Mcintosh releases mha150 headphone amplifier

[djwhog]

None see this yet I think it was just announced this week and seems like a good upgrade from the Mha100, looks very nice would be a nice family room rig to drive small speakers and private listening too.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[jdandy]

[leftside]

Just seems like an updated DAC. It's exactly reasons like this why I like the DAC to be totally separate.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by leftside

Just seems like an updated DAC. It's exactly reasons like this why I like the DAC to be totally separate.

leftside.......It's a bit more than that but I certainly sympathize with your sentiment.

The MHA150 USB input accepts PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 along with DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz. In addition, the MHA150 now has the proprietary input socket for the McIntosh MCT450 CD/SACD transport. I think McIntosh should have designed the MHA150 enclosure to be the same dimensions as the MCT450 so the two components would look good stacked or racked.

[jwc]

Burr Brown chip?

[tutomac]

It is sooooo beautiful

My only problem with it is at that price point it should come with more than one headphone connection, preferably a mix of balance and unbalance, a la BHA-1 from Bryston, for example.

[djwhog]

OH I way agree Dan stacking would be great!


The following is a press release issued by McIntosh.
September 13, 2016 - McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for over 65 years, is proud to announce the launch of the new MHA150 Headphone Amplifier. Handcrafted at our Binghamton, NY factory, it combines the best-in-class audio performance of the legendary McIntosh Reference System with the latest in technological development.

The MHA150 Headphone Amplifier is a worthy successor to the critically-acclaimed MHA100. The MHA150 contains the same feature set and performance standards but adds our new 2nd generation digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that provides support for DSD and DXD files to give access to the latest in digital music.

Like the MHA100, the MHA150 continues to take advantage of unique McIntosh technologies to create the best possible personal listening experience regardless of the headphones used. Our Autoformer technology found in our large mono and stereo amplifiers has been adapted to produce three headphone impedance ranges of 8-40, 40-150 and 150-600 Ohms so that every headphone will receive the legendary McIntosh sound quality and performance.

For enjoying DSD and DXD files, the USB input accepts PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 along with DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz. Our proprietary MCT input has also been added to the MHA150; when paired with the MCT450 SACD/CD Transport, it offers a secure DSD connection for playback of the high definition audio on SACDs.

For connecting digital devices, an optical and coaxial input are included along with the USB and MCT inputs; two analog inputs are also available. Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) brings added dimension to the music in a natural sounding way but can be turned off depending on user preferences. The MHA150 is smaller than our other amplifiers, giving additional flexibility to locate it almost anywhere in a user’s space. It’s the same width as the MB50 Streaming Audio Player and the two can be combined to start building a complete system.

The MHA150 is powerful and versatile enough to drive a pair of quality desktop or small bookshelf speakers via its 50 watt stereo speaker outputs. Our patented Power Guard® technology is included and will prevent clipping that could damage the headphones or speakers. A 5 step Bass Boost Control allows for further sound customization. The entire unit is housed in a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis that not only compliments the classic glass front panel, knobs and brushed aluminum end caps, but virtually any room decor.

• HEADPHONE POWER OUTPUT: High Selection: 1W; Normal Selection: 250mW
• HEADPHONE OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 8-40 Ohms, 40-150 Ohms, 150-600 Ohms
• TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION: 0.005%
• DYNAMIC HEADROOM: 1.5dB
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz; +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100kHz
• SENSITIVITY (BALANCED / UNBALANCED): 600mV / 300mV
• SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO: 105dB
• TONE CONTROLS: 5 Step Bass Boost Control
• HEADPHONE OUTPUT: 1 (1/4”)
• INPUTS BALANCED: 1 Stereo
• INPUTS UNBALANCED: 1 Stereo
• DIGITAL USB INPUT: 1 (accepts PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz; supports DSD64, DSD128 & DSD256; DXD352.8kHz & DXD384kHz)
• DIGITAL COAXIAL INPUT: 1
• DIGITAL OPTICAL INPUT: 1
• DIGITAL MCT (SACD) INPUT: 1
• TUBE OR SOLID STATE: Solid State
• DIMENSIONS (W X H X D): 11-1/2”(29.2cm) x 5-7/8” (14.9cm) x 18” (45.7cm)
• WEIGHT: 26.5 lbs (12 kg)

[Stahle]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I think McIntosh should have designed the MHA150 enclosure to be the same dimensions as the MCT450 so the two components would look good stacked or racked.

Or offer a whole lifestyle line with a matching tuner and CD transport. They already added the MB50 streaming audio player and the mp100 phono preamp.

[Nuz1]

I agree on the size comment. I wouldn't want to mix a 1/2 size component with a full size. So if we're supposed to match this with the MB50, does the MB50 stream DSD?

[Mfirst]

Couple of simple questions:
1) How much?
2) Given the digital inputs - why can't this be used as a DAC/digital pre-amp like the D100/D150?

-michael