McIntosh has launched its next-generation high-resolution home audio system, the MXA80.

The MXA80 is a compact, yet luxurious, package designed to deliver uncompromising sound quality in today’s city living spaces.

City living

I have lived in my fair share of tiny flats in London since moving here in 2004. When space is a premium it is difficult to rationalise large floor-standing speakers and full-sized Hi-Fi components.

This is where the trade-off between audio quality and space can rear its head.

For a number of years, I utilised Musical Fidelity’s diminutive V90 range. Those looking for a no-compromise compact audio solution might be more interested in the McIntosh MXA80.

McIntosh MXA80

Since its inception, McIntosh has been powering some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture.

The company’s new MXA80 Integrated Audio System promises a luxurious home audio system featuring next-generation technology.

Design

The MXA80 proudly retains McIntosh’s legendary 1950s styling. The entire unit is housed in a beautiful stainless steel chassis that not only compliments the famous fibre-optic-illuminated McIntosh glass front-panel, retro knobs and brushed aluminium end caps, but any room décor.

Fully equipped for the HD age, it features a high-resolution-compatible digital to analogue converter (DAC). This enables a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops, to connect and benefit from McIntosh’s legendary audiophile-grade sound quality.

The system features a high-performance 50-watt stereo amplifier. This has been miniaturised for the space-saving chassis.

It also includes a pair of specially designed aluminium chassis two-way desktop speakers.

Inputs

The MXA80’s four digital inputs make it easy to connect smart devices and everyday home tech to the system. Two additional analogue inputs cater for existing home audio equipment.

The MXA80’s four digital inputs make it easy to connect smart devices and everyday home tech to the system. Two additional analogue inputs cater for existing home audio equipment.

High-res audio

The MXA80 is fully compatible with today’s high-resolution audio formats.

You can rest assured that this goes all the way to studio-grade quality music files (32-bit/384kHz).

The compact system also supports DSD and DXD files, adding useful future-proofing for today’s digital streaming.

Headphones

For personal listening sessions, the dedicated headphone amplifier promises to yield the best possible performance no matter your choice of cans or IEMs.

McIntosh’s proprietary Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) brings added dimensionality to headphone-listening. This is teamed with their unique Power Guard technology that prevents the unwanted clipping that can lead to speaker and headphone damage.

Add phono and streaming

Additionally, vinyl lovers can add McIntosh’s similarly sized MP100 Phono Preamplifier to connect turntables.

Finally, there is also McIntosh’s new MB50 Streaming Audio Player module that enables full high-resolution digital streaming.

Both are available separately.

Pricing and availability

The MXA80 costs £7,500.

You can order now from http://www.jordanacoustics.co.uk.