McIntosh MA8900 integrated amplifier is the last amp you will ever buy

McIntosh must be the most instantly-recognisable manufacturer of high-end hi-fi products. It would be difficult to be faced with the iconic ‘McIntosh Blue’ output meters, stylised logo, and sleek, black glass face panels and not know you were looking at a McIntosh product.

Formed almost 70 years ago in 1949, McIntosh have maintained an uncompromising standard for the duration of their existence as a company. Though the company’s ownership has had periods of residing in Japan and Italy, McIntosh has relocated to their original New York home as of 2014.

McIntosh develop a range of hi-fi components, including phono stages, turntables, and speakers, but they are best known for their quality amplifiers. Their amplifiers were even used to power the 1969 Woodstock festival! It’s hard for us to pick a favourite McIntosh product, but at the moment we have to admit that we’re particularly impressed with their 200-watt integrated amplifiers – the newly-released MA8900.

Equipped with an assortment of digital and analogue inputs, the MA8900 includes a 32-bit/192kHz DAC, a top-notch MM/MC phono stage, and absolute bucket-loads of power handling. The MA8900 is the first McIntosh amplifier to feature their new Monogrammed Heatsinks (pictured below), meaning you'll be hard pressed to find an amplifier more efficient at dissipating heat energy. At 200-watts per channel, the McIntosh MA8900 can drive just about any set of speakers with ease – it’s even capable of handling speakers down to 2 ohms of resistance.

Sonically, the MA8900 manages detail without harshness, warmth without colouration, and a convincing and captivating soundstage. It’s hard to describe in words, but you will be sold after only a few minutes of listening. If our anecdotal experience is anything to go by, once someone buys a McIntosh amplifier, they rarely purchase from any other brand.

We are only too happy to have an excuse to listen to the MA8900, so give us a call and organise a listening session!