Description
Key Feature
- Compact footprint: just 6-1/8″ (15.6cm) x 9-1/8″ (23.2cm)
- 4 selectable headphone impedance ranges
- Balanced and unbalanced analog inputs
- Balanced stereo or dedicated Left & Right outputs
Treat Your Headphones to McIntosh Vacuum Tube Amplification.
The MHA200 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier is designed for discerning headphone enthusiasts who demand the most from their headphones. Its versatile set of connectivity options, including balanced inputs and outputs, allows for nearly all headphone types to be connected to enjoy an extraordinary personal listening experience.
A pair of 12AT7 and 12BH7A dual triode vacuum tubes power the compact MHA200. The 12AT7 vacuum tubes amplify the incoming audio signal while the 12BH7A tubes provide the power to drive the output to your headphones with low distortion. The MHA200 uses a pair of its Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers to deliver pristine audio to your ears. Their Unity Coupled Circuit is the same technology McIntosh was founded on in 1949 and is still used in their vaunted full-size home audio vacuum tube amplifiers, such as the timeless MC275 and the more recent MC1502. Indeed, the MHA200 shares many physical design traits with the aforementioned vacuum tube amplifiers.
A wide assortment of connectivity options comes with the MHA200. For attaching your headphones, there are 3 options: a pair of 3-pin balanced XLR connectors for dedicated Left and Right balanced output; a 4-pin balanced XLR connector for balanced stereo output; and a 1/4″ stereo headphone jack.
For connecting the MHA200 to your home music system’s source components, it has 1 set each of balanced and unbalanced inputs. Thanks to the MHA200’s small size of just 6-1/8″ (15.6cm) wide x 9-1/8″ (23.2cm) deep and its balanced inputs, it can be placed close to your listening position for ease of use, with long balanced audio cables connecting it to your audio system without fear of signal loss.
The MHA200 takes advantage of unique McIntosh technologies to create the best possible personal listening experience. The Unity Coupled Circuit transformers have been adapted to produce 4 headphone impedance ranges of 32 – 100, 100 – 250, 250 – 600, and 600 – 1,000 Ohms at 500mW so that virtually every headphone can receive legendary McIntosh sound quality and performance.
McIntosh custom-designed and manufactured the output transformers to match the tube amplifier section to the headphone output section in order to ensure maximum power transfer for various headphone loads. Instead of having to adapt to the impedance of the headphones with voltage gain in the input stage, the Unity Coupled Circuit output transformers’ secondary windings ensure the full power of the MHA200 is available regardless of the impedance of your headphones. A custom, high-performance, and highly efficient toroidal power transformer with low mechanical hum and a low magnetic field, which helps reduce electrical noise, provides clean power to the amplifier.
You can select the best impedance range for your headphones via the LOAD knob. The VOLUME knob allows the MHA200 to be connected directly to music sources that only have a fixed volume output without needing a preamplifier for volume control. Conversely, if you’re using a component with variable volume output, then the VOLUME knob should be set to the center Unity Gain point and the volume controlled by the variable output component.
The MHA200 features a custom-formed stainless steel chassis with a polished mirror finish that will accentuate the glow of the vacuum tubes, making it a statement piece to display in your home and to use with pride. A vintage die-cast aluminum McIntosh name badge adorns the side of the MHA200. A Power Control input and output allow the MHA200 to turn on and off with other connected McIntosh components, such as preamplifiers, CD players, turntables, or media streamers. A protective vacuum tube cover is included.
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 500 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. Â
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 are four impedance settings to match 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.Â
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.Â
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 loudly.
