McIntosh MA5200 Integrated Amplifier - Like New and Complete

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General:

Full-featured entry-level integrated amplifier from McIntosh with plenty of power and great sound.

100 W into 8 ohms, but actually puts more like 130 W with 0.005% distortion.

Also offers a great built-in headphone amp capable of driving the best headphones without additional equipment.

Video from the Legendary Ken Zelin, McIntosh Global Training Manager:

In very good condition with no signs of use.

Also includes an official McIntosh double shipping carton, Owner's Manual,  Power Cord, and Remote.

The current model MA5300 is identical except it features a removable DAC module and will set you back $6k.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
Firmware and USB Version Information:
1) MA5200 firmware is the latest available v1.06.
2) McIntosh USB Audio version is the latest available v2.21.

More from McIntosh:

• MA5200 delivers the full McIntosh audio experience in a sleek, compact size. Simply add your favorite speakers and audio sources to create a complete system.
• MA5200’s 100 watts per channel is the perfect size for modestly sized listening spaces. The classic blue power level meters indicate the world famous McIntosh amplifier performance.
• The McIntosh Digital Engine will decode your digital music at up to 32 bits and 192kHz, delivering McIntosh analog sound quality.
• The MA5200’s built in headphone amplifier is designed to power all headphone types, both in ear and over ear styles. Speaker outputs may be muted during headphone playback.

Amplifier Power Output:

100 watts per channel with both channels operating into 8 Ohms, with Power Meters

Total Harmonic Distortion:

0.005% maximum from 20Hz to 20kHz

Preamplifier Inputs:

Four high level unbalanced One high level balanced One Phono: Moving Magnet Three digital inputs

Digital Section:

Three digital inputs: one dedicated USB, and two assignable: one coax and one optical PCM

McIntosh Digital Engine is 32 bit 192kHz, USB 2.0 asynchronous

High Drive Headphone Amplifier:

All headphones, from 20 to 600 Ohms

HomeTheater PassThrough:

Allows interfacing with a Home Theater system

Overall Dimensions (W x H x D):

17-1/2” (44.5cm) x 6” (15.24cm) x 22” (55.88cm) including knobs, connectors and cables

Weight:

37 lbs (16.8kg) net,

55 lbs (24.9kg) in shipping carton

Brochure:

Click Here

Manual:

Click Here

Recommended Cables:

McIntosh Balanced Audio Cables (XLR)

McIntosh Audio Cables (RCA)

McIntosh Digital Audio Cables

McIntosh Speaker Cables

McIntosh Power Control Cables

Kimber Kable - Ascent 10 Gauge Power Cord - Better 

Kimber Kable - Palladian 10 Gauge Power Cord - Best

Testing Process:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR. 

If the device has the ability to decouple the preamplifier from the power amplifier, we remove the jumpers and independently test each section. If the device cannot be decoupled, we assess the electronic condition of the piece by analyzing the speaker level output only. 

We start by connecting the "Pre-Out" jacks of the integrated to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources.

If the preamp section is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve.

Next we test the power amplifier section by connecting the integrated amplifier speaker outputs to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the "Main In” jacks and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.

At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. 

This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention. 

If the preamp and power amp both pass these tests, we reconnect the sections and verify that the preamp section can drive the power amp to rated power with a 1KHz tone on one of the line level inputs. 

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics. 

If the unit passes all of these tests it moves to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.