McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier – New in the CI Line Up from McIntosh Laboratory

With the new McIntosh MI502 2-channel digital amplifier, the US hi-fi manufacturer McIntosh Laboratory Inc. is once again targeting the custom installation segment, with a particular focus on installations in the home audio and home theatre systems sectors. Here, it is supposed to excel in flexibility and performance on the one hand, but also in audiophile virtues, as the company states. The McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier’s performance is emphasised, which is said to be 500 watts into 8 ohms or even 800 watts into 4 ohms.

McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier – Flexible Applications

The applications for the new McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier are almost limitless, the manufacturer enthuses. You can, of course, use it to drive the front left and right speakers in a home theatre, drive two in-wall subwoofers, use a pair of McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifiers to drive the three front channels of a home theatre plus one subwoofer, or drive a pair of outdoor speakers when the party moves outside, says McIntosh Laboratory Inc. In addition, a stack of multiple McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifiers can power audio speakers installed throughout the home, he added.

Designed as a 2U rack-mount system

The new McIntosh MI502 2-channel digital amplifier is designed as a so-called rack-mount system, taking up two height units. If desired, the supplied mounting brackets can be dispensed with and the stereo amplifier can be used outside a rack.

It is particularly important to mention that the McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier is designed in Class D, which means that it is particularly efficient and does not require a loud fan in order to be operated at nominal operating temperature.

Proven Technologies from McIntosh Laboratory Inc.

Of course, the new McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier uses all the technologies that McIntosh Laboratory Inc. has to offer in the field of amplifier systems. Thus, the so-called Power Guard Signal Overload Technology is available as well as the so-called Sentry Monitor Short-circuit Protection.

The design, too, makes it clear at first glance that this is a McIntosh Laboratory Inc. solution, as the front features the typical blue illuminated VU meters, in the centre of which the manufacturer’s emblem and the product name are backlit in green. Apart from a power button and a status LED, the front panel has no other operating elements.

At the rear of the McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier you will find unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs, 12 V trigger connections and, of course, solid screw terminals for the two loudspeaker systems that the McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier can handle.

As already mentioned, the McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier delivers an output of two times 500 watts to speaker systems with an impedance of 8 ohms or even two times 800 watts to speakers with an impedance of only 4 ohms.

With dimensions of 44.5 cm in width, 11 cm in height and 53.3 cm in depth, the new McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier weighs 9.8 kg.

Prices and availability

The new McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier should be available in specialised shops soon. You have to calculate with about US$ 7.000,-.

Getting to the point

The new McIntosh MI502 2-Channel Digital Amplifier is another solution from McIntosh Laboratory Inc. in the Custom Installation Line-up. This amplifier is said to be particularly flexible and suitable for use in the field of custom installation, whether for classic stereo or home cinema, thanks to its Class D with particularly high power and excellent sound quality.