01 · MA5300
Six inches high
The lower chassis and direct-coupled output stage make the MA5300 easier to place than the larger Autoformer-equipped integrated amplifiers.
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The MA5300 is a solid-state integrated amplifier rated at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Its direct-coupled output stage and six-inch chassis make it one of the most compact conventional McIntosh integrated amplifiers.
Five line-level analog inputs and one moving-magnet phono input are joined by the DA1 Digital Audio Module. The DA1 provides coaxial, optical, USB, and MCT inputs and can be replaced by the DA2 module when HDMI ARC and the later digital architecture are desired.
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A compact direct-coupled McIntosh integrated
The MA5300 is a solid-state integrated amplifier rated at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Its direct-coupled output stage and six-inch chassis make it one of the most compact conventional McIntosh integrated amplifiers.
Five line-level analog inputs and one moving-magnet phono input are joined by the DA1 Digital Audio Module. The DA1 provides coaxial, optical, USB, and MCT inputs and can be replaced by the DA2 module when HDMI ARC and the later digital architecture are desired.
Bass and treble controls, Home Theater PassThru, a variable output, a subwoofer output, and HXD headphone listening allow a focused first system to develop without replacing its control center immediately.
A perspective from Pearl Audio
The MA5300 is a good reminder that a McIntosh system does not have to start with a forklift. It is only six inches high, it has a sensible collection of analog and digital inputs, and its direct-coupled amplifier gives you 100 watts into 8 ohms or 160 into 4. That is enough to build a genuinely ambitious system around the right loudspeaker.
The important caveat is the digital module. It was supplied with the DA1, and the DA2 is the upgrade if HDMI ARC or the newer converter is part of the plan. I would decide that before installation, because it is much nicer to have the television, transport, and other digital sources behave as one integrated system from the beginning.
Three things to know
The lower chassis and direct-coupled output stage make the MA5300 easier to place than the larger Autoformer-equipped integrated amplifiers.
The installed digital module can be upgraded to DA2, adding HDMI ARC and the later McIntosh DAC architecture.
The built-in phono stage uses fixed loading and is intended for moving-magnet cartridges.
The McIntosh difference
McIntosh gives its technologies names because each solves a specific problem. Here is what each one does, why it matters in a system, and what you may notice when listening.
On the MA5300
On the MA5300
On the MA5300
On the MA5300
On the MA5300
C55 OUT → MC462 IN · Explore the demonstration →
On the MA5300
Component H × W × D: 6 H × 17 1/2 W × 18 3/4 D inches Packaged H × W × D: 11 3/4 H × 26 1/2 W × 24 1/4 D inches
No. It was supplied with the DA1 module. The DA1 can be replaced by an optional DA2, which adds HDMI ARC and the later converter platform.
Its built-in phono input is for a moving-magnet cartridge with fixed loading. A low-output moving-coil cartridge requires an appropriate external phono stage or step-up solution.
No. It is a direct-coupled design rated at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
Yes. Home Theater PassThru allows a selected analog input to operate at a fixed gain under theater-processor control.
Yes. The MA5300 includes an unbalanced subwoofer output as well as a variable preamplifier output.
Yes. The MA5300 provides an unbalanced variable output. Pearl Audio can confirm gain, cable routing, and whether that output or the dedicated subwoofer connection best fits the system.
No. Its digital module provides digital inputs and conversion, not network streaming. A separate streamer can connect by USB, coaxial, optical, MCT where applicable, or analog audio.
Yes. The MA5300 was designed around a replaceable digital-audio module. This proposed page reflects the DA2-equipped Pearl Audio product configuration shown in the current product record.
The direct-coupled amplifier is rated at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms. It does not use Autoformer speaker taps.
HXD can reduce exaggerated channel separation by introducing a controlled crossfeed intended to approximate the spatial relationship of loudspeaker listening.
Allow open space around the component, keep ventilation openings clear, and leave additional room behind it for terminated speaker cables, source connections, control cables, and the power cord. Pearl Audio will confirm support and clearance during system planning.
Use the Audition control on this page, call Pearl Audio, or email us. We will confirm a private listening appointment and prepare a system appropriate for the MA5300.
The MA5300 weighs 38 lbs. McIntosh purchases begin with a Pearl Audio consultation so we can confirm loudspeaker matching, source connections, placement, ventilation, and system control.
Arrangements may be completed at the store or later by phone or email, with pickup at Pearl Audio or local delivery and installation within the Portland, Oregon service area.
The Pearl Audio Experience
A high-end audio system should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. Pearl Audio stays involved from the first audition through installation and long-term ownership.
Hear the MA5300 by appointment in one of Pearl Audio’s two professionally designed demonstration rooms, with time to compare and ask questions.
Portland-area delivery and installation help ensure that placement, connections, ventilation, and system configuration are handled with care.
Pearl Audio supports everything we sell for as long as you own it—whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or system change.
