{"product_id":"mcintosh-mi254-4-channel-amplifier","title":"McIntosh MI254 4-Channel Digital Power Amplifier","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMcIntosh MI254 4-Channel Digital Power Amplifier\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMcIntosh MI254\u003c\/strong\u003e is a powerful and flexible \u003cstrong\u003e4-channel amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e designed for premium home theater, distributed audio and custom-installed stereo systems. Its closed-loop Class D amplification delivers \u003cstrong\u003e250 watts per channel into 8 ohms\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003e300 watts per channel into 4 ohms\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing substantial output from a compact, fanless 2U chassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith four balanced and four unbalanced inputs, bussable stereo connections, standard 5-way speaker binding posts and removable rack ears, the MI254 can power surround or height speakers, two stereo zones, or other demanding four-channel applications while integrating cleanly into a centralized equipment rack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFour High-Power Amplifier Channels\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the MI254’s four channels is rated at 250 watts into an 8-ohm loudspeaker or 300 watts into a 4-ohm loudspeaker. Unlike lower-powered multi-zone amplifiers, the MI254 is built for systems that need both flexible channel allocation and meaningful output capability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a home theater, it can drive four surround, rear or overhead channels from a compatible processor such as the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mx200-a-v-processor\"\u003eMcIntosh MX200 A\/V Processor\u003c\/a\u003e. It can also supplement the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mc257-7-channel-solid-state-amplifier\"\u003eMcIntosh MC257 7-Channel Amplifier\u003c\/a\u003e when a larger immersive-audio system requires additional channels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEfficient Closed-Loop Class D Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MI254 uses sophisticated closed-loop digital switching amplification paired with robust power supplies. Its efficient Class D design produces less heat than a traditional multi-channel amplifier and does not require cooling fans, helping it remain quiet in listening rooms, media closets and equipment racks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBalanced, Unbalanced and Bussable Inputs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach channel includes both a balanced XLR input and an unbalanced RCA input, allowing the MI254 to work with a wide range of preamplifiers, A\/V processors and distributed-audio systems. Stereo BUS inputs and outputs can distribute the same left and right signals to multiple channels or pass those signals to another compatible amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndividual channel inputs make it possible to feed four independent signals when the system requires discrete amplification. Twelve-volt triggering and automatic signal sensing provide additional control options for custom installations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMcIntosh Watt Meters and Channel Indicators\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo blue McIntosh Watt Meters display the combined output of channels 1 and 2 and channels 3 and 4. Multi-color front-panel LEDs indicate the operating status of each amplifier channel, while the black glass faceplate, illuminated green McIntosh logo and silver trim preserve the company’s familiar appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePower Guard and Sentry Monitor Protection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Guard®:\u003c\/strong\u003e Monitors the output signal and helps prevent harsh clipping that could damage connected loudspeakers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSentry Monitor™:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protects the output stage from short circuits and unsafe current levels, then automatically resets when normal conditions return.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignal sensing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can automatically turn the amplifier on when an audio signal is detected and place it into standby after an extended period without a signal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompact 2U Rack-Mount Chassis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MI254 is only 2U high and includes removable rack-mounting ears. It can be installed in a standard 19-inch equipment rack or used as a conventional component with the ears removed. Standard 5-way speaker binding posts support common banana-plug, spade and bare-wire connections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMI254 in a Home Theater System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MI254 is especially useful when a home theater processor provides more channels than the primary amplifier or receiver can power. It can add four channels for surround, rear-surround or Dolby Atmos height speakers while keeping the main channels on a larger amplifier. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mht300-home-theater-receiver\"\u003eMcIntosh MHT300 Home Theater Receiver\u003c\/a\u003e can also use external amplification when a system expands beyond its internal amplifier channels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMI254 vs. Other Multi-Channel Amplifiers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MI254 prioritizes higher output across four channels. It is a strong fit for installations that need fewer channels with more power per speaker. An eight-channel amplifier is generally better suited to a larger number of lower-demand distributed-audio zones, while a seven-channel theater amplifier may be preferable when most of the surround system must be powered from a single chassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMcIntosh MI254 Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAmplifier Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4-channel digital Class D power amplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower Output per Channel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250 watts into 8 ohms; 300 watts into 4 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNumber of Channels\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.025%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSignal-to-Noise Ratio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100dB below rated output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDynamic Headroom\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5dB at 8 ohms; 3.5dB at 4 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDamping Factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreater than 85 at 8 ohms; greater than 45 at 4 ohms\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\/-0.9dB from 20Hz to 20kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCircuit Configuration\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClosed-loop digital switching\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOutput Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect coupled\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBalanced Inputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 XLR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUnbalanced Inputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 RCA plus stereo BUS input and output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpeaker Connections\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard 5-way binding posts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower Control\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-volt trigger and automatic signal sensing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProtection\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Guard® and Sentry Monitor™\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMeters\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwo blue Watt Meters displaying summed output for channels 1 + 2 and 3 + 4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCooling\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFanless\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRack Mounting\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2U with removable rack ears\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBTU Rating\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1,000 BTU per hour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDimensions\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17-1\/2 inches W without ears \/ 19 inches W with ears x 4-5\/16 inches H x 21 inches D\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUnit Weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.5 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eShipping Weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-year limited warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan the McIntosh MI254 be used for Dolby Atmos speakers?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The four channels can power height, surround or rear-surround speakers when connected to a compatible A\/V processor with the required preamplifier outputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan the MI254 power two stereo zones?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Its four channels can be arranged as two stereo pairs. The stereo BUS connections make it especially convenient when both pairs will receive the same source signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes the MI254 have balanced XLR inputs?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Each of the four channels has a balanced XLR input and an unbalanced RCA input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan the MI254 be bridged for more power?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo bridge or parallel operating mode is specified. Each channel should be used independently at its rated output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes the MI254 require a cooling fan?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Its efficient Class D design is fanless, helping it operate quietly in a listening room or equipment rack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAre rack ears included?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The removable rack ears allow installation in a standard 19-inch rack and can be removed for conventional shelf placement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAuthorized McIntosh Dealer Support\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudio Exchange is an authorized McIntosh dealer in Richmond, Virginia. Our team can help determine amplifier-channel requirements, speaker compatibility, processor integration and rack-planning needs for home theater and distributed-audio installations. Explore more options in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mcintosh-power-amplifiers\"\u003eMcIntosh Power Amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mcintosh-home-theater\"\u003eMcIntosh Home Theater\u003c\/a\u003e collections.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"McIntosh","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45731971072047,"sku":"MI254","price":6000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0235\/1375\/9791\/files\/mcintosh-mi254-digital-power-amplifier-angle.jpg?v=1785688070","url":"https:\/\/audio-exchange.com\/products\/mcintosh-mi254-4-channel-amplifier","provider":"Audio-Exchange","version":"1.0","type":"link"}