MA252
The McIntosh MA252 integrates vacuum-tube preamplification with a direct-coupled solid-state output stage in an all-analogue hybrid amplifier. It delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohm speakers or 160 watts into 4 ohm speakers, with balanced, unbalanced and moving magnet phono inputs, plus a full-range subwoofer output.
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£1,178.00 initial 20% deposit then £196.33 per month for 24 months. Other finance terms available. Finance subject to status.
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The McIntosh MA252 is a hybrid integrated amplifier combining a vacuum tube preamplifier stage with a direct-coupled solid-state output stage. Its design takes visual cues from the McIntosh MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier, while the 2 12AX7a and 2 12AT7 valves are housed inside protective cages. The output stage provides 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 160 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers.
The MA252 has an all-analogue signal path with 2 unbalanced inputs, 1 balanced input and 1 Moving Magnet phono input for turntables. All 4 inputs can be assigned user-friendly names, and the bass and treble controls allow adjustment to suit personal preferences. A full-range subwoofer output is provided for connection to a powered subwoofer.
McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ connect to advanced high-current output transistors. These remove the usual amplifier warm-up period, allowing the MA252 to operate at peak condition when switched on. A control microprocessor supports system operation, while audio-grade circuit components are used throughout the design.
The solid-state output stage also allows the MA252 to use McIntosh patented Power Guard® technology, making it the first McIntosh product containing vacuum tubes to include this feature. Power Guard monitors the output signal for overdrive and makes real-time micro-adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh clipping that could damage speakers. If Power Guard activates, the 2 vacuum tubes connected to the affected audio channel or channels flash amber, then return to their normal green colour when clipping has stopped.
Additional features include Sentry Monitor™, a High Drive headphone amplifier and gold-plated speaker binding posts. The front-panel controls and supplied remote control adjust input selection, bass, treble, tone bypass, balance and input offset levels. All settings and the selected input appear on the OLED display. The amplifier is built on a polished stainless steel chassis, with a McIntosh-styled die-cast aluminium name badge attached to each side.
| Power Output per Channel | 100 Watts into 8 Ohms 160 Watts into 4 Ohms |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet) | 3.0mV |
| Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced) | 0.6V/0.3V |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.03% |
| Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet) | 80dB |
| Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level) | 97dB |
| Damping Factor | 8 Ohms: >200 4 Ohms: >10 |
| Inputs | 1 Balanced 2 Unbalanced 1 Phono MM |
| Outputs | Headphone 1/4" High Drive 1 Subwoofer (mono) |
| Tone Controls | Bass and Treble |
| Vacuum Tube or Solid State | Preamplifier: Vacuum Tube Power Amplifier: Solid State |
| 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) |
| Delivery | Free UK delivery, fully insured |
|---|---|
| Returns | 14-day returns on unopened accessories |
| Lead time | Agreed personally, finish and stock dependent |
| Warranty | 3 years warranty |
| Trade-in | Part exchange available (subject to conditions) |
| Payment | Apple Pay, Google Pay and all major cards |
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Jordan Acoustics Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker and not a lender. Credit is provided by Novuna Consumer Finance. Finance is subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply.
