McIntosh MHA200

Classic McIntosh style, warmth, and power for your headphones

Few phrases will melt an audiophile's heart like the term "McIntosh tube amp." And now the company has built one for high-end headphones. The MHA200 desktop headphone amp sports four glass tubes — two to amplify the incoming signal, two for the output stage — illuminated in McIntosh's legendary emerald hue.

This amp is strictly analog, so there are no digital inputs or DACs built-in. It's designed to deliver a 500mW of power to any set of wired headphones with an impedance of 32 ohms or greater, including those with a super-high impedance. Next to the tubes, two large transformers work in tandem to keep the power clean, even, and in full effect.

McIntosh's conversation-piece style

This amp is larger than most portable or desktop amps, but not too big to fit into the average workspace. The base has roughly the same dimensions as a hardcover book and the amp is about as tall as a stack of four or five novels. But while it takes up less space on your desk, those gorgeous glowing green tubes will visually dominate the room.  

The chassis is made from folded stainless steel with a mirrored finish that accentuates the sparkle of the tubes. It also makes for a robust foundation along with the die cast aluminum panel and removable protective grille for the tubes. But connect a pair of high-performance headphones and this amp will do more than just grab your attention.

Works well with all types of headphones

What's your headphone ritual? Reclined, drink in-hand, eyes closed, with a set of over-ear cans on? A nice pair of IEMs shutting out the world while you sip coffee and work? The MHA200's impedance (load) dial ensures that the amp delivers just the right amount of power to any set of headphones. There's four impedance settings to match up to your 'phones — ranges of 32-100, 100-250, 250-600, and 600-1000 ohms.

On the front panel, there's a 1/4" stereo headphone jack along with a stereo XLR 4-pin balanced output and balanced left and right 3-pin XLR outputs. The transformers are designed to adapt and deliver full power, regardless of the headphones you use. And the glass tubes provide that classic warm sonic aesthetic to your tunes. 

Balanced and unbalanced inputs

The back panel features balanced 3-pin XLR and unbalanced RCA audio inputs for connecting a music source, preamp, or DAC. There's no knob or switch that can switch between the input options the source, so you'll have to connect only one at a time. You can connect components with a fixed or variable volume output — and use the front panel volume knob when needed. 

PSA: turn it down before you turn it up

Here's a pro tip: always turn the  load knob to the lowest gain setting and lower the volume when you connect new headphones. That will help prevent this workhorse from overpowering your headphone drivers. Plus it can help protect your ears — this amp is capable of playing very loud. 

A world-famous audio heritage, made in America

Since its founding in 1949, McIntosh has defined the meaning of high-quality sound reproduction, while setting industry standards for superior performance and reliability. The company is based in Binghamton, New York, where its high-end components and speakers are still individually handcrafted by a team of skilled experts. This uncompromising dedication to quality has made McIntosh one of the most recognized and respected audio manufacturers in the world.