McIntosh MA352 Integrated Amplifier

Hybrid integrated amplifier with a vacuum tube preamplifier, 200 Wpc into 8 ohms, and a five-band analog equalizer

The McIntosh MA352 combines a vacuum tube preamplifier with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier in a fully analog integrated design. Its preamp section uses two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes, while the output stage delivers 200 Wpc into 8 ohms or 320 Wpc into 4 ohms, giving the MA352 the power to drive a wide range of loudspeakers.

Six analog inputs include two balanced, three unbalanced, and one Moving Magnet phono input with adjustable loading. A stereo preamp output allows the MA352 to feed an external power amplifier or connect one or two powered subwoofers, while Home Theater PassThru makes it easier to incorporate the amplifier into a multichannel system.

A five-band analog equalizer provides ±12 dB of adjustment at each frequency band, with tone bypass available when no correction is required. McIntosh High Drive headphone circuitry with Headphone Crossfeed Director is also included for private listening.

The MA352 incorporates McIntosh Power Guard to monitor the output signal and help prevent clipping, along with Sentry Monitor protection and Monogrammed Heatsinks connected to the high-current output transistors. Dual-scale blue watt meters provide power-output indication for both 4- and 8-ohm loudspeaker loads.

Features

Hybrid Drive Design

The MA352 pairs a vacuum tube preamplifier with a solid-state power amplifier. Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes handle preamplification, while the direct-coupled transistor output stage provides the current and power required for demanding loudspeakers.

200 Wpc Into 8 Ohms

The solid-state output stage delivers 200 Wpc into 8-ohm loudspeakers and 320 Wpc into 4-ohm loads, with dual-scale watt meters providing output readings for both impedances.

Moving Magnet Phonostage

A dedicated Moving Magnet phono input allows a turntable to connect directly to the MA352. Adjustable loading provides additional flexibility for matching different MM cartridges.

Five-Band Analog Equalizer

Five analog tone-control bands can each be adjusted by ±12 dB, allowing broad tonal correction for recordings, loudspeakers, or room acoustics. The equalizer can also be bypassed.

Power Guard

McIntosh Power Guard monitors the amplifier’s output signal and makes real-time adjustments to the input when necessary to prevent clipping that could otherwise produce harsh distortion or damage loudspeakers.

Sentry Monitor

Sentry Monitor provides fuse-less protection for the output stage, disengaging it if 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 assist thermal management and reduce warm-up time.

High Drive Headphone Amplifier

The front-panel headphone output incorporates McIntosh High Drive circuitry and Headphone Crossfeed Director technology for dedicated headphone listening.

Home Theater PassThru

Home Theater PassThru allows the MA352 to be integrated into a multichannel system while retaining its normal role as a dedicated two-channel integrated amplifier.

What’s Included

• McIntosh MA352 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: 200 Wpc into 8 ohms; 320 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: 1.5 dB

Moving Magnet Input Sensitivity: 2.5 mV

High-Level Input Sensitivity: 0.5 V balanced; 0.25 V unbalanced

Moving Magnet Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 93 dB

High-Level Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 93 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: 2

Unbalanced Inputs: 3

Phono Inputs: 1 Moving Magnet with adjustable loading

Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 1

Subwoofer Outputs: 2

Headphone Output: 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director

Tone Controls: Five-band analog equalizer, ±12 dB per band

Tone Bypass: Yes

Input Level Matching: Yes

Home Theater PassThru: Yes

Output Type: Direct coupled

Output Meters: Yes

RS232 Control: Yes

Power Control Outputs: 1

Data Ports: 2

IR Sensor Input: Yes

Service Port: 1

Chassis: Dual-layer polished stainless steel

Power Requirement: 120 V, 50/60 Hz, 6 A

Standby Power Consumption: Less than 0.5 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 9-7/8" × 17-1/2" × 17-7/16" (25.1 × 44.5 × 44.3 cm)

Weight: 66 lb. (29.9 kg)