Is the McIntosh MA9500 the Perfect Integrated Amp?

In the world of high-end audio, most innovation is evolution rather than revolution. This isn’t to say there’s no innovation in hi-fi today—far from it. But the analog technology side of hi-fi is tried and true, and it doesn’t change that much from year to year. That’s why Mcintosh Audio, on its website, says that the lifespan of its components sometimes exceeds human ones. And they’re not exaggerating. Decades-old McIntosh amplifiers are passed down in families and prized by lovers of vintage audio.

Digital audio technology, however, changes more rapidly. In the past few years, high-resolution digital formats have evolved, and so has the HDMI connection standard, to name a couple. Streaming has become the standard for daily music enjoyment over digital downloads and physical media. So, it’s possible that a digital audio product from 10 years ago isn’t up to date in 2022.

McIntosh Audio doesn’t like to design products that last only a few years. That’s one reason that they have devised an upgrade path for the digital connections and capabilities of their integrated products. That’s one of the things that makes the new MA9500 integrated amplifier stand out. The analog side of this powerful amp is ready for decades of use, McIntosh style. And the digital connectivity and processing side is upgradeable when you need it down the road.

As a premier McIntosh dealer in Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta, GHT Group is excited to see this product evolution, as an integrated amp like the MA9500 might be the last one you ever need to buy for your listening room! Of course, we would hope to see you again.

Read on to learn more about the new McIntosh MA9500 integrated.

SEE ALSO: What’s New in McIntosh Audio?

The DA2 Digital Audio Module

The MA9500 is the successor to the MA9000, and one of the major differences is the new DA2 Digital Audio Module. The module is an upgradeable piece that you can replace years down the line when the need arises for more advanced digital processing. You may never need to do that, but it’s there. For today, it encompasses all the latest digital connections and processing you would need.

Seven digital inputs include coaxial, optical, USB for computers and streamers, and an audio HDMI ARC for seamless connections to a TV. For TV audio, Dolby and DTS multichannel soundtracks are expertly converted to two-channel for excellent stereo playback. Full 24bit/192kHZ resolution is available through the coaxial, optical, and USB inputs for processing by the excellent DA2 DAC. As a plus, the MA9500 is a Roon-tested compatible endpoint, so out of the box, your MA9500 is ready for your Roon system.

The Analog Side

The analog side of the MA9500 incorporates traditional engineering for uncompromised audio performance and decades of enjoyment. Ten analog inputs, including two balanced ones and moving magnet and coil turntable inputs, let you connect any piece of gear with an analog out. McIntosh Power Guard dynamically adjusts inputs to prevent distortion or clipping that could damage speakers. An 8-band tone control lets you fine-tune the sound to your music, speakers, and room. While the MA9500 includes balanced and unbalanced pre-outs for connecting another amplifier, with the 300 watts/channel amplifier onboard, we think they will get little use.

The Look

Like all McIntosh audio gear, the MA9500 is meant to be heard and seen. The classic black glass front panel, blue watt meters, metal knobs, and polished stainless-steel chassis are all there. Please plan for a robust and large shelf for this piece of equipment, and don't try to deadlift it yourself—it weighs 100 pounds!

Discover the magic of McIntosh Audio at our 20,000 square-foot Marietta showroom. Contact us here, or click the chat box below to quickly connect with one of our audio experts. We look forward to working with you!