The McIntosh MA8950 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier combines a powerful 200-watt-per-channel solid-state amplifier, a versatile analog preamplifier and McIntosh's DA2 Digital Audio Module in one substantial stereo component. Designed for high-performance music systems, it delivers the same full rated output into 2-, 4- or 8-ohm loudspeakers through McIntosh Autoformers™ while providing extensive support for turntables, digital sources, televisions and traditional line-level components.
200 Watts Per Channel Through McIntosh Autoformers
The MA8950 produces 200 watts per channel into 2, 4 or 8 ohms. McIntosh Autoformers help maintain the amplifier's full rated power across these common speaker impedances, making the MA8950 suitable for a broad range of demanding floorstanding and stand-mount loudspeakers.
Its upgraded power-supply filter capacity provides 3.1dB of dynamic headroom, helping the amplifier reproduce musical peaks, bass transients and large-scale dynamics with control. Rated total harmonic distortion is just 0.005% from 20Hz to 20kHz.
DA2 Digital Audio Module Included
The standard DA2 Digital Audio Module gives the McIntosh MA8950 seven digital inputs:
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- Two optical digital inputs
- One USB audio input
- One McIntosh MCT input
- One audio-only HDMI ARC input
The DA2 uses an 8-channel, 32-bit Quad Balanced DAC. Coaxial and optical sources are supported up to 24-bit/192kHz. USB supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD512 and DXD. The MCT input supports a secure digital connection from compatible McIntosh SACD/CD transports.
The HDMI ARC connection lets a compatible television send audio to the MA8950 and can support TV power and volume control through HDMI-CEC. It is an audio-only ARC connection; it does not pass video or accept HDMI sources such as disc players and game consoles directly.
Comprehensive Analog Connectivity
Analog sources are supported by one balanced stereo input, six unbalanced stereo inputs, a moving-magnet phono input and a moving-coil phono input. The MC input offers adjustable loading so the phono stage can be better matched to compatible moving-coil cartridges.
The MA8950 also provides one fixed and two variable unbalanced outputs for system expansion, external amplification and other compatible applications.
Five-Band Analog Equalizer
A discrete five-band analog equalizer provides adjustment at 30Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 2kHz and 10kHz. Each band can be adjusted by up to ±12dB in 2dB increments or bypassed when no tonal correction is desired.
Protection, Headphones and Home Theater Integration
- Power Guard® monitors the input and output signals to reduce clipping and potentially damaging distortion.
- Sentry Monitor™ provides fuse-less short-circuit protection and automatically resets when normal operating conditions return.
- Monogrammed Heatsinks™ help dissipate heat from the solid-state output stage.
- Home Theater PassThru enables integration with a surround processor or AV receiver.
- High Drive headphone amplification with HXD® provides a dedicated 1/4-inch headphone output with Headphone Crossfeed Director.
- Power Control, data ports, IR and RS232 support integration with compatible McIntosh components and control systems.
Roon Tested, Not a Built-In Streamer
The MA8950 is designated Roon Tested, meaning Roon has tested its USB compatibility with supported computers and operating systems. It is not Roon Ready and does not contain an internal network streamer, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay or Spotify Connect. A separate computer, network streamer or other source is required for network-based music playback.
McIntosh MA8950 Specifications
| Amplifier type | Solid-state integrated amplifier with Autoformers™ |
|---|---|
| Power output | 200 watts per channel into 2, 4 or 8 ohms |
| Channels | 2 |
| Rated power band | 20Hz–20kHz |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.005% |
| Dynamic headroom | 3.1dB |
| Frequency response | 20Hz–20kHz, +0/-0.5dB; 10Hz–100kHz, +0/-3dB |
| Balanced analog inputs | 1 stereo pair |
| Unbalanced analog inputs | 6 stereo pairs |
| Phono inputs | 1 moving magnet; 1 moving coil with adjustable loading |
| Digital module | Included DA2, modular and upgradeable |
| Digital inputs | 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, 1 HDMI ARC |
| USB formats | PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz; DSD64–DSD512; DXD 352.8/384kHz |
| Coaxial/optical support | Up to 24-bit/192kHz |
| Tone controls | Five-band analog EQ, ±12dB in 2dB steps |
| Headphone output | 1/4-inch High Drive with HXD® |
| Home Theater PassThru | Yes |
| Outputs | 1 fixed and 2 variable unbalanced outputs |
| Dimensions | 17.5 W × 7.625 H × 18.75 D inches |
| Unit weight | 75 lb |
| Shipping weight | 93 lb |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Speaker and System Matching
The MA8950's combination of high output, Autoformer speaker taps, moving-magnet and moving-coil phono stages, high-resolution DAC and home-theater integration makes it a flexible centerpiece for a serious two-channel system. Speaker sensitivity, room size, listening distance, source requirements and cartridge compatibility should still be considered when planning the complete system.
Explore McIntosh integrated amplifiers or browse the complete McIntosh collection. Contact Audio Exchange for availability, system matching and personalized recommendations.
