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Home News

McIntosh MSA5500 integrated streaming amplifier

Easy streaming and renowned amplification at your fingertips

Marco Lisi by Marco Lisi
September 2, 2026
in News, Amplifiers
Reading Time: 3 mins read

Binghamton, NY – December 5, 2024 – McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., a leader in the audio industry known for its commitment to quality and performance, has officially launched its latest innovation: the MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier. Designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the MSA5500 is set to redefine audio experiences for audiophiles, especially those navigating the challenges of smaller living spaces.

The MSA5500 is not just another integrated amplifier; it is a cornerstone of modern audio setups. With a sleek design that embodies McIntosh’s signature elegance, this amplifier is tailored for urban dwellers seeking high-fidelity sound without sacrificing style. Its compact footprint makes it an ideal solution for those constrained by space while still craving superior audio quality.

  • Advanced streaming
  • Audiophile-grade heart
  • Powerful amplification capabilities
  • Lifelong companion

Advanced streaming

Equipped with advanced streaming capabilities, the MSA5500 supports a wide range of technologies, including Apple® AirPlay® 2, Bluetooth®, Chromecast, Spotify® Connect, and TIDAL® Connect, the latter of which includes support for TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality. This versatility allows users to enjoy their favorite music and shows with unmatched audio clarity. The integrated HDMI (ARC) input enhances its appeal, enabling users to connect their smart TVs for a cinematic sound experience that surpasses standard TV speakers.

mcintosh-msa5500-integrated-streaming-amplifier-2

Audiophile-grade heart

At the heart of the MSA5500 lies an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This next-generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC ensures that digital signals are converted into analog with remarkable precision, delivering an expansive dynamic range and minimal distortion. Additionally, the MSA5500 offers Bluetooth 5.0 streaming capabilities, utilizing advanced audio coding standards such as Qualcomm® aptX™ HD and aptX Adaptive, which guarantee high-resolution audio playback without interruption.

The MSA5500 is also Roon Ready, making it an ideal endpoint device for users of the Roon music player. This certification signifies that the MSA5500 delivers premium quality and performance in network streaming, further enhancing the listening experience.

mcintosh-msa5500-integrated-streaming-amplifier-3

To provide maximum connectivity, the MSA5500 features seven digital and five analog audio inputs, including a Moving Magnet phono input for turntables. This extensive array of connections allows audiophiles to integrate various audio components seamlessly, accommodating everything from CD players to tuners.

Powerful amplification capabilities

McIntosh’s commitment to sound quality is evident in the MSA5500’s powerful amplification capabilities. Delivering 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers and 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers, the MSA5500 ensures that every note resonates with clarity and depth. Additionally, it incorporates McIntosh’s renowned technologies, such as Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor™, and Monogrammed Heatsinks™, which enhance longevity and reliability.

mcintosh-msa5500-integrated-streaming-amplifier-4

Lifelong companion

The MSA5500 is designed to be a lifelong companion for music enthusiasts at any level. Its intuitive operation requires no specialized apps or technical know-how, making it accessible to all. For those looking to expand their audio setup in the future, the MSA5500 can easily be integrated with larger amplifiers, allowing users to maintain its streaming and preamplifier capabilities.

mcintosh-msa5500-integrated-streaming-amplifier-5

The MSA5500 will be available starting December 2024 through authorized McIntosh dealers, with a suggested retail price of $8,000 USD, €9,990 EUR, £9,995 GBP, and $11,200 CAD. As McIntosh continues to push the boundaries of audio technology, the MSA5500 stands out as a testament to the brand’s legacy of excellence and innovation in the world of high-fidelity sound.

Tags: McIntoshStreaming audio
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Marco Lisi

Marco Lisi

Publisher

Marco Lisi is the publisher of Best of High End, part of AV Concepts BV. His path into audio started early: as a teenager he was drawn into the world of free radio, presenting shows and living immersed in music every day. In his early twenties he ran his own production studio for five years, creating jingles and commercials — hands-on training in sound design, pro-audio workflows, and critical listening through studio monitors that still shapes how he evaluates gear today. He also spent years DJing in clubs before moving into publishing, first at two earlier online magazines before founding Best of High End. His hi-fi and home cinema passion was inherited from his father, an inveterate system-swapper. Marco's first setup — a confirmation gift — paired AKAI separates with entry-level Bowers & Wilkins speakers, a brand he stayed loyal to for years as his system grew from stereo into full surround and home cinema. Like many enthusiasts, he went through an extended "audiophile" phase chasing the next upgrade, before settling into a more grounded view: gear as a means to enjoy music and film, not an end in itself. Years of critical listening have given him a well-trained ear — the ability to characterize a system or pinpoint a change in the chain quickly and accurately. Just as important, his teaching background (a Belgian "regent" degree in Dutch language) gives him the tools to translate those listening impressions into clear, readable writing.

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