McIntosh has a long-standing reputation for making high-fidelity sound equipment and using advanced technology to make unique and elegant designs. McIntosh MA9000 is a famous power-integrated amplifier in the world of audio, renowned for its unique design, and balanced and clear sound quality.
Integrated amplifiers have often been touted as space savers. Combining two components into one, the typical integrated amplifier also does away with a set of interconnects, and results in a smaller package than would be possible with separates. In this article, we will discuss features, overview, and other details of McIntosh MA9000. So let’s get started and dive into the world of McIntosh MA9000.
Overview of the McIntosh MA9000
MA9000 has long-lasting input and output. There are 10 analog connections comprised of 2 balanced and 6 unbalanced inputs, plus 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet for turntable connectivity. Both phono inputs feature adjustable loading for fine tuning of vinyl playback. All unbalanced analog connectors are made from premium gold-plated solid brass for superior signal handling and grounding.
On the digital side, the new DA1 Digital Audio Module houses 2 coax, 2 optical, 1 USB, and 1 MCT input (for use with the MCT450 SACD/CD Transport). Future modules can easily replace the DA1 to keep your MA9000 up to date as new digital audio formats and technologies are developed. The DA1 utilizes a powerful 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) used in Quad Balanced mode.
The coax and optical inputs will decode music up to 24-bit/192kHz for high-resolution audio playback; the USB input accepts even higher PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz. All inputs can be given custom names for user-friendly system control and configuration. All inputs also function independently of each other, and each is always available for use regardless of how your sources are connected.
The MA9000 features the new McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which are made from high-quality materials with excellent thermal conductivity properties. They are so efficient at dissipating heat that they warrant bearing the McIntosh “Mc” logo. They are connected to advanced high-current output transistors that eliminate thermal equilibrium lag time (or warm-up time), meaning the first note played will sound just as good as those played later in your listening session.
New, more powerful control microprocessors have been used in the MA9000 to improve overall system operation. Some of the latest audio-grade circuit components have also been utilized to allow the MA9000 to deliver the best sound possible. At 300 Watts per channel, the MA9000 has enough power to properly drive virtually all loudspeakers – and the renowned McIntosh Autoformer guarantees your speakers will always receive that full 300 Watts regardless if they have 2, 4, or 8 Ohm impedance.
The entire unit is wrapped in the classic McIntosh aesthetic with blue-watt meters, a black glass front panel, control knobs, an illuminated logo, aluminum end caps with built-in handles, and a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis.
Setup and use
I used the MA9000 with TAD Micro Evolution One speakers. My sources were an Apple MacBook Pro and an Oppo BDP-103 universal BD player. I connected everything using Siltech Explorer-series interconnects, speaker cables, and power cords. The MA9000 was controlled with McIntosh’s HR085 remote, which was very responsive and easy to use, except for the equalizer.
I liked the front panel display, as it quickly showed the DAC input sample rate and volume. This was a big change from the Devialet D-Premier, whose display is only visible from above. Some people find the Mac’s blue meters distracting, but I didn’t. I watched them occasionally and enjoyed it, but they mostly faded into the background. I mainly used the coax digital input (for the Oppo) and USB input (for the MacBook Pro).
Sound
I was immediately impressed by how well the McIntosh MA9000 presented voices. Lana Del Rey’s voice in “White Mustang” (Lust for Life, 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC, Interscope/Tidal) sounded rich and tangible. In “Love,” her voice was more focused in the center of the soundstage, with fewer effects compared to “White Mustang.”
The acoustic piano in Alexis Ffrench’s “Bluebird” (16/44.1 FLAC, Sony/Tidal) sounded beautiful, with a light and hopeful quality. The MA9000 conveyed the music’s bloom and flow perfectly, capturing the innocence and hope intended by the artist without overanalyzing the track.
However, the MA9000 was easy to listen to. It balanced detail without overwhelming the listener and maintained the elements that make audiophiles feel closer to the music. Despite using high-end components before, the MA9000 proved that you don’t need expensive equipment to enjoy great sound.
Performance
McIntosh MA9000 provides great sound quality. It provides 300 watts per channel to drive a wide range of speakers easily. It delivers a great clear and dynamic sound quality for audiophile lovers to enhance their listening experience. Its hybrid design offers smooth and warm sounds that combine with accuracy and detail.
Key Features
- Power Guard: Monitors and adjusts sound waves instantly to prevent harsh distortion and speaker damage.
- Sentry Monitor:A fuse-less circuit that stops the output before current levels become unsafe and resets automatically when conditions are normal again.
- Home Theater PassThru: Allows seamless integration with your home theater system.
- Sentry Monitor:A fuse-less circuit that stops the output before current levels become unsafe and resets automatically when conditions are normal again.
- Home Theater PassThru:Allows seamless integration with your home theater system.
- High Drive Headphone Amplifier with HXD: Enhances headphone listening by adding an extra dimension to the sound.
- Eight-Band Tone Control: Provides advanced manual adjustment for fine-tuning your favorite recordings.
- Power Control: Sends on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power management.
- Solid Cinch Speaker Binding Posts: Securely attach speaker cables to prevent loosening and shorts. Gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a high-quality signal.
Specification
- Power Output: 300 watts per channel
- Speaker Impedance: Compatible with 2Ω, 4Ω, or 8Ω speakers
- Rated Power Band: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.005%
- Dynamic Headroom: 1.8dB
- Frequency Response:
- 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.5dB)
- 10Hz to 100kHz (–3dB)
- Phono Sensitivity:
- 0.3mV for MC (Moving Coil)
- 3.0mV for MM (Moving Magnet)
- High-Level Sensitivity:
- 0.6V for balanced input
- 0.3V for unbalanced input
- Power Amp Input Sensitivity: 1.7V
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N Ratio):
- 82dB for MC
- 84dB for MM
- 98dB for high level
- 114dB for power amp input
- Input Impedance:
- 10kΩ for balanced
- 22kΩ for unbalanced
- Headphone Impedance: Suitable for 100–600Ω headphones
- Damping Factor: Greater than 40
- Maximum Output:
- 8V for unbalanced
- 16V for balanced
- Headphone Output: 6.35mm jack with Crossfeed Director (HXD)
- DAC Type: 8-channel, 32-bit/192kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced
- Coaxial Input Sample Rate: 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
- Optical Input Sample Rate: 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
- MCT Input Sample Rate: 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD), DSD64 (SACD)
- USB Input Sample Rate:
- 32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM)
- DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
- DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz
- Standby Power: Less than 0.25 watts
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 445 x 240 x 558mm
- Weight: 45.8kg
- Warranty: Three years
- Price: $19,995
Conclusion
The McIntosh MA9000 is one of the best audio products I’ve reviewed. Its sound quality is amazing—full, clear, powerful, and present. The build quality and design are also excellent. The user interface is very easy to use, and it has more features than most competitors.
For $10,000, you get a top-notch power amplifier, preamplifier, and DAC, plus an analog equalizer. I didn’t test the phono stage or headphone amp, but they add even more value. Considering everything, this is a great deal. With its excellent fit and finish, the MA9000 is the easiest product to recommend that I’ve reviewed in years.
