Audio Video News

McIntosh today announced a portable decoding amplifier designed to bring quality sound to on-the-go music lovers and listeners who want to improve the sound of PC-based music libraries.

Due out in October, the smartphone-size MHA50 ($700) is built around a high-performance 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that supports 192-kHz/32-bit hi-res audio, DSD256 and DXD384 files, and asynchronous USB audio. The mini amp has USB Type A and Micro B inputs for Apple iOS devices and Android devices that support USB On-The-Go technology as well as Mac and Windows PCs and can connect to devices wirelessly via aptX-enabled Bluetooth 4.1.

All audio is output via a gold plated 3.5mm jack, allowing to the amp to serve as a desktop DAC when connected to powered desktop speakers.

The MHA50 can drive headphones with impedances ranging from 8 to 600 ohms, according to McIntosh, and two gain settings ensure compatibility with all types of headphones, including in-ear models. A defeatable Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) listening mode is said to add a natural sounding dimension to music.

A 3,000 mAh rechargeable battery is said to provide up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge when connected via Bluetooth and longer when using a wired connection.

The MHA50 comes with three USB adapter cables, a leather carrying case, and a wall-mount charger.

For more information, visit mcintoshlabs.com.