The McIntosh MA5300 integrated amplifier is proof that big sound doesn’t have to come from a huge device. It’s the most compact solid-state integrated amplifier in the lineup, in terms of output power and physical size, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or for someone just starting out with building a home audio system. This amplifier delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms or 160 watts into 4 ohms per channel. The new dual-stage blue wattmeters give an accurate reading of output power for both 8 and 4 ohms.
The McIntosh MA5300 model has a more compact case than its brothers in the line. The amplifier design remains true to the appearance of classic McIntosh components. The front panel is made of glass and has aluminum side inserts. Fiber optic backlighting and LED diodes are traditionally used.
On the front of the McIntosh MA5300, two wattmeters are symmetrically located, illuminated in blue. There is a fluorescent display showing the selected source, volume level and other symbols necessary for setting up the device. On the left side of the front there is a 6.3 mm headphone jack and an input selector knob, which when pressed can be used to adjust the balance, navigate the menu, etc. On the right is the power/standby key and the volume control, which is also used in the menu settings.
The rear panel of the McIntosh MA5300 features a total of 12 inputs – 6 analog (4 unbalanced RCA, 1 balanced XLR and 1 MM phono input) and 6 digital inputs (2 coaxial and optical, 1 USB and 1 proprietary MCT for use with compatible SACD / CD transports). All digital inputs are housed in the DA1 digital audio module, which can be replaced in the future with a more advanced module as new digital audio technologies are developed. The 8-channel 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is used in Quad Balanced mode and supports high-resolution DSD256 and DXD 384 kHz formats. Each input can be named for ease of use.
The MA5300 uses proprietary monogrammed heatsinks to dissipate heat from the transistors, while the advanced high-current transistors themselves eliminate the need for warm-up and ensure maximum performance from the very beginning. New and improved microprocessors are used to improve overall system performance. A built-in tone control helps to adjust the sound to the listener’s taste.
It is also worth mentioning that the new McIntosh MA5300 amplifier has found its place in the proven proprietary technologies, including Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor ™, PassThru, headphone amplifier High Drive with (HXD®). The amplifier protection system also includes a Power Guard circuit, which prevents clipping and helps to protect the speaker systems. The Thermal Protection circuit protects the model from overheating.
McIntosh MA5300 Specifications
- Power: 100 watts per channel (at 8 ohms)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+ 0, – 0.5 dB), 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+ 0, – 3 dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%
- Dynamic Headroom: 1.8 dB
- Input Sensitivity:
- MM Phono Input: 2.5 mV
- Unbalanced Input: 0.25 V
- Balanced Input: 0.5 V
- Power Amp Input: 1 V
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
- Preamp: 95 dB
- Power Amp: 110 dB
- Phono: 84 dB
- Input Impedance:
- Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs: 20 kOhm
- Phono: 47 kOhm
- Power Amp: 10 kOhm
- Damping Factor: Over 200
- Maximum Output Voltage: 8 V (Preamp Output)
- Output Impedance: 220 Ohm (Preamp Output)
- MM Phono Preamplifier: Yes
- Built-in DAC: 32 bit/192 kHz
- Upsampling: Up to 32 bit/192 kHz
- Headphone Amplifier: High Drive, for headphones from 20 to 600 Ohm
- Channel Balance Adjustment: In the menu
- Inputs:
- 4 linear (RCA)
- Balanced XLR
- MM Phono Preamplifier Input
- Direct RCA Input to the final section (connected with a removable jumper to the preamplifier output)
- Asynchronous USB Port (up to 32 bit/384 kHz)
- Coaxial and Optical (up to 24 bit/192 kHz)
- Outputs:
- Two RCA Preamplifier Connectors (connected to the power amplifier section connectors with jumpers)
- 6.3 mm Headphone Jack
- Other Connections:
- 4 DATA PORTS Connectors (3.5 mm)
- IR Receiver Jack
- RS-232C Mini-Jack for controlling the amplifier using complex devices
- 3.5 mm MAIN Connector for remote on/off
- 3.5 mm PASSTHRU
- Ground Terminal
- Speaker Output: 4 gold-plated screw terminals
- Power Consumption: 286 W, in standby mode: 0.25 W
- Universal Remote Control: Yes
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 445x152x559 mm
- Weight: 17.2 kg
