McIntosh MA252
The MA252 Integrated Amplifier is the first hybrid integrated amplifier from McIntosh.
Taking retro design cues from the legendary McIntosh MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier, the MA252 combines the best of vacuum tube and solid state circuit design to create an amplifier that’s both visually and sonically stunning.
MA252
- 2-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
- Hybrid design: vacuum tube preamp and solid state power amp
- 100 Watts into 8 Ohms
- 160 Watts into 4 Ohms
“The McIntosh MA252 offers an alluring combination of tube romanticism and solid-state resolution and authority… The ability to connect the listener to the music makes this tube-solid state integrated a special component by any standard. I could happily listen to the MA252 for a long, long time.” – PartTimeAudiophile
“If you’re looking for a definition of a ‘musical’ sound, the MA252 is it personified.” – Audio Esoterica
The preamplifier stage uses two 12AX7a and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes housed inside stylish protective cages; the output stage is a direct coupled solid state amplifier that delivers 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers.
An all analogue design, it comes with 2 unbalanced, 1 balanced and 1 Moving Magnet phono input for turntables.
All 4 inputs can be given user-friendly names in order to simplify user control.
Bass and treble tone controls help fine tune your music to your personal preferences.
A full range subwoofer output is included for use with a powered subwoofer to further enhance low frequencies.
The MA252 features McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors.
These transistors eliminate the typical amplifier warm-up time so that the MA252 is in peak operating condition from the moment it’s turned on.
A powerful control microprocessor is used for smooth system operation, along with some of the latest audio-grade circuit components that deliver the best possible sound.
Thanks to its solid state output, the MA252 is their first product containing vacuum tubes to include their patented Power Guard® technology.
Power Guard monitors the output signal for signs of over driving and makes real time micro adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh sounding clipping that could potentially damage your speakers.
If Power Guard is activated, the 2 vacuum tubes connected to the affected audio channel(s) will flash an amber color; they will return to their normal green color when the clipping has stopped.
Other McIntosh technologies found in the MA252 include Sentry Monitor™, High Drive headphone amplifier and gold-plated speaker binding posts.
Input selection, bass, treble, tone bypass, balance and input offset levels can be adjusted using the front panel knobs or the included remote control; all settings and input selection will be shown on the OLED display.
The entire unit sits atop a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis with a classic McIntosh-styled die cast aluminum name badge attached to each side.
Specifications McIntosh MA252
Power Output per Channel
100 Watts into 8 Ohms
160 Watts into 4 Ohms
Number of Channels
2
Speaker Impedance
4 or 8 Ohms
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.03%
Dynamic Headroom
1.8dB
Frequency Response +0,-0.5dB
20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency Response, +0, -3dB
10Hz to 100kHz
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)
N/A
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)
3.0mV
Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)
0.6V/0.3V
Sensitivity (Power Amp input)
N/A
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)
N/A
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)
80dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
97dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Power Amp input)
N/A
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)
20K/20K
Damping Factor
8 Ohms: >200
4 Ohms: >100
Maximum Output (Balanced / Unbalanced)
8V Unbalanced
CONNECTIVITY
Balanced Input
1
Unbalanced Input
2
Phono Input Moving Coil
0
Phono Input Moving Magnet
1 (fixed loading)
Upgradeable Digital Audio Module
No
Digital Coaxial Input
0
Digital Optical Input
0
Digital MCT (DIN) Input
0
Digital USB Input
0
HDMI (ARC) Input
0
Balanced Variable Output
0
Unbalanced Fixed Output
0
Unbalanced Variable Output
0
Headphone Output
1/4″ High Drive
Subwoofer Output
1 (mono)
AM/FM Tuner option
No
Home Theater PassThru
No
Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
Standard
Speaker Binding Post Type
Standard
Service Port
0
DIGITAL AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type
N/A
Digital Coaxial Input Sample Rate
N/A
Digital Optical Input Sample Rate
N/A
Digital MCT (DIN) Input Sample Rate
N/A
Digital USB Input Sample Rate
N/A
CONTROL
Tone Controls
Bass and Treble
Tone Bypass and Input Assign
Yes
RS232 Control Input
No
Power Control Output
1
Rear Panel Data Port
1
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input
No
Input Level Match
Yes
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Vacuum Tube or Solid State
Preamplifier: Vacuum Tube
Power Amplifier: Solid State
Output Type
Direct Coupled
Output Meters
No
Dual Layer Chassis
Yes
Chassis Finish
Polished stainless steel
McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™
Yes
Power Requirement
120V 50/60Hz, 3.7A
Standby Power Requirement
<0.5 Watts
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
12″ (30.5cm) x 7-5/8″ (19.4cm) x 16-1/2″ (41.9cm)
Unit Weight
28 lbs (12.7 kg)
Shipping Weight
37 lbs (16.8 kg)
