The MA5300 Integrated Amplifier is proof that big sound can come in small packages. It is our smallest solid state integrated amplifier in terms of both power output and physical size, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or for someone just beginning to assemble a home audio system. It’s a direct coupled amplifier that delivers 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers. New dual scale blue Watt meters give an accurate readout of power output for both 4 and 8 Ohm impedances.
There are many integrateds in this price category, "but nobody does it 'the McIntosh way.' You get all the things you want from an amplifier: power, control and high resolution with tons of details. You get an amplifier that plays from the heart." Awarded 5 out of 5 stars. – Stereo+
The MA5300’s complement of 12 inputs includes 6 analog inputs (4 unbalanced, 1 balanced and 1 Moving Magnet input for turntables) and 6 digital inputs (2 each coaxial and optical, 1 USB and 1 proprietary MCT for use with our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports). All digital inputs are housed in our DA1 Digital Audio Module which can be replaced by future modules as new digital audio technologies are developed. The DA1 comes with an 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) used in Quad Balanced mode and supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz for high resolution audio playback. All inputs can be given user-friendly names to simplify system control and configuration.
"If I were to begin building (once again) a highly accurate laboratory reference audio system, I would base everything on the corner stone that is the McIntosh MA5300 Integrated Amplifier." – Enjoy The Music
Included on the MA5300 are our McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors that eliminate warm-up time so you can enjoy the MA5300’s complete sonic capabilities from the moment you turn it on. Powerful new control microprocessors have been used to improve overall system operation, along with some of the latest audio-grade circuit components to deliver the best possible sound. Bass and treble tone controls have been added to help you further fine tune your music to your personal preferences.
"If you were looking for an integrated amplifier with substantial physical presence but also deft handling of music then I recommend you test your ears with the McIntosh MA5300." – Stereonet
The MA5300 is one of many McIntosh products to receive Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh has provided equipment to Roon for testing with a variety of different operating systems and computers, and shared information about its design and capabilities.
The MA5300 is a "clean, open-sounding, ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’ amplifier that is very faithful to the source" that is able to put "the music and fun into recordings, regardless of their quality." A system built around the MA5300 is "likely to provide a massive amount of musical enjoyment for a very long time." – HiFi Wigwam
Rounding out the MA5300 are time tested McIntosh technologies including Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor™, Home Theater PassThru, High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®), and gold-plated speaker binding posts. The classic McIntosh aesthetic of blue Watt meters, a black glass front panel with aluminum end caps, control knobs and illuminated logo complete the MA5300.