Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
MI128
reviews
Manufacturer details
Electronic Specifications
- FTC Power Output Rating
- 120 W
- Power Output per Channel
- 120 W into 8 ohms
- 150 W into 4 ohms
- Number of Channels
- 8
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- 0.05%
- S/N below rated output
- 95dB
- Dynamic Headroom
- 8 ohms: 2.1dB
- 4 ohms: 3.3dB
- Damping Factor
- 8 ohms: >65
- 4 ohms: >32
- Rated Power Band
- 20Hz to 20kHz
- Frequency Response
- +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
Control
- Remote Power Control
- Yes
- Multi-Channel DB25 Cable
- N/A
Connectivity
- Speaker Binding Post Type
- 2-pole Phoenix style push-in speaker terminals
General Specifications
- Circuit Configuration
- Closed loop digital switching
- Circuit Design
- Digital
- Mono Bridge
- N/A
- Mono Parallel
- N/A
- Output Type
- Direct Coupled
- Meters
- No
- Meter Light Switch
- No
- Balanced Input
- 0
- Front Panel
- Glass with removable rack mounting ears
- Illumination
- Direct LED
- Chassis Style
- Black painted steel
- BTU Rating
- 1000 BTU/h
Weights & Dimensions
- Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
- 17-1/2" (44.45cm) (19" (48.3cm with mounting ears)) x 4-5/16" (11cm) (including feet) x 21" (53.3cm) (including front panel and cables)
- Unit Weight
- 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Shipping Weight
- 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- McIntosh products blend classic, retro aesthetics, reminiscent of their 1970s designs, with modern materials and cutting-edge internal components, offering a unique visual appeal.
- The brand's amplifiers are known for their substantial power output, often exceeding specifications, and their ability to drive a wide range of speakers across varying impedance levels due to their unique Autoformer technology.
- McIntosh offers a high degree of customization and control through features like multi-band equalizers, adjustable input sensitivity, and advanced settings accessible via dedicated apps or web interfaces.
- They distinguish themselves with a focus on long-term reliability and customer satisfaction, with products built to last for decades and supported by a dedicated dealer network.
Select products
MHT300
- Positioning: Positioned as a versatile home theater receiver in McIntosh's lineup, suitable for custom installations or standalone display.
- Description: Supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, making it ideal for modern home theaters. Unlike other McIntosh products, it offers 7.2 channel audio with expandability to 7.2.4, providing flexibility for future upgrades. This makes it perfect for users looking to integrate advanced video capabilities and immersive audio in a custom home theater setup.
MHA200
- Positioning: A compact, high-quality headphone amplifier designed for personal audio enthusiasts.
- Description: Uses vacuum tube amplification, delivering a warm and detailed sound that is distinct from solid-state amplifiers like the MC462. Its compact size and multiple impedance settings make it versatile for various headphone types.
MC462
- Positioning: A powerful stereo amplifier, offering robust performance for high-end home audio systems.
- Description: Features a Quad Balanced design with McIntosh Autoformers, providing 450 Watts per channel with low distortion. Compared to the MC1502, it offers a solid-state solution with increased dynamic headroom.
MC1502
- Positioning: A high-power vacuum tube amplifier, ideal for audiophiles seeking classic tube sound.
- Description: Delivers 150 Watts per channel using vacuum tubes, offering a rich, warm sound that contrasts with the solid-state clarity of the MC462. Its Unity Coupled Circuit ensures consistent performance across various speaker impedances.
MC901
- Positioning: A unique dual mono amplifier, combining both vacuum tube and solid-state technologies.
- Description: Integrates a 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier with a 600 Watt solid-state amplifier, providing the best of both worlds for bi-amping loudspeakers. This hybrid approach is unlike any other McIntosh product.
MC21KW
- Positioning: A flagship monoblock amplifier, representing the pinnacle of McIntosh's power amplification.
- Description: Delivers 2,000 Watts of power, making it suitable for the most demanding audio setups. Its tri-chassis design and advanced technologies like Autoformer and Power Guard set it apart from other amplifiers.
Our take on the brand
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Used
McIntosh
What if you spend more?
The MA8950 Integrated Amplifier offers 200 Watts per channel and combines McIntosh's amplification expertise and preamplifier technologies into one comprehensive stereo sound system component. It replaces the award-winning MA8900 (Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity 2017 Best Stereo Integrated Amplifier) and adds additional performance enhancements to an already outstanding stereo integrated amplifier.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 200 watts per channel regardless of speaker impedance due to its autoformer-based design
- Offers a flexible set of connections, including multiple analog and digital inputs, as well as HDMI ARC
- Includes a five-band EQ for room correction, operating in the analog domain
- Combines user-friendliness with high-end performance, with simple controls and accurate VU meters
- Delivers a large-scale, effortless sound that is both inviting and easy on the ears
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers found the remote handset and front panel controls to feel somewhat cheap
- Inputs cannot be selected directly and have to be cycled through
- A large and heavy amplifier, requiring significant space
- Not the most exciting amplifier, so people looking for sweeter sound may not like it
- Some reviewers felt it lacked rhythmic precision
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The MA8950 has more dynamics and better bass than the MA8900
- The MA8950 has a DA2 digital module, HDMI ARC, and a five band EQ adjustment, compared to the MA7200
Takeaway: The McIntosh MA8950 is a hugely impressive amplifier that shines through a thorough product execution, seamless feature integration, and enormous connectivity. This unit is perfect for users seeking high-end performance and flexibility.
Video review
Our take on the brand
At 200 Watts per channel, the 7-channel MC8207 home theater amplifier is perfectly capable of powering all the speakers in a 7.1 channel home theater to McIntosh's legendary standards. It features LED power output indicators instead of our traditional blue meters. These indicators will display the amplifier's power output just as the blue meters do but in a more understated way – making the MC8207 a perfect choice for darkened home theaters where the screen is the focal point.
In addition to 7.1 theater systems, it can also be used in 5.1 home theaters with 2 channels used to power a second zone in stereo mode. The McIntosh exclusive Dynamic Power Manager® (DPM) technology enables the MC8207 to deliver its full power into both 4 and 8 Ohm speakers, meaning it's compatible with a wide variety of home theater speakers – unlike many other high current amplifiers.
Just like our other home theater amplifiers, the MC8207 does not need cooling fans, eliminating fan noise that can interfere with the delicate nuances of a movie's soundtrack. Power Guard® will prevent potential speaker damage caused by clipping and over-driving of the amplifier. Short-circuit protection is provided by Sentry Monitor™ that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Fantastic overall sound quality with rich, powerful bass, a very musical midrange, and a clean, smooth treble response
- Beautiful cosmetic design and built like a tank
- Very black musical background
- Good sense of dynamics, pinpoint imaging, and sound staging
- Equal power into either 8 or 4-ohm loads
Product Considerations
- Cannot dim or completely turn off the front panel lights or power meters
- The chassis is very deep
- Power supply generates an audible hum, though McIntosh says that this is normal
- The XLR connectors are of the non-locking type
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- MC8207 is a lower-cost alternative to the then $9,500 MC207 flagship multi-channel amp
- MC8207 used regular coated and rolled steel, while MC207 has a solid stainless-steel chassis, covers, and heatsinks
- MC8207 has less expensive 'Ilumeter' displays instead of the expensive glowing blue analog VU meters of the MC207
- The "Meter Off" and "Watts Hold" knobs of the MC207's front panel were replaced with a single power switch on the MC8207
Takeaway: The McIntosh MC8207 offers a combination of beautiful design, impressive build quality, and excellent overall performance. It has a signature house sound consisting of a rich midrange, clean, sweet treble, and potent bass output—which is a treat for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Retains the classic McIntosh aesthetic with a sleek and timeless design
- Offers robust streaming options including Apple Airplay, Bluetooth, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect
- Amplifier section delivers 100 watts into 8 ohms and 160 watts into 4 ohms, capable of driving nearly any speaker
- Back panel is well-marked and straightforward to connect
- Has home theater passthrough port
Product Considerations
- Qobuz is not available with this unit
- Moving coil users might want a step-up transformer or phono preamp
- Users of super high-end turntables might want a better outboard phono stage
- The subwoofer output is mono and full range
- The team has had mixed experiences with HXD
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- XR100 tower speakers: MSA5500's ability to power the XR100 was only beaten in this regard by McIntosh's other more powerful standalone amplifiers
Takeaway: The MSA5500 is a great all-in-one unit to stream music with the legendary sound and build quality that McIntosh is known for. It offers a small footprint without sacrificing quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Enleum was launched as a new brand with the AMP-23R. While our legacy AMP-13R had already been praised all around the world for its performance and unique design, we pushed the boundaries to create the AMP-23R with a new circuit that truly enhances the existing performance. We have drastically improved the PCB circuit board design, chosen new internal components and upgraded our JET2 Bias design. And the reviews and awards are unanimous. The AMP-23R's physical size and footprint may be compact, but with the all new chassis and thermal heatsink design, we've launched a product that's fit for the next generation reference compact amplifier. The unique design is the DNA of our new Enleum Brand and was already awarded the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021 and iF Design Gold Award 2022. The AMP-23R proudly showcases Enleum's expertise in technology and design.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Addictive sound signature, unlike any other amp, with otherworldly instrument and voice reproduction
- Delivers serious magic with Fleetwood Deville and Klipsch Heritage speakers, revealing obscure details and creating a massive soundstage
- Dynamics for days
- Combines the qualities of a nice SET amp without the downsides, like noise or tube replacement
- Exceptional build quality and design with high-quality parts
- Only has two RCA inputs, no XLR balanced connections
Product Considerations
- Heavy speaker cables can cause the amp to tilt
- The volume dial functions as a gain dial, which may be different than what some users are accustomed to
- May not be suitable for hard-to-drive speakers in the 85db range that dip into 2–4 ohms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AMP23R offers more texture, layering, mid-bass, and vocal presence than Nagra INT
- The AMP23R is more organic, ethereal, and dynamic than Kinki Studio EXM1
- It sounds better than the Vinnie Rossi L2iSE, so long as the speakers are easy to drive
- The Enleum has more delicacy and finesse than Pass Labs and Cary Audio
- The AMP23R stacks up with the finest gear such as ampsandsound Bryce monoblocks
- Pass Labs First Watt SIT-3 offers a bit more organic, warmer presentation
Takeaway: The Enleum AMP-23R is a small but mighty integrated amplifier with a unique and addictive sound signature, and it is built with high-quality components. It's a great choice for those with sensitive speakers looking for a reference-quality system in a compact package.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A lovely, lush sounding performance that's hard to dislike and sounds smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
- A sympathetic performer, it prefers to play to its inferior partnering equipment's strengths than overly expose their weaknesses, as many hifi audio examples tend to do
- It can cater for a wide range of headphones and connections and it is a benchmark product that's highly recommended
- Zero musical flaws to report and is nearly perfect in execution
- A stunning design to the eye and ear, it is overall a wonderful addition for the perfectionist who wants the very best performance at home or even in the studio
Product Considerations
- The volume control operation lacks linearity, making it hard to make subtle changes in level
- No input selector, so one should only connect one type at once
- On some samples, the volume control is loose and wiggles in its chassis housing
- The octal AC socket is a bit of an odd choice, considering most users might prefer IEC
- The depth, snap and weight of the low end was dynamic and exciting on some recordings and less than stellar on others
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Musical Fidelity M1 HPA—the MHA200 has a lush warmness to the music that brings strings to life in a way that makes the M1 HPA sound somewhat sterile in comparison
- Vs EAR Yoshino HP-4 reference—the MHA200 was a touch brighter than the reference, though only slightly
Takeaway: The MHA200 is an enjoyable product with a rich, balanced, and powerful sound, that's more forgiving than most rivals and can be enjoyed for years to come. This headphone amp is perfect for personal listening, design, and operation that will work its magic.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lovely, lush-sounding performance that is hard to dislike, described as smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
- Creates an astonishing space and three dimensionality to the sound, reminiscent of high-end systems
- Features a rich, balanced, and powerful sound that is more forgiving than most rivals
- Superbly made and engineered with solid casework
- Largely unphased by most headphones and can drive a wide range of headphones
Product Considerations
- Volume control operation lacks linearity, making subtle changes in level difficult
- Really needs a balanced source and headphones to deliver its best performance
- Has no input switching, so balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs cannot be used simultaneously
- Lacks a remote control for volume adjustment
Takeaway: The MHA200 is a well-built headphone amplifier that delivers a refined and musical listening experience with a spacious soundstage. It is ideal for users who want a dedicated headphone amplifier and appreciate the rich sound of tubes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Tangible feeling of pure power and speed of delivery
- Clean, neutral performance
- Fulsome, fast, and fun sound
- Thrillingly responsive to the dynamics of a sound mix
- Drive needed to partner floorstanders hungry for power
Product Considerations
- Chassis depth is a considerable 533mm
- Low-end delivery may not be the best compared to some rivals
- Green/blue aesthetic might not be for everyone
Takeaway: The MI502 is a powerful and responsive amplifier suitable for various applications and it looks good. It offers clean and neutral performance, making it a great choice for someone wanting to get a new amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Packs many features into a small frame, offering an 'all-in-one' solution by integrating streaming, DAC, preamp, and amplification
- The sound quality is clear, detailed, smooth, refined, articulate, and neutral, with good soundstage and imaging
- Offers a wide array of input options (analog and digital) and streaming service compatibility, making it versatile
- Its Class D amplification (Hypex NCore) is powerful (150Wpc) and efficient, running cool compared to traditional amps
- The industrial design and aesthetics are highlighted positively, with its sleek look, swappable side panels, and user-friendly interface, enhancing its lifestyle appeal
Product Considerations
- The headphone preamp may not satisfy serious headphone enthusiasts without a dedicated amp
- There is a noted lack of bass management
- The StreamMagic app lags behind the likes of Bluesound and Yamaha MusicCast in terms of its interface
- Some reviewers found a slight softening of the bottom end
- One review notes some power supply noise in bench tests, but at inaudible levels
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Offers wider soundstage, depth, and polish than the Naim Uniti Atom, but the Naim Uniti Atom has a greater sense of musicality and tighter rhythmic fabric
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 is a versatile and attractive all-in-one system with excellent sound quality and a comprehensive feature set, making it a great choice for those seeking a simple yet high-performing audio solution. It provides a streamlined experience without sacrificing sound fidelity.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
- Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
- Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
- Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
- Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to
Product Considerations
- The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
- The front display is not a touchscreen
- Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
- The HDMI ARC connection is absent
- The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
- As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
- Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200
Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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