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McIntosh MA252 2-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

SKU 64709
Original price £4,995.00 - Original price £4,995.00
Original price
£4,995.00
£4,995.00 - £4,995.00
Current price £4,995.00
Availability:
In stock

In Store Item Only

Whilst this line is only available in store, we do have a massive range available for delivery. Speak to one of our home audio industry expert advisors now.

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  • In Store Item Only

    Available at our Nottingham Store

  • Hassle-Free Returns Within 30 Days

    Hassle-Free Returns Within 30 Days

  • 1 Year Warranty

    1 Year Warranty for Peaceful Ownership

Unveiling McIntosh's First Hybrid Marvel

Introducing the McIntosh MA252 Integrated Amplifier, a groundbreaking hybrid that seamlessly marries vintage tube aesthetics with cutting-edge solid-state technology. Taking design cues from the legendary McIntosh MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier, the MA252 is a visual and sonic masterpiece, delivering an unparalleled audio experience.

A Symphony of Hybrid Design

The MA252 boasts a unique hybrid design, incorporating a vacuum tube preamp and a solid-state power amp. With 100 Watts into 8 Ohms and 160 Watts into 4 Ohms, this amplifier strikes the perfect balance between tube romanticism and solid-state resolution.

Acclaimed by Audiophiles

Praised by audio enthusiasts, the MA252 has earned accolades for its captivating blend of tube allure and solid-state authority. Described as a "special component by any standard," it effortlessly connects listeners to the music, embodying the true essence of a musical sound.

Unmatched Preamplifier and Output Stage

The preamplifier stage features two 12AX7a and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes, protected by stylish cages. The output stage, a direct-coupled solid-state amplifier, delivers 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers and 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers.

Analog Elegance with User-Friendly Features

Featuring an all-analog design, the MA252 includes 2 unbalanced, 1 balanced, and 1 Moving Magnet phono input for turntables. User-friendly naming of inputs simplifies control. Bass and treble tone controls allow fine-tuning, while a full-range subwoofer output enhances low frequencies.

McIntosh Signature Technologies

The MA252 showcases McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ connected to advanced high-current output transistors, eliminating warm-up time. Patented Power Guard® technology ensures real-time adjustments to prevent clipping. Additional McIntosh technologies include Sentry Monitor™, High Drive headphone amplifier, and gold-plated speaker binding posts.

Intuitive Controls and Display

Front panel knobs and the included remote control facilitate easy adjustments of input selection, bass, treble, tone bypass, balance, and input offset levels. All settings are displayed on the OLED display, ensuring an intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Elegant Chassis and Iconic Design

Resting upon a polished stainless steel chassis, the MA252 exudes elegance. Classic McIntosh-styled die-cast aluminum name badges adorn each side, showcasing a timeless design that pays homage to McIntosh's storied legacy.
  • Hybrid Design: Unique blend of vintage aesthetics and modern technology, combining vacuum tube preamplifier (12AX7a and 12AT7) with a powerful solid-state output stage.
  • Powerful Output: Delivers 100W per channel into 8 Ohms and 160W per channel into 4 Ohms, ensuring robust and efficient amplification.
  • Versatile Inputs: 2 unbalanced, 1 balanced, and 1 Moving Magnet phono input for turntables, offering flexibility in connecting multiple audio sources.
  • Analog Tone Controls: Bass and treble controls for precise audio customization, maintaining an all-analog signal path.
  • Subwoofer Output: Full-range subwoofer output for seamless integration with powered subwoofers, enhancing low-frequency performance.
  • Power Guard® Technology: First vacuum tube product with McIntosh's patented Power Guard technology, preventing clipping and protecting speakers.
  • Monogrammed Heatsinks™: Connected to high-current output transistors, eliminating warm-up time for instant peak operating condition.
  • Sentry Monitor™ and High Drive Headphone Amp: Ensures smooth system operation and accommodates headphone enthusiasts.
  • User-Friendly Controls: Adjustable settings via front panel knobs or remote control, with OLED display for easy monitoring.
  • Premium Build Quality: Polished stainless steel chassis and iconic McIntosh die-cast aluminum name badges, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship.

FeatureDetails
Power Output per Channel
100 Watts into 8 Ohms

160 Watts into 4 Ohms
Number of Channels2
Speaker Impedance4 or 8 Ohms
Rated Power Band20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion0.03%
Dynamic Headroom1.8dB
Frequency Response +0,-0.5dB20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency Response, +0, -3dB10Hz 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 Input1
Unbalanced Input2
Phono Input Moving Coil0
Phono Input Moving Magnet1 (fixed loading)
Upgradeable Digital Audio ModuleNo
Digital Coaxial Input0
Digital Optical Input0
Digital MCT (DIN) Input0
Digital USB Input0
HDMI (ARC) Input0
Balanced Variable Output0
Unbalanced Fixed Output0
Unbalanced Variable Output0
Headphone Output1/4″ High Drive
Subwoofer Output1 (mono)
AM/FM Tuner optionNo
Home Theater PassThruNo
Unbalanced Analog Connector TypeStandard
Speaker Binding Post TypeStandard
Service Port0
DIGITAL AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) TypeN/A
Digital Coaxial Input Sample RateN/A
Digital Optical Input Sample RateN/A
Digital MCT (DIN) Input Sample RateN/A
Digital USB Input Sample RateN/A
CONTROL
Tone ControlsBass and Treble
Tone Bypass and Input AssignYes
RS232 Control InputNo
Power Control Output1
Rear Panel Data Port1
Rear Panel IR Sensor InputNo
Input Level MatchYes
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Vacuum Tube or Solid State
Preamplifier: Vacuum Tube

Power Amplifier: Solid State
Output TypeDirect Coupled
Output MetersNo
Dual Layer ChassisYes
Chassis FinishPolished stainless steel
McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™Yes
Power Requirement120V 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 Weight28 lbs (12.7 kg)
Shipping Weight37 lbs (16.8 kg)

  • McIntosh MA252
  • Remote Control
  • User Manual

Delivery is made by common carrier next working day. Delivery is FREE for orders in-stock and over £100 or £9.99 for orders less than £100 or special delivery items.

Statutory Cancellation Right

You have the statutory right to cancel your order for any reason within 14 days beginning with the day you receive the item (please see clause 2 of our Conditions of Sale for the full instructions on cancellation and further information on your right of cancellation). We only accept cancellations via phone - 0115 975 8613, email - sales@superfi.co.uk or post - Superfi Returns, DB House, Rani Drive, Nottingham, NG5 1RF, United Kingdom.

Our Voluntary Returns Policy

As well as your statutory cancellation rights described above, you can return most products within 30 days of receipt of the products if the products are complete and are in an unused and undamaged condition. We only accept returns via phone - 0115 975 8613 or post - Superfi Returns, DB House, Rani Drive, Nottingham, NG5 1RF, United Kingdom.

Please note that this returns policy doesn't affect your statutory rights and therefore doesn't affect your right of cancellation as described above.

Please note that you must return each item in the same condition in which you received it. This means that new items must be returned new, unused and complete (including all accessories). Refunds for returned items that are not received in this condition, may be reduced.

Need Help?

Call us on 0115 975 8613

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