McIntosh MHA50 “Portable Decoding Amplifier”…or DAC/headphone amp to you

New unit offers wireless connectivity to devices via aptX Bluetooth 4.1 

McIntosh has announced its first Portable Decoding Amplifier (DAC/headphone amp) the MHA50.

Wired inputs are available for iOS, Mac and Windows computers plus Android devices compatible with On-The-Go USB technology. Wireless connectivity is via Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX technology.

The MHA50 supports 32bit/192kHz, DSD256 and DXD384 files plus asynchronous USB audio. The MHA50’s 3,000 mAh rechargeable battery provides up to six hours of Bluetooth playback from a single charge with even more time from wired connections.

Its features a glass front panel with a touch-sensitive volume control knob and is built primarily from durable extruded aluminium which “…benefits from noise-shielding properties to help block external interference,” said the company.

Two gain settings allow the MHA50 to work with all types of headphones from small in-ear models to large over-ear designs, driving headphones with impedances ranging from 8-600 ohms.

McIntosh’s proprietary Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) technology is featured while audio is output via a gold-plated 3.5mm jack which can also be used to connect to powered (active) desktop speakers, allowing the MHA50 to serve as a desktop DAC.

The MHA50 comes complete with three USB adapter cables to connect various devices, a leather carrying case and a wall-mount charger with a USA plug and adapters for Europe and Japan. The MHA50 is priced at £895.

For more information, call 01202 911886 or click www.jordanacoustics.co.uk