McIntosh MI254, 4-channel power amplifier

The McIntosh MI254 is a versatile 4-channel digital amplifier designed for multi-zone audio distribution, home theater systems, and stereo music playback. Using advanced Class D architecture and powerful power supplies, the MI254 delivers up to 300W into 4 ohms, ensuring high dynamic range and high sound quality even in complex installations. Its compact dimensions and included mounting hardware make it ideal for rack-mounting (2U height).

Power: 250 W into 8 Ω; 300 W into 4 Ω (per channel)
Number of channels: 4
Frequency range: +0, -0.9 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio (at rated power): 100dB
Damping factor: 8 ohms: >85; 4 ohms: >45

The MI254 4-Channel Digital Amplifier is a versatile multi-channel amplifier ideal for use in distributed audio, home theater or 2-channel stereo playback. It delivers 250 Watts into 8 Ohm speakers or 300 Watts into 4 Ohm speakers via its highly sophisticated closed loop digital switching amplifiers. These amplifiers are paired with extremely robust power supplies that produce performance levels rarely achieved in distributed audio.

It has installer-friendly physical dimensions and is 2U rack mountable via the included mounting ears (the mounting ears are removable for non-rack installations). As a highly efficient Class D amplifier, it does not require noisy cooling fans to maintain nominal operating temperature. In addition to distributed audio use, the MI254 is well suited for home theaters to drive surround sound speakers and could be integrated into virtually any existing home theater system.

On the front panel are two blue McIntosh Watt Meters that display the summed power output of channels 1 + 2 and channels 3 + 4. Multi-color LED indicators display the status of each channel. The back panel includes both a balanced and unbalanced input for each channel along with our standard 5-way speaker binding posts.

Other features that come with the MI254 are: Power Guard ^® signal overload technology that prevents overdriving the speakers ; our Sentry Monitor ^™ short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal; BUS input & outputs to easily distribute a stereo signal to multiple outputs and/or multiple amplifiers; individual channel inputs; 12 Volt triggering capabilities; and eco-friendly on/off signal sensing that turns the unit off if no input signal has been detected for a set amount of time or automatically turns the amp on when it senses a signal.

The MI254 includes many McIntosh design cues including a black glass front panel, blue Watt meters, an illuminated McIntosh logo, and a familiar form factor highlighted by silver trim. Contact your local dealer to learn more about integrating the MI254 into your custom audio installation.

Electronic Specifications

• FTC Power Output Rating

  250W

• Power Output per Channel

  250 W into 8 ohms
  300 W into 4 ohms

• Number of Channels

  4

• Total Harmonic Distortion

  0.025%

• S/N below rated output

  100dB

• Dynamic Headroom

  8 ohms: 2.5dB
  4 ohms: 3.5dB

• Damping Factor

  8 ohms: >85
  4 ohms: >45

• Rated Power Band

  20Hz to 20kHz

• Frequency Response

  +0, -0.9dB from 20Hz to 20kHz

Control

• Remote Power Control

  Yes

• Multi-Channel DB25 Cable

  N/A

Connectivity

• Speaker Binding Post Type

  Standard

General Specifications

• Circuit Configuration

  Closed loop digital switching

• Circuit Design

  Digital

• Mono Bridge

  N/A

• Mono Parallel

  N/A

• Output Type

  Direct Coupled

• Meters

  Yes

• Meter Light Switch

  No

• Balanced Input

  4

• 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

  23.5 lbs (10.7 kg)

• Shipping Weight

  40 lbs (18.1 kg)

User manual (EN)