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Overview

Works with Apple AirPlay logo

ALL-IN-ONE EFFORTLESS MUSIC STREAMING

The MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier is both a full featured music streamer and powerful integrated amplifier in one. It can serve as the cornerstone of your audio setup, whether it be your first venture into high-fidelity audio, an addition to your existing system, or to use at your office or vacation home. Crafted to perfection and compact in size, the MSA5500 is tailor-made for modern living spaces, making it an ideal choice for those seeking premium audio in more confined environments.

The versatile MSA5500 has a wide assortment of wireless music streaming capabilities plus a variety of physical inputs to connect source components. If all your music is cloud based digital music, a simple addition of speakers is all that's needed to be bathed in elevated sound quality.

"It will deliver everything that the high end should in terms of how it looks, feels and sounds, and that includes a bit of visual drama while it does it. It combines the classic flourishes with a real world user friendliness that would have been impossible to conceive of even comparatively recently." Named Best High-End All-In-One Hi-Fi System 2025/2026. - AVForums

ENDLESS STREAMING POSSIBILITIES AWAIT

The MSA5500 is compatible with a multitude of leading streaming technologies and platforms including Apple® AirPlay®; Bluetooth®; Google Cast™ (formerly Chromecast); Qobuz Connect; Spotify® Connect (including Spotify Lossless); and TIDAL® Connect(including TIDAL Max). No special control app or technical skills are needed; the easy-to-use MSA5500 invites you to simply stream your music directly from your smart device.1 If you've been using a lower quality wireless home sound system, then listening to your favorite tracks through the MSA5500 will be like hearing them again for the first time.

McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

For Bluetooth streaming, the MSA5500 utilizes Bluetooth 5.0; the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard; Qualcomm® aptX™ HD for hi res audio playback; and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, a robust solution that delivers high resolution, uninterrupted audio over Bluetooth. Two Wi-Fi 6 antennas and one Bluetooth antenna provide stable wireless connections, while an Ethernet port is also available for wired connections.

STREAMED MUSIC HAS NEVER SOUNDED SO GOOD

To elevate your auditory experience of your digital music, the MSA5500 employs an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital signals into the analog format needed for playback. This next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC features huge dynamic range and low distortion. Regardless the file format, you can expect a transcendent audio experience with pristine sound reproduction.

"If you have been using a ‘just add speakers’ style all-in-one at a [lower] price point, this system will give you the same breadth of convenience and flexibility as what you’re used to – but with a level of performance and presence that is beyond anything you’ll have experienced before." - Sound Advice

The MSA5500 has received Roon Ready certification from Roon Labs, making it an endpoint device for use with the Roon music player. Roon brings all your music together and adds tons of data – bios, reviews, photos, lyrics, tour dates, and cross-linked credits for performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and composers. Roon Ready network devices have Roon streaming technology built in and are certified by Roon to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming.It has also received Roon Tested certification as Roon has profiled it to ensure simple setup and effortless daily use.

ALL THE CONNECTIONS YOU NEED

In addition to all its streaming capabilities, the MSA5500 also comes 7 digital and 5 analog audio inputs to connect audio components, such as a CD playeror tuner, plus a Moving Magnet phono input to connect a turntable. The digital inputs support high resolution digital audio playback; the USB input supports native playback of DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while the coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz.

McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

UNRIVALED TV SOUND

The inclusion of an HDMI (ARC) input lets you connect your compatible TV so you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies with a sound quality level that TV speakers or soundbars just can't provide.2 Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® will be expertly converted to two-channel audio for proper playback. The subwoofer output allows for a powered subwoofer to be added for extra punch so you can feel every bass and low-end note.

McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

HEAR SOUND LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH UNCOMPROMISING MCINTOSH AMPLIFICATION

The power amplifier section of the MSA5500 proves that extraordinary sound knows no bounds. Delivering 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers, this amplifier ensures ample power delivery for a diverse array of speakers, such as our vintage styled ML1 Loudspeaker Mk II, XR50 Bookshelf Speakers, XR100 Floorstanding Speakers, or a variety of other speakers. Real-time power output is visualized through fast responding, dual-scale Watt meters in our trademarked McIntosh "Blue" color, affording insight into the amplifier's performance.

"This McIntosh possesses the rare ability to overcome the challenges set for it with ease, breathing life and depth into performances, from the finest nuances to unmentionable levels, in order to offer a realism that very few electronics can express with such ease and conviction.” - Haute Fidélité

An arsenal of other McIntosh technologies is included that will contribute to the MSA5500's longevity and reliability:

McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

ACCOMODATES YOUR CHANGING NEEDS

As your audio needs evolve, the MSA5500 can grow with you. Someday you may move into a bigger space or add a larger set of speakers and find that you need more power. If that happens, you could bypass the internal amplifier and connect a bigger external amplifier – all while continuing to use the MSA5500's familiar streaming and preamplifier sections. You can rest assured that the MSA5500 can accommodate your changing needs and be a lifelong partner in your audio pursuits.

"What a joy to be able to play music via Qobuz Connect without having to use yet another app! Especially since what you hear is incredibly convincing, almost as if everything flows seamlessly. Here, there's no affectation, no unnecessary complexity; the music fills the entire space and comes to life instantly." Winner of Diapason d'Or Hi-Fi Award - Diapson Magazine

EMBRACE THE ICONIC MCINTOSH EXPERIENCE

Elegantly appointed with timeless McIntosh aesthetics, including blue Watt meters, a sleek black glass front panel with aluminum end caps, rotary control knobs, an illuminated logo, and impeccable build quality, the MSA5500 epitomizes audio sophistication. Contact your local dealer todayto embark on your journey of audio discovery.

The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. DTS is a registered trademarks of DTS, Inc. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Google Cast is a trademark of Google LLC. Qobuz Connect is a proprietary streaming technology developed by Qobuz. All related trademarks, logos, and software are the property of Xandrie SA. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of Qobuz Connect is strictly prohibited.

Specifications

Electronic Specifications

FTC Power Output Rating

100 W

Power Output per Channel

100 W into 8 ohms

160 W into 4 ohms

Number of Channels

2

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 Coil)

N/A

Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)

2.5mV

Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)

0.5V/0.25V

Sensitivity (Power Amp input)

1V

Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)

N/A

Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)

82dB

Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)

95dB

Signal To Noise Ratio (Power Amp input)

110dB

Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)

20K/20K

Damping Factor

8 ohms: >200

4 ohms: >100

Maximum Output (Balanced / Unbalanced)

8V Unbalanced

Connectivity

Balanced Input

1

Unbalanced Input

4

Phono Input Moving Coil

0

Phono Input Moving Magnet

1 (fixed loading)

Upgradeable Digital Audio Module

No

Digital Coaxial Inputs

2

Digital Optical Inputs

2

Digital MCT Inputs

1

Digital USB Input

1

HDMI (ARC) Input

1

Balanced Variable Output

0

Unbalanced Fixed Output

0

Unbalanced Variable Output

1

Headphone Output

1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)

Subwoofer Outputs

1

AM/FM Tuner option

No

Home Theater PassThru

Yes

Unbalanced Analog Connector Type

Standard

Speaker Binding Post Type

Standard

Service Port

1

Digital Audio Specifications

Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type

8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz 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 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

Digital Network/Wi-Fi Input Sample Rate

24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz

Control

Tone Controls

Bass and Treble

Tone Bypass and Input Assign

Yes

RS232 Control Inputs

Yes

Power Control Outputs

1 Main

Rear Panel Data Ports

2

Rear Panel IR Sensor Inputs

Yes

Input Level Match

Yes

General Specifications

Vacuum Tube or Solid State

Solid State

Output Type

Direct Coupled

Output Meters

Yes

Dual Layer Chassis

Yes

Chassis Finish

Black painted steel

McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™

Yes

Power Requirement

100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.7 amps

110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.4 amps

120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.2 amps

220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 1.8 amps

230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 1.6 amps

240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 1.6 amps

Standby Power Requirement

<0.25 Watts

Weights & Dimensions

Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)

17-1/2" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.2cm) (8-1/8” (20.6cm) with vertical antenna) x 18-3/4” (47.6cm) with vertical antenna (22-1/4" (56.5cm) with horizontal antenna)

Unit Weight

38 lbs (17.2 kg)

Shipping Weight

55.5 lbs (25.2 kg)

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Do you price match?

Yes. We match any authorised dealer, including big-box retailers. If you find the same product at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes — free shipping on every order, with 2-day delivery available on most products. Easy returns and exchanges are included.

Where is your showroom?

We're at 6362 Alder Drive, Houston, Texas. The showroom lets you hear and compare reference-level systems in person before making any decisions. If you're considering a larger purchase or installation, it's well worth the visit.

Can I buy online without visiting the showroom?

Yes. The full product range is available through the online store with free nationwide shipping. For more complex system builds, speaking with one of our advisers first tends to lead to a better result.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Special financing is available through the BrandSource Credit Card for qualifying purchases, allowing you to spread payments over time with no annual fee. Promotional rebate savings are also available periodically. See the financing page for full details.

Do you install systems as well as sell equipment?

Yes — installation is central to what we do. We design and install whole-home audio and video, home theaters, media rooms, outdoor audio, lighting and motorised shades, and full smart home automation.

Do you provide support after installation?

Yes. We provide ongoing service and support to ensure systems continue performing as intended — not just on installation day, but over the long term.