Description
McIntosh MA252 integrated 2x100W hybrid amplifier
The integrated MA252 stereo amplifier is McIntosh's first hybrid amplifier. Drawing retro influences from the legendary McIntosh MC275 tube amplifier, the MA252 combines the best of tube amplifier and transistor technology to create an ensemble that is both visually and sonically breathtaking.
The MA252 encapsulates perhaps in the best way so far the "price-quality ratio" that often pops up in Finnish hi-fi discussions. Of course, the price of the product is not insignificant, but its overall quality and the expected service life typical of a McIntosh product are downright phenomenal. In addition, the joy of owning a McIntosh product is impossible to measure in money.
"The McIntosh MA252 offers an attractive combination of the romance of tubes and the resolution and authority of transistors ... The ability to connect the listener to the music makes this amplifier special by any standard. I could happily listen to the MA252 for a long, long time." - PartTimeAudiophile
Our integrated amplifiers combine the design and performance of world-famous amplifiers and preamplifiers in one space-saving unit. No matter which McIntosh model you choose, you will be rewarded with decades of legendary McIntosh listening pleasure.
"If you're looking for a device that defines what 'musical' sounds like, the MA252 is the direct embodiment of that." - Audio Esoterica
The preamplifier of the MA252 uses two 12AX7a and two 12AT7 tubes, placed inside stylish protective cages. The power 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. As a completely pure analog model, the amplifier has two RCA inputs, one balanced XLR input and one phono input reserved for the record player suitable for MM boxes or high-voltage MC boxes. All four inputs can be given their own name for ease of use. Bass and treble tone controls help fine-tune the music to your personal preferences. There is also a subwoofer output, which you can use to connect an active subwoofer to enhance the low octaves.
"A beautifully designed amp" that has a "relaxed approach to music, yet plays with control and power". It is "pure pleasure for the ears." 5 stars. - Stereo+
Other McIntosh technologies found in the MA252 include the Sentry Monitor™, High Drive headphone amplifier and solid gold-plated speaker wire connectors. Input selection, bass, treble, tone bypass, balance and volume between inputs can be adjusted using the front panel knobs or the included remote control; all settings and input selections are displayed on the amplifier's OLED screen. All the technology sits atop a beautiful polished stainless steel body, with a classic McIntosh-style die-cast aluminum badge affixed to either side.
"The McIntosh MA252 is not only a time machine that allows you to travel back 30 or 50 years (listening to classic albums), but also takes you to the future: listening to it from morning to afternoon or from evening to night makes time fly by. It fills a 25 square meter room with sound , does his job and seems to disappear from the room." HIFI Live Magazine High Quality Award-winning - HIFI Live magazine
"Once again, McIntosh presents us with a high-quality product that upholds the brand's great philosophy. Expectations were high on our part, and from what I heard during these listening sessions, I can assure you without a doubt that McIntosh passed the test in all areas." - TED magazine
- Amplifier power: 8 Ohm / 100W per channel, 4 Ohm / 160W per channel
- Harmonic Distortion: 0.03%
- Frequency response: 10 Hz to 100 kHz
- Power consumption in standby mode: 0.5W
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 30.5 x 19.4 x 45.7 cm
- Weight: 12.7 kg
Manufacturer's product page (EN)
Founded in 1949, McIntosh can easily be said to be the world's most legendary hi-fi equipment manufacturer. All McIntosh products offer the ultimate experience in music and movies. Our iconic blue Watt power meter is recognized worldwide as a symbol of quality sound. With the help of a McIntosh home stereo system or home theater, listeners can experience their own luxurious sound experience, the rooting of which bites into the body and mind is unparalleled.
Almost all McIntosh products and components are designed and handcrafted in our Binghamton, New York factory by a team of dedicated and long-time employees with a burning passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. Since its inception, McIntosh has played a part in some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture. From President Lyndon Johnson's commencement speech at Woodstock to the Grateful Dead's famous "Wall of Sound," McIntosh hasn't just seen history, we've shaped it.