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See the complete review of the McIntosh MA8900 Stereo Integrated Amplifier

The McIntosh MA8900 integrated amplifier is a mixture of tradition and twenty-first century technology.

Surprisingly, the two mix exceptionally well. This muscular, solid-state integrated amplifier sports McIntosh’s famous autoformer-coupled outputs as well as the iconic glass face plate and big, blue power output meters. Additionally, the “built-like-a-tank” reputation of the McIntosh company is fully evident in the amplifier’s construction.

McIntosh MA8900 Integrated Amplifier - Front View

The McIntosh MA8900 integrated amplifier sounds clean, powerful, yet very light on its feet. This is a modern-sounding and highly-detailed amplifier that still retains just a hint of the midrange warmth that McIntosh is famous for. Features I’ll be checking out include a five-band tone control that’s easily controlled by large dials on the faceplate. I’ve also noticed the DAC is contained in its own, removeable module. That allows it to be upgraded making the amplifier future-proof.

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No matter what the impedance or efficiency of your speakers is, this 75-pound amplifier will deliver smooth, clean power. In a world of variables, the McIntosh MA8900 integrated amplifier with built-in DAC is a constant. Watch for the full review.

McIntosh MA8900 Integrated Amplifier - Listening Room

See the complete review of the McIntosh MA8900 Stereo Integrated Amplifier

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I learned to play the guitar in high school, hoping to persuade Berma Sanchez to date me, but alas, no such luck! In the late 1970s, a neighbor who was the station engineer for the local PBS network took me under his wing and taught me the electronics of audio reproduction. Throughout college, I used that knowledge to modify Dynaco vacuum tube equipment for friends. After graduation from LSU, I took a job in the chemical manufacturing industry, learning about industrial hygiene and the mechanics of hearing. In the 1990s I learned to write, initially as the newsletter editor for my local Safety Engineering chapter. In the early 2000s, I had my first book published (I’m now working on my third). A few years ago, the Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity website issued a call for authors. I responded and was excited to be selected. Over the years, I’ve published a number of equipment reviews and am honored, in 2019, to be given the title of “Senior Editor.” But none of the above offers the “why” of my interest in home audio. My musical tastes are highly diverse, and my love of music (acquired probably in the church choir of Grace Baptist Church) has been passed on to my daughter, who got her B.S. degree in music and her M.S. in violin performance and music education before being switching gears and then going on to graduate from Harvard Law. Although the majority of my extended group of friends and family prefer hobbies such as hunting, fishing, football games, etc., I’ve found that I still greatly enjoy time with my audio system and discovering new music. At some time in the fairly near future, my hearing will decline and I’ll no longer be able to listen analytically. But so long as my audiograms show acute hearing, I’ll keep doing what I enjoy best - listening to wonderful music and sharing my thoughts and impressions with like-minded friends.

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