Integrated amplifiers — McIntosh MA9500

The MA9500 is an integrated amplifier with built-in DAC and phono stage from McIntosh, sitting below the MA12000 with somewhat lower output power and input impedance. The MA9500 brings McIntosh's considered engineering to a complete integrated solution with the brand's characteristic aesthetic.

Key specs that matter

Two balanced XLR inputs and six single-ended RCA inputs are provided. Input sensitivity is 600mV via XLR or 300mV via RCA, matching the MA12000. Input impedance is 10,000 ohms balanced or 22,000 ohms single-ended - notably lower on the balanced input than the MA12000's 44,000 ohms. Output power is 300W into both 8 and 4 ohms, somewhat less than the MA12000's 350W. Frequency response spans a wide 10Hz to 100,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Total harmonic distortion plus noise is 0.005%, matching the MA12000, with damping factor exceeding 40. At 445 x 240 x 502mm and 45.8kg, the MA9500 shares identical outer dimensions with the MA12000 while offering somewhat reduced mass.

Sound and use context

Expect the powerful, richly detailed character McIntosh's broader legendary catalogue is celebrated for with the substantial 300W into 4 ohms output providing genuine authority just below the MA12000's flagship-tier performance.

Pairing

The built-in DAC and phono stage cover both digital and analogue vinyl sources directly.

Alternatives

McIntosh's own MA12000 sits above this model with somewhat greater output power and input impedance for buyers wanting McIntosh's absolute current flagship integrated engineering.