{"product_id":"mcintosh-mha200-vacuum-tube-headphone-amplifier","title":"McIntosh MHA200 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMcIntosh MHA200: Vacuum Tube Amplification for High-End Headphones\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMcIntosh MHA200 vacuum tube headphone amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e brings the company’s classic tube-amplifier architecture to a compact component designed specifically for personal listening. Four selectable headphone impedance ranges, balanced and unbalanced analog inputs, and three headphone connection options allow the MHA200 to drive a broad range of premium wired headphones while preserving the smooth, dimensional presentation associated with McIntosh tube amplification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pair of 12AT7 dual-triode tubes handles voltage amplification, while two 12BH7A tubes provide the power needed to drive the headphone outputs. McIntosh Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers match the tube amplifier section to headphone loads from 32 to 1,000 ohms and deliver the rated 500 milliwatts across all four selectable ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDedicated two-channel vacuum tube headphone amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e500mW headphone power output\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour selectable impedance ranges:\u003c\/strong\u003e 32–100, 100–250, 250–600, and 600–1,000 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwo 12AT7 and two 12BH7A vacuum tubes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMcIntosh Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog inputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced 4-pin XLR headphone output\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDedicated left and right 3-pin XLR headphone outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStandard 1\/4-inch stereo headphone output\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable volume control with a marked Unity Gain position\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Control input and output for compatible McIntosh systems\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePolished stainless-steel chassis and included protective tube cover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFour Headphone Load Settings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front-panel LOAD selector provides four impedance ranges: 32–100 ohms, 100–250 ohms, 250–600 ohms, and 600–1,000 ohms. Rather than relying only on voltage gain to accommodate different headphones, the MHA200 uses dedicated secondary windings in its Unity Coupled Circuit transformers to provide proper power transfer across each range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis approach makes the amplifier suitable for many modern planar-magnetic headphones, conventional dynamic headphones, and high-impedance reference models. Selecting the range that matches the connected headphones helps the amplifier provide appropriate gain, headroom, and control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBalanced and Unbalanced Headphone Connections\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front panel supports three headphone-connection formats. A 4-pin XLR connector provides balanced stereo output, while separate 3-pin XLR connectors support dedicated left and right balanced connections. A standard 1\/4-inch stereo jack accommodates conventional single-ended headphone cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause these outputs are driven by the same transformer-coupled tube amplifier, the MHA200 can be integrated into a high-end headphone system without forcing the listener into one cable standard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePurely Analog Signal Path\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MHA200 is an \u003cstrong\u003eanalog headphone amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e and does not contain a digital-to-analog converter, USB input, network streamer, Bluetooth receiver, or digital audio input. It should be connected to the analog output of a DAC, network streamer, CD player, phono preamplifier, preamplifier, or other line-level source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne pair of balanced XLR inputs and one pair of unbalanced RCA inputs are provided. Only one input source should be used at a time because the amplifier does not include an input-selector switch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDirect Source or Preamplifier Operation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front-panel VOLUME control allows the MHA200 to be connected directly to a fixed-level analog source. When it is used with a preamplifier or source component that already provides variable output, the MHA200 volume control can be placed at its marked Unity Gain position and listening level can be controlled from the upstream component.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalanced inputs make it practical to position the compact amplifier close to the listening chair while using longer balanced interconnects from the main system or equipment rack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUnity Coupled Circuit Tube Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcIntosh developed the Unity Coupled Circuit in the company’s earliest vacuum tube amplifiers. In the MHA200, a pair of specially adapted output transformers couples the 12BH7A output tubes to the headphone connections while maintaining stable performance across the selectable load ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA custom toroidal power transformer is designed for low mechanical hum and a low magnetic field, helping reduce noise near the sensitive audio circuitry. The published signal-to-noise ratio is 94dB, with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz at +0, -0.5dB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompact McIntosh Construction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MHA200 measures only 6-1\/8 inches wide and 9-1\/8 inches deep, making it easy to place on a desk, side table, or dedicated headphone stand. Its mirror-polished stainless-steel chassis reflects the green glow of the tubes, while die-cast aluminum side panels carry the classic McIntosh name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn included ventilated tube cover can be installed to protect the vacuum tubes without preventing normal operation. Power Control input and output connections allow coordinated on\/off control with compatible McIntosh components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMcIntosh MHA200 at Audio Exchange\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudio Exchange is an authorized McIntosh dealer in Richmond, Virginia. Our team can help match the MHA200 with suitable headphones, DACs, streamers, source components, balanced cables, and complete two-channel systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContact Audio Exchange for current availability or assistance building a reference personal-listening system. Explore our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/headphone-amps\"\u003eHeadphone Amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mcintosh-tube-amplifiers\"\u003eMcIntosh Tube Amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e, and complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mcintosh\"\u003eMcIntosh Labs\u003c\/a\u003e collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAmplifier Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwo-channel vacuum tube headphone amplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHeadphone Power Output\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e500mW\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHeadphone Load Ranges\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32–100 ohms; 100–250 ohms; 250–600 ohms; 600–1,000 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVacuum Tubes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwo 12AT7 dual triodes and two 12BH7A dual triodes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOutput Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnity Coupled Circuit output transformers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRated Power Band\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20Hz to 20kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5% maximum from 250mW to rated power, 20Hz to 20kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIntermodulation Distortion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.04% typical; 0.4% maximum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDynamic Headroom\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.5dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSignal-to-Noise Ratio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e94dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDamping Factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreater than 150\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVoltage Gain\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12dB at 32 ohms; 17dB at 100 ohms; 21dB at 250 ohms; 25dB at 600 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBalanced Input Sensitivity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.0Vrms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUnbalanced Input Sensitivity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0Vrms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaximum Balanced Input\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaximum Unbalanced Input\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInput Impedance\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20k ohms balanced; 10k ohms unbalanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAnalog Inputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne stereo pair balanced XLR; one stereo pair unbalanced RCA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHeadphone Outputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne 4-pin balanced XLR; one pair 3-pin balanced XLR; one 1\/4-inch stereo jack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDigital Inputs \/ DAC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower Control\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne input and one output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower Requirement\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120V, 50\/60Hz, 1.5A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStandby Power\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLess than 0.5 watts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDimensions\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6-1\/8 in W × 5-3\/4 in H × 9-1\/8 in D\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUnit Weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10.5 lb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eShipping Weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 lb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIncluded Accessory\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProtective vacuum tube cover\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-year limited manufacturer warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"McIntosh","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45732101554223,"sku":"MHA200","price":3000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0235\/1375\/9791\/files\/mcintosh-mha200-vacuum-tube-headphone-amplifier-left-angle.jpg?v=1785694132","url":"https:\/\/audio-exchange.com\/products\/mcintosh-mha200-vacuum-tube-headphone-amplifier","provider":"Audio-Exchange","version":"1.0","type":"link"}