MCINTOSH MA 252

2-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

Includes Hybrid Drive™ technology, which combines the best of vacuum tubes and solid-state technology to deliver optimal sound performance.

Vacuum tube preamplifier and solid-state power amplifier, 100 Watts into 8 Ohms, 160 Watts into 4 Ohms

The MA252 is McIntosh’s first hybrid integrated amplifier. Inspired by the retro design of the iconic McIntosh MC275 vacuum tube amplifier, the MA252 combines the best of vacuum tube and solid-state technology to create an amplifier that is both visually and sonically remarkable.

The preamplifier stage uses two 12AX7a and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes, housed in stylish protective cages, while the output stage is a direct-coupled solid-state amplifier delivering 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers. With a fully analog design, it includes 2 unbalanced inputs, 1 balanced input, and 1 Moving Magnet phono input for turntables. All 4 inputs can be assigned custom names for easier user control. Tone controls for bass and treble allow users to fine-tune their sound preferences. It also features a full-range subwoofer output for use with a powered subwoofer to enhance low frequencies. The MA252 is equipped with McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ connected to powerful high-current output transistors, which eliminate typical amplifier warm-up times, ensuring the MA252 is in peak condition as soon as it's powered on.

Thanks to its solid-state output, the MA252 is the first vacuum tube product to include McIntosh’s 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 clipping that could damage the speakers. When Power Guard is activated, the two vacuum tubes linked to the affected channel(s) will flash amber; they return to green once clipping stops. Additional McIntosh technologies 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 via the front panel knobs or the included remote control; all settings and input selection are displayed on the OLED screen. The unit is housed in a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis with McIntosh-styled die-cast aluminum nameplates on each side.

Technical specifications:

• FTC Power Output Rating: 100 W
• Power Output per Channel: 100 W into 8 ohms, 160 W into 4 ohms
• Number of Channels: 2
• Rated Power Band: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.03%
• Frequency Response +0, -0.5 dB: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Frequency Response +0, -3 dB: 10 Hz to 100 kHz
• Phono Sensitivity (Moving Coil): N/A
• Phono Sensitivity (Moving Magnet): 3.0 mV
• High Level Sensitivity (Balanced/Unbalanced): 0.6 V / 0.3 V
• Power Amp Input Sensitivity: N/A
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Moving Coil): N/A
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet): 80 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (High Level): 97 dB
• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced): 20K / 20K
• Damping Factor: 8 ohms >200, 4 ohms >100
• Maximum Output (Balanced / Unbalanced): 8 V Unbalanced
• Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 30.5 cm x 19.4 cm x 41.9 cm
• Unit Weight: 12.7 kg