MA252 2-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
 
Includes our Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance
Vacuum tube preamplifier and solid state power amplifier
100 Watts into 8 Ohms
160 Watts into 4 Ohms
 
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 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." - Part Time Audiophile
 
"If you’re looking for a definition of a ‘musical’ sound, the MA252 is it personified." - Audio Esoterica
 
This beautifully crafted integrated amplifier includes our Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance. 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.
 
"Carved like a boat designed to surf all the waves of music." Listening to it proved it to be "fast, powerful, precise... but without losing the sublime McIntosh charm." Presented with ON Magazine Top Audio Award. - ON Magazine
 
A "beautifully designed amplifier" with a "relaxing approach to the music, but still it plays with control and power." It is "pure pleasure for the ears." Awarded 5 Stars. - Stereo+
 
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.
 
The McIntosh MA252 amplifier "is not only appealing to look at, it sounds great too. Far bigger than its size should indicate, and there is no reason to doubt the power, because it kicks hard." Awarded 5 Stars. - Lyd & Bilde
 
"The McIntosh MA252 is not only a time machine that allows you to travel 30 or 50 years ago [when listening to classic albums], but it also takes you to the future: you spend from morning to afternoon or from evening to night with it in what seems like an instant. It sonically fills 25 square meters [270 square feet], does its job and disappears from the room." Presented with HIFI Live Magazine High Quality Award. - HIFI Live Magazine
 
Specifications
 
Electronic 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
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 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 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)