McIntosh MA5300 Integrated Amplifier

McIntosh MA5300 integrated amplifier is proof that big sound can come in small packages. It is McIntosh’s smallest solid state integrated amplifier in terms of both power output and physical size, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or for someone just beginning to assemble a home audio system. It’s a direct coupled amplifier that delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohm speakers or 160 watts per channel into 4 ohm speakers. New dual scale blue watt meters give an accurate readout of power output for both 4 and 8 ohm impedances.  

MA5300’s complement of 12 inputs includes 6 analog inputs and 6 digital inputs (2 each coaxial and optical, 1 USB and 1 proprietary MCT). All digital inputs are housed in DA1 digital audio module which can be replaced by future modules as new digital audio technologies are developed. The DA1 comes with an 8-channel, 32-bit digital-to analog converter (DAC) used in quad balanced mode and supports up to DSD256 and DXD384kHz for high resolution audio playback. All inputs can be given user-friendly names to simplify system control and configuration. 

Included on the MA5300 are our McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors that eliminate warm-up time. Powerful new control microprocessors have been used to improve overall system operation, along with some of the latest audio-grade circuit components to deliver the best possible sound. Bass and treble tone controls have been added to help you further fine tune your music to your personal preferences. 

Rounding out the MA5300 are time tested McIntosh technologies including Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor™, Home Theater PassThru, High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®), and gold-plated speaker binding posts. The classic McIntosh aesthetic of blue watt meters, a black glass front panel with aluminum end caps, control knobs, and illuminated logo complete the MA5300.

FEATURES

• New DA1 digital audio module
• 1 MCT input
• 2 COAX input
• 2 OPT input
• All inputs labeled 1, 2, 3, etc; all function independently of each other and all are always available for use regardless of how sources are connected; each is assignable
• 2 DATA ports; with different labeling allowing each to be assignable
• 1 Service Port; used for firmware updates of both the Control PCB and DA1PCB
• 8-channel, 32-bit DAC used in Quad Balanced mode vs. 2-channel, 32-bit / 192kHz DAC
• New separate 4 ohm rating of 160 watts per channel instead of just an 8 ohm rating
• New dual scale meters that show both 4 & 8 ohm power output
• Speaker terminals labeled as being for both 4 & 8 ohm instead of just 8 ohms
• Bass and treble tone controls added
• HXD® headphone circuit added 
• New McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ w/ MC logo; they are not backwards compatible and cannot be retrofitted onto older models
• More audio-grade components 

TECHNICAL SPECS

• Power Output Per Channel: 100 Watts into 8 ohms; 160 Watts into 4 ohms
• Number of Channels: 2
• Speaker Impedance: 4 or 8 ohms
• 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): 1V
• Signal to Noise Ratio (moving magnet): 82dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio (high level): 95dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio (Power Amp): 110dB
• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced): 20K / 20K 
• Damping Factor: 8 ohms >200; 4 ohms: >100
• Maximum Output (Balanced / Unbalanced): 8V Unbalanced
• Balanced Input: 1
• Unbalanced Input: 4
• Phono Input Moving Magnet: 1 (fixed loading)
• Upgradeable Digital Audio Module: yes
• Digital Coaxial Input: 2
• Digital Optical Input: 2
• Digital MCT (DIN) Input: 1
• Digital USB Input: 1
• Unbalanced Variable Output: 1
• Headphone Output: 1/4″ high drive w/ headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD)
• AM / FM Tuner Option: no
• Home Theater Passthru: yes
• Unbalanced Analog Connector Type: standard 
• Speaker Binding Post Type: standard
• Service Port: 1
• Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) Type: 8-channel, 32-bit / 192kHz 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 (DIN) 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
• 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
• Vacuum Tube or Solid State: solid state 
• Output AutoFormer: no
• Output Meters: yes
• Dual Layer Chassis: yes
• Chassis Finish: black painted steel
• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks: yes
• Power Requirement: 120V 50 / 60Hz, 2.3A
• Standby Power Requirement: <0.25 watts
• Dimensions: 6″h x 17 1/2″w x 22″d
• Weight: 38 lbs