McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier for Stereo Systems

The McIntosh MSA5500 combines a full-featured music streamer and a powerful integrated amplifier in a single device. If you listen to music primarily streamed from the internet, all you need is a pair of speakers.

Turntables, CD players, and TVs can also be connected. This makes the McIntosh MSA5500 the centerpiece of a complete system, whether in the living room, office, or other listening environments.

McIntosh MSA5500 Features at a Glance

• Streaming without compromise: AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Roon Ready are built in.
• Powerful amplification: Enough power for bookshelf and floorstanding speakers, with protection circuitry for the speakers and the device.
• High-quality DAC: A quad-balanced DAC ensures clean sound for streamed and digital music.
• TV sound via HDMI ARC: Movies and TV shows sound significantly fuller than through TV speakers.
• Versatile connections: Phono input for turntables, analog and digital inputs, subwoofer and headphone outputs.
• Future-proof: A larger power amplifier can be connected later if needed.

Streaming and Bluetooth on the McIntosh MSA5500

The McIntosh MSA5500 supports common streaming technologies, including Spotify Connect with Spotify Lossless and TIDAL Connect with TIDAL Max. You can stream music directly from your usual smartphone or tablet app.

As a Roon Ready device, the McIntosh MSA5500 can also be integrated into a Roon music library. Two Wi-Fi 6 antennas ensure stable connections, with an Ethernet port also available.

Bluetooth 5.0 supports AAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive, so music played spontaneously from your smartphone also sounds great.

Sound and Amplification of the McIntosh MSA5500

The McIntosh MSA5500 power amplifier delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms. This allows it to confidently drive a wide selection of bookshelf and floorstanding speakers.

An 8-channel 32-bit DAC with a quad-balanced design converts digital signals with high dynamic range and low distortion. This benefits streamed, CD, and Hi-Res files alike.

The blue power meters show in real time how much power is currently going to the speakers.

Protection and Longevity of the McIntosh MSA5500

Power Guard prevents harsh clipping when the amplifier is overloaded, thereby protecting the speakers. Sentry Monitor disconnects the power amplifier if the current is too high and automatically reconnects it, without the need for a fuse.

The monogrammed heatsinks keep the McIntosh MSA5500 cool. The gold-plated solid cinch speaker terminals hold the cables securely in place.

Connections and TV Sound on the McIntosh MSA5500

A total of 12 analog and digital inputs are available, including a phono input for turntables with MM cartridges. The USB input plays high-resolution files natively, including DSD512.

Connect a compatible TV via HDMI ARC. Dolby and DTS multichannel audio is converted for stereo playback, while a subwoofer output provides more bass when needed.

The high-drive headphone output with HXD crossfeed provides a more natural sound image through headphones. With Home Theater PassThru, the McIntosh MSA5500 can also be integrated into a home theater system.

Design and Expansion Options of the McIntosh MSA5500

The typical McIntosh look is defined by the black glass front, aluminum end caps, control knobs, illuminated logo, and blue power meters. The compact design fits well into modern living spaces.

If larger speakers require more power later, an external power amplifier can be connected. You can continue to use the streaming and preamplifier functions of the McIntosh MSA5500.

Suitability and Important Notes for the McIntosh MSA5500

Who is the McIntosh MSA5500 for?

• Anyone who streams music primarily and is looking for a compact all-in-one solution
• Vinyl listeners with a turntable and MM cartridge
• Anyone who wants to listen to TV sound through the stereo system
  

Important Notes for the McIntosh MSA5500

• The McIntosh Cast Connect app is required for Google Cast and Wi-Fi setup with Android devices.
  
• The phono input is designed for MM cartridges, not MC.
  

Conclusion on the McIntosh MSA5500

The McIntosh MSA5500 combines streaming, amplification, phono, and TV sound in a stylish device. Anyone looking for a compact, high-quality system with room for future expansion will find a well-thought-out solution here.