MSA5500 2-Channel Streaming Integrated Amplifier

• All-In-One McIntosh Amplification and Streaming
• Works with Apple^® AirPlay^®, Bluetooth^®, Google Cast™, Qobuz Connect, Spotify^® Connect, and TIDAL^® Connect 
• Roon Ready and Roon Tested
• Dedicated turntable input
• HDMI (ARC) input for unparalleled TV sound
• 100 Watts into 8 Ohm speakers
• 160 Watts into 4 Ohm speakers

ALL-IN-ONE EFFORTLESS MUSIC STREAMING

The MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier is both a full featured music streamer and powerful integrated amplifier in one. It can serve as the cornerstone of your audio setup, whether it be your first venture into high-fidelity audio, an addition to your existing system, or to use at your office or vacation home. Crafted to perfection and compact in size, the MSA5500 is tailor-made for modern living spaces, making it an ideal choice for those seeking premium audio in more confined environments.

The versatile MSA5500 has a wide assortment of wireless music streaming capabilities plus a variety of physical inputs to connect source components. If all your music is cloud based digital music, a simple addition of speakers is all that's needed to be bathed in elevated sound quality.

ENDLESS STREAMING POSSIBILITIES AWAIT

The MSA5500 is compatible with a multitude of leading streaming technologies and platforms including Apple^® AirPlay^®; Bluetooth^®; Google Cast™ (formerly Chromecast); Qobuz Connect; Spotify^® Connect; and TIDAL^® Connect. No special control app or technical skills are needed; the easy-to-use MSA5500 invites you to simply stream your music directly from your smart device.¹ If you've been using a lower quality wireless home sound system, then listening to your favorite tracks through the MSA5500 will be like hearing them again for the first time.

For Bluetooth streaming, the MSA5500 utilizes Bluetooth 5.0; the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard; Qualcomm^® aptX^™ HD for hi res audio playback; and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, a robust solution that delivers high resolution, uninterrupted audio over Bluetooth. Two Wi-Fi 6 antennas and one Bluetooth antenna provide stable wireless connections, while an Ethernet port is also available for wired connections.

STREAMED MUSIC HAS NEVER SOUNDED SO GOOD

To elevate your auditory experience of your digital music, the MSA5500 employs an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital signals into the analog format needed for playback. This next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC features huge dynamic range and low distortion. Regardless the file format, you can expect a transcendent audio experience with pristine sound reproduction. 

The MSA5500 has received Roon Ready certification from Roon Labs, making it an endpoint device for use with the Roon music player. Roon brings all your music together and adds tons of data – bios, reviews, photos, lyrics, tour dates, and cross-linked credits for performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and composers. Roon Ready network devices have Roon streaming technology built in and are certified by Roon to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming. It has also received Roon Tested certification as Roon has profiled it to ensure simple setup and effortless daily use.

ALL THE CONNECTIONS YOU NEED

In addition to all its streaming capabilities, the MSA5500 also comes 7 digital and 5 analog audio inputs to connect audio components, such as a CD player or tuner, plus a Moving Magnet phono input to connect a turntable. The digital inputs support high resolution digital audio playback; the USB input supports native playback of DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while the coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz. 

Besides wireless connections for streaming, the MSA5500 includes plenty of physical inputs to connect a variety of devices.

UNRIVALED TV SOUND

The inclusion of an HDMI (ARC) input lets you connect your compatible TV so you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies with a sound quality level that TV speakers or soundbars just can't provide.² Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby^® and DTS^® will be expertly converted to two-channel audio for proper playback. The subwoofer output allows for a powered subwoofer to be added for extra punch so you can feel every bass and low-end note.

Enjoy your favorite shows and movies with a sound quality level unmatched by TV speakers or soundbars.

HEAR SOUND LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH UNCOMPROMISING MCINTOSH AMPLIFICATION

The power amplifier section of the MSA5500 proves that extraordinary sound knows no bounds. Delivering 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers, this amplifier ensures ample power delivery for a diverse array of speakers, such as our vintage styled ML1 Loudspeaker Mk II, XR50 Bookshelf Speakers, XR100 Floorstanding Speakers, or a variety of other speakers. Real-time power output is visualized through fast responding, dual-scale Watt meters in our trademarked McIntosh "Blue" color, affording insight into the amplifier's performance.

An arsenal of other McIntosh technologies is included that will contribute to the MSA5500's longevity and reliability:

• Power Guard^® that monitors the output signal for over driving and makes real time micro adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh sounding clipping that could potentially damage your speakers
• Our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit Sentry Monitor^™ that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal
• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks^™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors that minimize thermal equilibrium lag (or warm-up) time and help keep the MSA5500 running cool
• Home Theater PassThru that allows for seamless integration into a home theater system
• Our patented Solid Cinch^™ speaker binding posts that easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short; the binding posts are also gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables to your speakers
• High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®) which can bring an added dimension to headphone listening
• Power Control to send power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown

Besides streaming, the MSA5500 can be the centerpiece of a vinyl system. MSA5500 shown with MT5 Precision Turntable and a pair of vintage styled ML1 Loudspeaker Mk IIs.

ACCOMODATES YOUR CHANGING NEEDS

As your audio needs evolve, the MSA5500 can grow with you. Someday you may move into a bigger space or add a larger set of speakers and find that you need more power. If that happens, you could bypass the internal amplifier and connect a bigger external amplifier – all while continuing to use the MSA5500's familiar streaming and preamplifier sections. You can rest assured that the MSA5500 can accommodate your changing needs and be a lifelong partner in your audio pursuits.

EMBRACE THE ICONIC MCINTOSH EXPERIENCE

Elegantly appointed with timeless McIntosh aesthetics, including blue Watt meters, a sleek black glass front panel with aluminum end caps, rotary control knobs, an illuminated logo, and impeccable build quality, the MSA5500 epitomizes audio sophistication. Contact your local dealer today to embark on your journey of audio discovery.

1. To connect the MSA5500 to your wireless network via an Android device, or to enable Google Cast functionality from any type of device, you will need to use our McIntosh Cast Connect app that is available for both Android and Apple devices.
2. The HDMI (ARC) input will only play audio from a compatible TV. It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source. TV must have an HDMI (ARC) output.

The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademarks of DTS, Inc. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Google Cast is a trademark of Google LLC.
Qobuz Connect is a proprietary streaming technology developed by Qobuz. All related trademarks, logos, and software are the property of Xandrie SA. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of Qobuz Connect is strictly prohibited.

ELECTRONIC
FTC Power Output Rating: 
100 W
Power Output per Channel:
100 W into 8 ohms
160 W into 4 ohms
Number of Channels: 2
Rated Power Band:
20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%
Dynamic Headroom: 1.8dB
Frequency Response +0,-0.5dB:
20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency Response, +0, -3dB:
10Hz to 100kHz
Sensitivity Phono
(Moving Magnet): 2.5mV
Sensitivity High Level
(Balanced / Unbalanced):
0.5V/0.25V
Sensitivity (Power Amp input): 1V
Signal To Noise Ratio
(Moving Magnet): 82dB
Signal To Noise Ratio
(High Level): 95dB
Signal To Noise Ratio
(Power Amp input): 110dB
Input Impedance
(Balanced / Unbalanced): 20K/20K
Damping Factor:
8 ohms: >200 / 4 ohms: >100
Maximum Output
(Balanced / Unbalanced):
8V Unbalanced
CONNECTIVITY
Balanced Input: 1
Unbalanced Input: 4
Phono Input Moving Magnet:
1 (fixed loading)
Upgradeable Digital
Audio Module: No
Digital Inputs:
Coaxial Input: 2
Optical Input: 2
MCT Input: 1
USB Input: 1
HDMI (ARC) Input: 1
Unbalanced Variable Output: 1
Headphone Output:
1/4” High Drive with Headphone
Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
Subwoofer Output: 1
Home Theater PassThru: Yes
Unbalanced Analog
Connector Type: Standard
Speaker Binding Post Type:
Standard
Service Port: 1
DIGITAL AUDIO
Digital-to-Analog Converter
(DAC) Type:
8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/
DSD, Quad Balanced
Digital Coaxial Input Sample
Rate: 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
Digital Optical Input Sample
Rate: 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
Digital MCT Input Sample Rate:
16-bit/44.1kHz (CD)
DSD64 (SACD)
Digital USB Input Sample Rate:
32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM)
DSD64, DSD128, DSD256,
DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz
CONTROL
Tone Controls: Bass and Treble
Tone Bypass and Input Assign: Yes
RS232 Control Input: Yes
Power Control Output: 1 Main
Rear Panel Data Port: 2
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input: Yes
Input Level Match: Yes
GENERAL
Vacuum Tube or Solid
State: Solid State
Output Type: Direct Coupled
Output Meters: Yes
Dual Layer Chassis: Yes
Chassis Finish: Black
McIntosh Monogrammed
Heatsinks™: Yes
Standby Power Requirement:
<0.25 Watt
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D):
17-1/2” (44.45cm) x 6” (15.2cm)
(8-1/8” (20.6cm) with vertical
antenna) x 18-3/4” (47.6cm)
with vertical antenna (22-1/4”
(56.5cm) with horizontal antenna)
Unit Weight: 38 lbs (17.2 kg)
Shipping Weight: 55.5 lbs (25.2 kg)