntosh hasn’t lost its nerve—or its taste. Underneath the bold color and cultural symbolism, it’s still the same powerhouse of engineering precision and sonic authority. Call it couture for audiophiles.
Price & Availability
The McIntosh MA8950 can be purchased through Authorized McIntosh Dealers for $10,500. It has not been indicated if the McIntosh x Virgil Abloh Concept Version will be available for purchase.
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