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.
This story is from the September 2023 edition of What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India.
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This story is from the September 2023 edition of What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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