Nearly New - McIntosh MA252 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
All of our Nearly New products are usually customer returns or Ex Display items and they have been professionally checked by our dedicated Service Department prior to being advertised. All products are supplied with a full manufacturer’s warranty, giving you the ability to buy with confidence. Please see the description section for additional information regarding this specific product.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Box | Original - Good Condition |
| Packaging | Original - Good Condition |
| Product | Excellent Condition - Product is blemish free |
| Accessories | Complete |
A Distinctive Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
The MA252 occupies a unique position within the McIntosh range, as the brand’s first hybrid integrated amplifier. It brings together valve and solid-state technologies in a single, compact chassis, creating a design that is both visually striking and sonically engaging. Inspired by classic McIntosh amplifiers, it blends vintage character with modern engineering. The result is a product that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.
Hybrid Drive Technology
At the core of the MA252 lies its Hybrid Drive architecture, which combines a vacuum tube preamplifier with a solid-state power amplifier. The signal is first shaped by valves to introduce warmth and harmonic richness, before being amplified by a high-current transistor output stage. This approach allows it to balance musicality with control and precision. It is a carefully considered fusion of two distinct amplification philosophies.
Confident Power Delivery
Despite its relatively compact form, the MA252 delivers substantial output. It produces 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts into 4 ohms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers. Performance remains composed even at higher listening levels, maintaining clarity and control. This level of authority makes it suitable for both intimate and more expansive listening environments.
Pure Analogue Signal Path
The design remains firmly rooted in analogue principles, with no onboard digital conversion. Four inputs are provided, including balanced and unbalanced connections alongside a dedicated moving magnet phono stage. This straightforward layout ensures signal integrity is preserved throughout. It is an approach that prioritises simplicity and sonic purity over feature overload.
Tailored Sound and Ease of Use
User control is both intuitive and effective. Bass and treble tone controls allow subtle adjustments, while input naming simplifies day-to-day operation. A clear OLED display provides visual feedback, and both front panel controls and remote operation are supported. These features combine to create an experience that is both flexible and easy to manage.
Engineered for Protection and Reliability
A range of proprietary technologies ensures long-term stability and protection. Power Guard actively monitors the signal to prevent clipping, making real-time adjustments when necessary. Sentry Monitor provides fuse-less short circuit protection, safeguarding both the amplifier and connected loudspeakers. Together, these systems allow the amplifier to perform confidently under demanding conditions.
Thoughtful System Integration
The MA252 is designed to integrate seamlessly into a variety of systems. A dedicated subwoofer output enables enhanced low-frequency performance, while a high-drive headphone amplifier supports private listening. Additional features such as input level matching and tone bypass add further flexibility. It is a compact solution that adapts easily to different listening preferences.
Iconic Design with Vintage Influence
Visually, the MA252 stands apart from conventional integrated amplifiers. Exposed vacuum tubes sit prominently on top of a polished stainless steel chassis, housed within protective cages. The design draws clear inspiration from classic McIntosh products while introducing a more contemporary form factor. It is a piece that commands attention as much for its appearance as for its performance.
McIntosh MA252
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 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.
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.
Thanks to its solid state output, the MA252 is the first McIntosh product containing vacuum tubes to include our patented Power Guard® technology. Power Guard monitors the output signal for signs of over driving and makes real time micro adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh sounding clipping that could potentially damage your speakers. If Power Guard is activated, the 2 vacuum tubes connected to the affected audio channel(s) will flash an amber color; they will return to their normal green color when the clipping has stopped.
Other McIntosh technologies found in the MA252 include Sentry Monitor™, High Drive headphone amplifier and gold-plated speaker binding posts. Input selection, bass, treble, tone bypass, balance and input offset levels can be adjusted using the front panel knobs or the included remote control; all settings and input selection will be shown on the OLED display. The entire unit sits atop a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis with a classic McIntosh-styled die cast aluminum name badge attached to each side.
