McIntosh’s MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier Might Be the Most Affordable Pathway to Blue Glass Nirvana

It has been a rather busy 24 months for the most iconic brand in high-end audio. Not only did McIntosh Labs turn 75 and unveil a rather extensive range of new components, but it also reopened its House of Sound in New York City and was recently sold along with Sonus faber to Bose. The new McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier puts a rather definitive final stamp on 2024 and whilst some might focus solely on the price — we actually think it might be the most affordable way to experience McIntosh’s trademark sound and build quality.

Streaming

On the streaming side, the MSA550 supports Apple AirPlay 2; Bluetooth; Chromecast; Spotify Connect; and TIDAL Connect (including TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality).

Bluetooth streaming support includes Bluetooth 5.0; Advanced Audio Coding (AAC); Qualcomm aptX HD for hi-res audio playback; and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive.  The MSA5500 is also Roon Ready.

DAC

The MSA5500 employs an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital signals into the analog format needed for playback. The next generation, quad balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC features a huge dynamic range and low distortion.

Physical Connectivity

The MSA5500 comes with 7 digital and 5 analog audio inputs for connecting audio components, such as a CD player or tuner, plus a Moving Magnet phono input to connect a turntable. There is also a set of balanced inputs. 

In addition, the MSA550 also includes an HDMI (ARC) to provide better sound from compatible TVs than a TV’s internal speakers or most soundbars can provide.  

Pro Tip: The HDMI (ARC) input will only play audio from a compatible TV. It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source. TV must have an HDMI (ARC) output.

McIntosh Amplification

On the amplifier side, the MSA5500 provides up to 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers.  

Pro Tip: McIntosh suggests pairing the MSA5500 with their XR50 Bookshelf and/or XR100 Floorstanding Speakers which have been a part of their product offerings since 2012 and are still going strong. 

The MSA5500’s internal amplifier can also be bypassed if desired via its preamp outputs if you want to connect high-power external amplifiers and use the MSA5500 as a preamp. 

Pro Tip: A subwoofer output is also provided.

The MSA550 also provides a front-panel headphone output with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) technology support. This feature mixes some of the left channel into the right channel, and vice versa, while applying filters and delays. This better approximates the listening environment as if the headphone user was listening to speakers. 

Additional McIntosh Technologies

Additional McIntosh technologies designed to contribute to longevity and reliability include:

• Power Guard:  This feature monitors the output signal for overdriving and makes real-time adjustments to the input signal to prevent clipping that could damage speakers.
• Sentry Monitor: This feature disengages the output stage before the current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal.
• Monogrammed Heatsinks™: The heatsinks are connected to high-current output transistors that minimize thermal equilibrium lag (or warm-up) time. This helps keep the MSA5500 running cool.
• Home Theater PassThru: This makes integration into a home theater setup easier. 
• Gold-plated Solid Cinch™:  These are speaker-binding posts that secure speaker connections.
• Power Control:  This feature allows the sending of power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power-up and shutdown

Just as with all McIntosh products, the MSA5500 is designed to provide years of listening enjoyment. Using the MSA5500 does not require downloading a smartphone app. 

Specifications

The Bottom Line

Streaming amplifiers are becoming increasingly popular with both audiophiles and mainstream listeners because they combine an integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC (Digital Audio Converter) and digital music streaming capabilities that are accessible via network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) connectivity.

A quick look through our archives will reveal the reality that prices for network streaming amplifiers range from $300 through $30,000 and even higher.

Inexpensive options such as the WiiM Amp Pro meet the needs of a lot of music listeners, but don’t offer the power and connectivity of something like the MSA5500 that also offers a higher performance phono pre-amplifier and the build quality of a McIntosh amplifier.

There is no native control app which is one of the key selling points of something like the WiiM Amp Pro or Cambridge Audio Evo 150.

The $8,000 price is on the higher side, but a quick look through the McIntosh lineup reveals that the McIntosh MSA5500 might be the most cost-effective way to add some of the Binghamton magic to your listening.

Price & Availability

The McIntosh MSA5500 will be available starting in December 2024 through authorized McIntosh dealers with an MSRP $8,000 USD / $11,200 CAD / €9,990 EUR / £9,995 GBP.

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