McIntosh MA252 : Integrated Amplifier

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.

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 analog 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 our 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 our first product containing vacuum tubes to include our 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. Contact your local dealer to learn more.

Specifications : McIntosh MA252

• ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS

  • 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

  • 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

  • Dimensions (W x H x D)

    12″ (30.5cm) x 7-5/8″ (19.4cm) x 18″ (45.7cm)

  • Weight

    28 lbs (12.7 kg)

  • Shipping Weight

    37 lbs (16.8 kg)