McIntosh MA252 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier

Hybrid integrated amplifier with a vacuum tube preamplifier, direct-coupled solid-state output stage, and 100 Wpc into 8 ohms

The McIntosh MA252 is a hybrid integrated amplifier combining a vacuum tube preamplifier with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier. Its preamp stage uses two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes, while the transistor output stage delivers 100 Wpc into 8-ohm loudspeakers and 160 Wpc into 4-ohm loads.

The MA252 is an entirely analog design with four inputs: one balanced, two unbalanced, and one Moving Magnet phono input. A full-range mono subwoofer output allows a powered subwoofer to be added without requiring an external crossover or additional preamplifier output.

The exposed vacuum tubes sit in protective cages above the polished stainless-steel chassis, giving the MA252 a layout that takes visual cues from McIntosh’s MC275 tube amplifier. McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks are connected to the high-current output transistors, allowing the solid-state output stage to reach normal operating condition without the warm-up time associated with vacuum tube power stages.

Power Guard monitors the output signal and makes real-time adjustments to the input when necessary to prevent clipping. If Power Guard activates, the two vacuum tubes associated with the affected channel flash amber and return to their normal green illumination once clipping has stopped.

Features

Hybrid Drive Design

The MA252 combines a vacuum tube preamplifier with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier, using two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes in the preamp section.

100 Wpc Into 8 Ohms

The solid-state output stage delivers 100 Wpc into 8-ohm loudspeakers and 160 Wpc into 4-ohm loads.

All-Analog Connectivity

Four analog inputs include one balanced, two unbalanced, and one Moving Magnet phono input, keeping the MA252 focused on analog source components.

Moving Magnet Phonostage

A dedicated Moving Magnet phono input allows a compatible turntable to connect directly to the amplifier without requiring an external phonostage.

Power Guard

Power Guard monitors the output signal for overdrive and dynamically adjusts the input level when necessary to prevent clipping and potential loudspeaker damage.

Sentry Monitor

Sentry Monitor provides fuse-less short-circuit protection, disengaging the output stage before current exceeds safe operating limits and automatically restoring operation when conditions return to normal.

Monogrammed Heatsinks

McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks are connected to the high-current output transistors to provide efficient thermal management and eliminate the typical warm-up period of a solid-state output stage.

Subwoofer Output

A full-range mono output provides a straightforward connection for a powered subwoofer.

High Drive Headphone Amplifier

The front-panel 1/4" High Drive headphone output provides dedicated amplification for headphone listening.

Bass and Treble Controls

Independent bass and treble controls allow tonal adjustment for recordings, loudspeakers, or personal preference and can be bypassed when not required.

What’s Included

• McIntosh MA252 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier
• Remote control
• AC power cord

Specifications

Type: Hybrid integrated amplifier

Channels: 2

Preamplifier: Vacuum tube

Power Amplifier: Solid state

Vacuum Tubes: 2 × 12AX7A, 2 × 12AT7

Power Output: 100 Wpc into 8 ohms; 160 Wpc into 4 ohms

Rated Power Band: 20 Hz–20 kHz

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/–0.5 dB; 10 Hz–100 kHz (+0/–3 dB)

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.03%

Dynamic Headroom: 1.8 dB

Moving Magnet Input Sensitivity: 3 mV

High-Level Input Sensitivity: 0.6 V balanced; 0.3 V unbalanced

Moving Magnet Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80 dB

High-Level Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 97 dB

Input Impedance: 20 kΩ balanced; 20 kΩ unbalanced

Damping Factor: Greater than 200 into 8 ohms; greater than 100 into 4 ohms

Maximum Output: 8 V unbalanced

Balanced Inputs: 1

Unbalanced Inputs: 2

Phono Inputs: 1 Moving Magnet with fixed loading

Subwoofer Outputs: 1 mono

Headphone Output: 1/4" High Drive

Tone Controls: Bass and treble

Tone Bypass: Yes

Input Level Matching: Yes

Output Type: Direct coupled

Output Meters: No

Power Control Outputs: 1

Data Ports: 1

Chassis: Polished stainless steel

Power Requirement: 120 V, 50/60 Hz, 3.7 A

Standby Power Consumption: Less than 0.5 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 7-5/8" × 12" × 16-1/2" (194 × 305 × 419 mm)

Weight: 28 lb. (12.7 kg)