McIntosh MA8950 AC Black Edition with DA2-DAC-Modul

MA8950 AC Black Edition

With the MA8950 AC Black Edition, McIntosh presents a strictly limited special edition of its multi-award-winning integrated amplifier. This exclusive version is available only from Audio Components and authorized dealers in Germany and Austria and is aimed at music lovers who want to combine uncompromising sound quality with a striking design statement.

Special features of the Black Edition

• Strictly limited special edition
• Black glass front & black side panels
• Individually numbered and hand-signed by Charlie Randall
• Available with or without DA2 digital module

Technically, the Black Edition is based on the proven MA8950 AC, but has been visually and conceptually reinterpreted. Black side panels, a deep black glass front, and subtle dark accents give the amplifier a modern, elegant appearance. The iconic blue-illuminated VU meters provide the typical McIntosh contrast and make the unit a visual highlight in any listening environment. As a special mark of exclusivity, each unit is individually numbered and bears the handwritten signature of McIntosh President Charlie Randall – a true collector's item.

Sonically, the MA8950 AC Black Edition operates at an absolute reference level. With 200 watts of output power per channel into 2, 4, or 8 ohms, it delivers consistently high power thanks to the proven Autoformer™ technology – regardless of the connected speaker impedance. An integrated 5-band equalizer allows for precise adjustment to suit room acoustics and listening preferences, while the Monogrammed Heatsinks™ ensure efficient cooling and consistently stable operation.

A special feature of the Black Edition is the option to choose between the DA2 digital module and the DA2 module without it. The optional DA2 module represents the latest generation of McIntosh digital technology and offers a variety of high-quality digital inputs, including USB and HDMI ARC. The integrated 8-channel, 32-bit DAC in quad-balanced mode guarantees the highest precision in digital signal processing. Users who already own an external DAC – such as the DS200 AC Black Edition – can choose to forgo the digital module and operate the amplifier in purely analog mode.

The MA8950 AC Black Edition is also exceptionally well-equipped on the analog side: Six analog inputs, including a balanced XLR connector, and a high-quality MM/MC phono input with adjustable load matching make it the central hub of demanding hi-fi systems. This feature set is complemented by proven McIntosh technologies such as Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor™, Home Theater PassThru, and a powerful headphone amplifier with HXD®.

The MA8950 AC Black Edition is not a standard production model, but part of an exclusive special collection for the German-speaking market. The number of units is strictly limited – each device combines top audiophile performance, iconic design, and true collector's exclusivity.

Technical data

Output power

• 200 watts per channel at 2, 4 or 8 ohms
• Consistent performance thanks to Autoformer™ technology

Distortion & Noise

• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.005% at rated power
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 113 dB (unweighted)

Frequency response

• +0.5 dB / -3 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz

Analog inputs

• 1 × symmetrical (XLR)
• 4 × unbalanced (RCA)
• 1 × Phono MM/MC (switchable)
• Adjustable capacitance and impedance

Analog outputs

• 1 × variable (RCA)
• 1 × fixed (RCA)
• 1 × headphone output (6.3 mm jack) with High Drive & HXD®

Digital inputs (only with DA2 digital module)

• 2 × coaxial (RCA) – up to 24 bit / 192 kHz
• 2 × Optical (TOSLINK) – up to 24 bit / 192 kHz
• 1 × USB – up to 32 bit / 384 kHz, DXD384, DSD512
• 1 × MCT (McIntosh SACD interface)
• 1 × HDMI ARC (incl. CEC & volume control)

Digital converter (for DA2 module)

• 8-channel 32-bit DAC in quad balanced mode

tone control

• 5-band equalizer
• 30Hz / 150Hz / 500Hz / 1.5kHz / 10kHz
• ±12 dB

Additional functions

• Power Guard® (Overdrive Protection)
• Sentry Monitor™ (short-circuit protection with automatic reset)
• Home Theater PassThru
• High Drive headphone amplifier with Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
• Gold-plated speaker terminals
• Monogrammed Heatsinks™
• Autoformer™ technology

Dimensions & Weight

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 44.5 × 19.4 × 45.7 cm (including connections)
• Weight: approx. 34.1 kg

A notice:
If ordered without the DA2 digital module, all digital inputs are omitted. In this configuration, we recommend combining it with an external DAC, such as the DS200 AC Black Edition, which handles the digital signal processing and connects to the amplifier via an analog connection.