[jwbrent]

The features on the newest ES Sabre are not something McIntosh uses. I don’t think you’ll see a change until it’s a sonic improvement over a feature improvement.

The extruded Aluminum body looks great. The cosmetics over all are good but I agree the 2 plastic end caps are less than what you’d expect from McIntosh. The reviewers and I agree that had the end caps been made of aluminum and precision fit like normal McIntosh products it would be significantly more impressive. It sounds great, it works great but that little bit of untidiness is a bummer

Well, I presume it is made in China, hence plastic end caps to hit a price point. I look forward to some comments by new owners/reviewers.

This is on my to buy list, so I’ll come by for a visit in January depending on the feedback. Thanks.

 

[TSAVJason]

The previous Italian CEO made the call to use plastic .... he is famous for the Swatch. So he felt McIntosh HP buyers wouldn’t mind. The current CEO would have never let that happen

 

[WindyCity Mike]

Looks like a very tempting proposition. I’ve been holding out to find something that has the right balance of sound and simplicity to use on the go with my Apple devices. From a wired perspective, very glad to see no need for the camera connection kit. However, is anyone able to confirm that it supports the AAC Bluetooth codec as it doesn’t say in the specs? Unfortunately, I understand that Apple currently does not support AptX for iOS. Many thanks.

 

[P.Car]

Unrelated question: Have Apple and McIntosh ever had legal issues over their company names? Copyright infringement etc.

Apple asked McIntosh if they could use the same name before they used it as McIntosh has been around well before (1949 I believe) the computer company ever existed. McIntosh was nice enough to let hem use the name so there has never been an issue. It always helps to ask permission first...

Does anyone have any impressions on this device?

I am definitely interested but I want to hear what folks think if anyone has had a chance to listen.

I would be pairing with Audeze LCD-4Z and Focal Clear.

 

[CoryGillmore]

Apple asked McIntosh if they could use the same name before they used it as McIntosh has been around well before (1949 I believe) the computer company ever existed. McIntosh was nice enough to let hem use the name so there has never been an issue. It always helps to ask permission first...

Does anyone have any impressions on this device?

I am definitely interested but I want to hear what folks think if anyone has had a chance to listen.

I would be pairing with Audeze LCD-4Z and Focal Clear.

Wow! And here I was thinking surely Apple was around first! Thanks! Now you know damn well had it been the other way around...there wouldn't be a Mcintosh audio company right now haha

 

[TSAVJason]

Apple asked McIntosh if they could use the same name before they used it as McIntosh has been around well before (1949 I believe) the computer company ever existed. McIntosh was nice enough to let hem use the name so there has never been an issue. It always helps to ask permission first...

Does anyone have any impressions on this device?

I am definitely interested but I want to hear what folks think if anyone has had a chance to listen.

I would be pairing with Audeze LCD-4Z and Focal Clear.

Nice enough but at a fee. Apple paid McIntosh $50k to be sure everybody was happy. It wasn’t actually a conflict since Apple is “Macintosh” v “McIntosh”. What is funny is people asking me if Apple makes McIntosh Audio products.

 

[P.Car]

What is funny is people asking me if Apple makes McIntosh Audio products.

Yeah, that is funny. I'm a bit of a McIntosh freak as my father used to work for them and I grew up in Upstate NY somewhat close to the factory.

I definitely have Mac gear in my rack...

Can't help it.

 

[TSAVJason]

Wow! And here I was thinking surely Apple was around first! Thanks! Now you know damn well had it been the other way around...there wouldn't be a Mcintosh audio company right now haha

Nope! Apple is a baby in age by comparison to McIntosh

 

[TSAVJason]

Yeah, that is funny. I'm a bit of a McIntosh freak as my father used to work for them and I grew up in Upstate NY somewhat close to the factory.

I definitely have Mac gear in my rack...

Can't help it.

We are 1 or 2 McIntosh Reference dealers in the country (top tier) and have been for 20 years. I’m in Binghamton about 4 times a year. I was going to go a couple days before CanJam NYC this year but it looks like a snow flurry is coming in

 

[P.Car]

Very cool!

It was a shame when they were bought out the first time around.

Then yet again by Fine Sounds I believe.

It's a shame but families don't sit around their radios listening like back in the day and HiFi is no longer what it used to be in this country.

But, I am glad they survived.

It's definitely a great company and I love that they are still in the same location 70 years later.

Can't really say that about many companies.

 

[Dobrescu George]

Makes me curious to try this one and see how it compares to other products, like iFi iDSD BL

 

[Earbones]

A place near me sells the MHA50... Dunno if they have one to audition though. I haven’t ANY reviews of this device...

 

[Dobrescu George]

A place near me sells the MHA50... Dunno if they have one to audition though. I haven’t ANY reviews of this device...

There aren't any reviews out AFAIK

If you need something, I think I know a hand of items that could fit the bill quite well, until there will be reviews on this one

 

[heathdwatts]

Introducing the New
MHA50 Portable Decoding Amplifier
Now available to order
at your local dealer.
Shipping expected to begin in October.
US MSRP: $700*






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

Nearly 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 likely doesn’t sound as good as it could. The new handheld MHA50 Portable Decoding Amplifier from McIntosh can make your music sound its best – and likely better than you’ve ever heard it before – through your headphones.



MHA50 shown with MHP1000 Headphones (each sold separately).

The MHA50 includes wired inputs for Apple®iOS devices, Android devices compatible with USB On-The-Go technology plus Mac® and Windows® computers. It can also wirelessly connect to these devices via Bluetooth® 4.1 with aptX™ 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, DSD256 and DXD384 files as well as asynchronous USB audio. Its 3,000 mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge when connected via Bluetooth; playback can last even longer when using the wired connections.



The MHA50 comes complete with three USB adapter cables to connect various devices, a leather carrying case, and a wall mount charger. Click here for full details and specifications on the MHA50 or contact your local dealer to learn more.

Hi. Will the MHA50 bypass the DAC on older Apple products such as an iPod Classic 160 GB. Have you seen the specs or tests on the MHA50? I'd like to compare it with my current amps before I consider buying one. Thanks!

 

[bahamot]

Review by Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marksp...he-superb-mcintosh-mha50-headphone-amplifier/