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McIntosh MXA70 Desktop Integrated Audio System Preview

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McIntosh MXA70

McIntosh MXA70

Summary

  • Product Name: MXA70
  • Manufacturer: McIntosh
  • Review Date: October 04, 2014 08:00
  • MSRP: $6000
  • First Impression: Mildly Interesting
  • Power Output per Channel: 50 Watts
  • Speaker Impedance: 8 Ohms
  • Rated Power Band: 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%
  • Intermodulation Distortion: 0.005% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power is 100 watts or less per channel with both channels operating for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Dynamic Headroom: 1.5dB
  • Frequency Response +0,-0.5dB: 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Frequency Response, +0, -3dB: 10Hz to 100kHz
  • Sensitivity (Unbalanced): 300mV
  • Sensitivity (Balanced): 600mV
  • Maximum Input Signal (Unbalanced): 8V
  • Maximum Input Signal (Balanced): 16V
  • Signal To Noise Ratio: 105dB
  • Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced): 25K/25K
  • Damping Factor: >150
  • Preamplifier Output: 3V (8V maximum)
  • Preamplifier Output Impedance: 500 Ohms
  • Voltage Gain: 36.5dB
  • Power Guard: <2% THD with up to 16dB overdrive at 1kHz
  • System Driver Complement: One 4 inch Woofer/Midrange; One 3/4 inch Dome Tweeter
  • Impedance: 8 Ohms Nominal
  • Frequency Response: 60Hz - 45kHz
  • Sensitivity: 80dB (2.83V/1m equivalent)
  • Crossover Frequency: 2,000Hz
  • Power Handling: 50 Watts
  • Enclosure Finish: High Gloss Black
  • Grille Finish: Black Knit Cloth
  • Digital Coaxial Input Sample Rate: 16Bit, 24Bit - 32kHz to 192kHz
  • Digital Optical Input Sample Rate: 16Bit, 24Bit - 32kHz to 192kHz
  • Digital AES/EDU Input Sample Rate: 16Bit, 24Bit - 32kHz to 192kHz
  • Digital USB Input Sample Rate: 16Bit, 24Bit, 32Bit - 32kHz to 192kHz
  • Headphone Power Output: High Selection: 1W; Normal Selection: 250mW
  • Headphone Output Impedance: 8-40 Ohms; 40-150 Ohms; 150-600 Ohms
  • Headphone Output: 1 (1/4")
  • High Level Inputs Unbalanced: 1 Stereo
  • High Level Inputs Balanced: 1 Stereo
  • Digital Coaxial Input: 1
  • Digital Optical Input: 1
  • Digital AES/EBU Input: 1
  • Digital USB Input: 1
  • Preamplifier Output: 1 Stereo
  • Tone Controls: 5 Step Bass Boost Control: 0 to +12.5dB (in 2.5dB steps) @ 40Hz
  • Power Control Input: Yes
  • Power Control Output: Yes
  • Output Meters: Yes
  • Tube or Solid State: Solid State
  • Power Requirement: 120V 50/60Hz, 1.5A
  • Standby Power Requirement: <0.25 Watts
  • Output Autoformer: Yes for Headphones
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 22" (55.9cm) x 10-7/8" (27.62cm) x 18" (45.7cm)
  • Weight: 51 lbs (23.2 kg)
  • Shipping Weight: 67 lbs (30.4 kg)

The MXA70 is made for audiophiles that are looking for an all-in-one premium quality audio solution. Featuring a compact yet fully functional 50-watt stereo amplifier and a pair of specially designed 2-way desktop speakers, the MXA70 is said to provide the most optimal sound quality whether you are entertaining a small group or seeking a more individual listening experience. The speakers, finished in a luxurious, high gloss piano black, feature select driver elements housed in custom cast aluminum cabinetry to achieve an unusually rich and full sized level of performance for their size. For an even larger sound, connections for a powered subwoofer are available.

Six inputs provide you the flexibility to connect a variety of your music sources; four of the inputs are digital and allow the McIntosh Digital Engine to decode your digital music at up to 32 bits and 192kHz for maximum analog fidelity and enjoyment. 

mxa70

The McIntosh MXA70 (top) and McAire (bottom)

For those times when you want to enjoy your music in a more intimate way, the MXA70 includes a dedicated headphone amplifier that takes advantage of unique McIntosh technologies so that every headphone - from ear buds to studio quality phones - will yield the best possible personal listening experience. McIntosh claims their new Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) enables high quality recordings to image like conventional speakers in your headphones, bringing new dimensions to your music.

The MXA70's compact size gives you choice and flexibility when deciding where to place it in your room. It appears to make a great audio system for your office, bedroom or vacation house assuming you could afford its rather luxurious price. Their Power Guard circuitry is designed to prevent clipping that could damage your headphones or speakers, while a 5 Step Bass Boost Control allows for further tonal customization. The amplifier is housed in a beautifully polished stainless steel chassis that not only compliments the classic glass front panel, knobs, brushed aluminum end caps and gloss black speakers, but also blends nicely with any room decor.

For more information, please visit www.mcintoshlabs.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.

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As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. Any indication, either internally or from another, that bias has entered into his review will be immediately investigated. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego.

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