McIntosh: MA8950

A super-sized integrated amplifier that is well equipped and sonically capable

Amplifier ₹9,99,990

There is no denying that the MA8950 is something of a beast. While this amplifier sits broadly in the middle of the company’s integrated range, there is nothing remotely modest about it, from the vertebrae-straining 34kg weight to the generous 200 watts-per-channel claimed power output.

This is about as well equipped a high-end integrated amplifier as we have seen. It has seven line-level inputs, one of which is balanced, dedicated phono inputs for both MM and MC cartridges, plus McIntosh’s highly specified DA2 digital module supports hi-res music files up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD512.

There is a generous spread of digital inputs with two coaxials, two opticals, a USB Type B, an HDMI (ARC), and an MCT input for connection to a McIntosh SACD/ CD transport. We are particularly pleased to see the inclusion of an HDMI.

EASY ON THE EARS 

This McIntosh has a large-scale, effortless sound that is inviting and easy on the ears. There is a pleasing, loose-limbed quality to its presentation that sounds almost valve amp-like in its fluidity, yet there is also the kind of grip at low frequencies that few valve designs get close to.