McIntosh MHA50, portable headphone amplifier with DAC

The McIntosh MHA50 is a compact yet powerful portable headphone amplifier and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that lets you unleash the true quality of your audio recordings anywhere, anytime. Combining legendary McIntosh audio engineering with cutting-edge technology, the MHA50 delivers unrivaled sound quality over both wired and wireless (Bluetooth) connections. It's the ideal choice for those who value not only the accessibility of their music, but also premium sound on the go or in the workplace.

Smartphone-sized headphone amplifier with DAC
Digital inputs for iOS, Android and PC/Mac
Bluetooth input
Supports PCM up to 192kHz, DSD128, aptX

Listen to your music with McIntosh sound quality no matter where you go. Your headphones will thank you.

Almost everyone walks around with most if not all of their music library in their pocket or bag where it's readily accessible via a pair of headphones. While convenient, it probably doesn't sound as good as it could. The handheld MHA50 Portable Decoding Amplifier can make your music sound its best – and probably better than you've ever heard it before – through your wired headphones.

The MHA50 includes wired inputs for Apple ^® iOS and Android OTG ¹ devices plus Mac ^® and Windows ^® computers. ² It can also wirelessly connect to these devices via Bluetooth ^® 4.2 with support for AAC and ^Qualcomm® aptX ^™ - a technology that ensures you receive the highest possible sound quality from your Bluetooth source device. Featuring a high-performance 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), it decodes music files from almost any digital source and outputs audio that is superior to what your device alone can produce. It supports 32-bit/192kHz hi-res audio, DSD64, DSD128, DXD352.8, DXD384 files and asynchronous USB audio. Its generous 3,000 mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge when connected to a source device via Bluetooth; playback can last even longer when using the wired connections.

Comparably sized to smartphones, the MHA50 is compact and lightweight for easy portability with a beveled case that fits comfortably in your hand or pocket. Its sleek design features a glass front panel with a touch sensitive volume control knob inspired by the classic knobs found on countless McIntosh amplifiers , preamplifiers and other products. It's built primarily from durable extruded aluminum which also has some inherent noise shielding properties to help block external interference.

Two gain settings allow the MHA50 to work with all types of wired headphones from small in-ear models to large over-ear studio type designs; it can drive headphones with impedances ranging from 8-600 ohms. Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD ^® ) brings added dimension to your music in a natural sounding way and can be easily turned on and off depending on your preferences. All audio is output via a gold-plated 3.5mm jack that connects the MHA50 to your headphones. This jack can also connect to a pair of powered desktop speakers, allowing the MHA50 to serve as a desktop DAC.

The MHA50 comes complete with a luxurious leather carrying case, a Lightning to USB-A cable for Apple devices, a USB micro-B to USB micro-B cable for Android devices, a USB micro-B to USB-C OTG cable, and a USB micro-B to USB-A cable for Mac and Windows PCs. A wall mount charger with USA plug and adapter for Europe and Japan is also included. Contact your local dealer to learn more.

Headphone Output Specifications
Headphone Power Output
200mW
Headphone Output Impedance
8-600 ohms
Electronic Specifications
FTC Power Output Rating
200mW
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005%
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 50kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio
105dB
Preamplifier Output
1.8V
Connectivity
Headphone Output
3.5mm with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
Digital USB Input
2 (1 Type A, 1 micro B)
Wireless Input
Bluetooth 4.2 A2DP with support for AAC and aptX
Source Support
Apple iOS devices; Android devices (must be compatible with USB On-The-Go technology to use a wired connection); MacOS & Windows OS computers
Digital Audio Specifications
Digital USB Input Sample Rate
PCM 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit to 192kHz, DSD64, DSD128, DXD352.8, DXD384
General Specifications
Output Meters
No
Vacuum Tube or Solid State
Solid State
Power Requirements
5V DC, 0.7A
Output Type
N/A
Battery Playback Life
Up to 6 hours with Bluetooth connection; playback can last even longer when using the wired connections
Included In The Box
1 leather carrying case
1 Lightning to USB-A cable
1 USB micro-B to USB-A cable
1 USB micro-B to USB micro-B cable
1 USB micro-B to USB-C OTG cable
1 wall mount charger with USA plug and adapter for Europe and Japan
All cables are 8"/200mm long
Weights & Dimensions
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
2.7" (7cm) x 6.1" (15.5cm) x 0.6" (1.4cm)
Unit Weight
0.5 lbs (0.2 kg)
Shipping Weight
1 lb (0.5 kg)

User manual (EN)