McIntosh MA5200 Solid State Integrated Amplifier

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General:
The MA5200 is a full-featured integrated amplifier from McIntosh with plenty of power and great sound. Perfect for someone considering an MA5300 but is fine with an older DAC.

It is rated for 100 W into 8 ohms, but actually puts more like 130 W with 0.005% distortion. It also features a great built-in headphone amp capable of driving the best headphones without additional equipment. At the rear of this amp includes digital inputs for connecting a CD transport or digital source easily plus balanced XLR inputs. These two featuers together on integrated amps are uncommon and it is welcome to see them here.

Key McIntosh features include Power Guard and Sentry Monitor protection circuits. Power Guard helps prevent audible clipping by automatically reducing input drive when necessary, while Sentry Monitor provides fuse-free short-circuit protection that automatically resets once normal operating conditions return.

Another really cool feature of McIntosh units from this era is their coveted fiber-optic lighting. This unit features it on all of its green text creating a nice even glow.

Included will be its original manual, remote and box for safe transport.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
There is a light mark on the bottom edge of the right end cap. Light marks are present on the top covers.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
This model features hybrid fiber optic illumination. The meters use LED arrays while the green text is lit up via fiber optics (our favorite McIntosh faceplate illumination method)

Brand Background:
McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, 5 Way Binding Posts, XLR inputs, IEC Power,

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, remote, box, manual and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
- Power Output: 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms with both channels operating
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% maximum from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
- Frequency Response: +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz
- Inputs: Four high-level unbalanced RCA inputs, one high-level balanced XLR input, one Moving Magnet phono input, and three digital inputs (one dedicated asynchronous USB, one coaxial, one optical)
- Digital Section: McIntosh Digital Engine supporting up to 32-bit/192kHz (USB) and up to 32-bit/96kHz (Coax/Optical)
- Outputs: One pair of custom McIntosh gold-plated binding-post speaker connectors, preamp output jacks, and a high-drive headphone jack (20 to 600 ohms)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (High Level): 93dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Phono MM): 82dB
- Input Impedance: 20K ohms (Balanced and Unbalanced)
- Input Sensitivity: 0.5V (Unbalanced), 1.0V (Balanced), 2.5mV (Phono MM)
- Damping Factor: Greater than 200 into 8 ohms
- Protective & Performance Technologies: Power Guard clipping protection, Sentry Monitor short-circuit protection, and ThermalTrak output transistors
- Control & Integration: Home Theater Pass Through, precision digitally controlled attenuator volume system, and RS232 control input

Dimensions:
17-1/2" (44.5 cm) x 6" (15.24 cm) x 22" (55.88 cm)

Weight:
37 lbs.

Approximate Age:
2013

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best

Kimber Summit Series BiFocal XL Bi-Wire Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best If Applicable

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Digital AES/EBU Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Select Series Reference USB Cable

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.