McIntosh 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 McIntosh MA252 looks like something you’d find in an art gallery, with its four vacuum tubes confined in metal cages, an illuminated glass panel, and a stylized heat sink. Top it all off with a McIntosh-green glow, and you would think this piece came straight from a movie set.

This amplifier is more than a beautiful centerpiece, though. It’s an audio powerhouse. McIntosh’s Hybrid Drive™ technology combines a vacuum tube preamplifier for musicality and warmth with a solid-state amplifier section that delivers formidable power. A large transformer and multiple filter capacitors ensure ready reserves of current to give your music lifelike detail and dynamics.

Analog connections for hi-fi sound

• This amp is strictly analog — no digital inputs or processing here. But an array of analog inputs lets you connect your audio components of choice for classic hi-fi stereo sound.

You’ll get three unbalanced RCA stereo inputs, one of which is a phono input for turntables with moving magnet cartridges. A pair of balanced RCA inputs lets you connect a high-end component like a CD/SACD player. Connect a pair of power-hungry speakers to the gold-plated binding posts: this “Mac”can handle it. If more bass is what you crave, there’s a mono subwoofer RCA output to connect your favorite sub. And for private listening, you get a High Drive headphone amplifier for your audiophile cans.

• A regulated power supply ensures stable, noise-free operation. And just in case you get carried away, McIntosh’s patented Power Guard circuit prevents amplifier clipping to protect your speakers. Built-in thermal protection and Sentry Monitor output protection circuits help prevent overheating to ensure high reliability and a long operating life.

A world-famous audio heritage, made in America

• Since its founding in 1949, McIntosh has defined the meaning of high-quality sound reproduction, while setting industry standards for superior performance and reliability. The company is based in Binghamton, New York, where its high-end components and speakers are still individually handcrafted by a team of skilled experts. This uncompromising dedication to quality has made McIntosh one of the most recognized and respected audio manufacturers in the world.

Product highlights:

• 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.03% THD
• 160 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms
• frequency response: 10 – 100,000 Hz (+0, -3dB)
• signal-to-noise ratio: 97dB (line level), 80dB (phono)
• damping factor: greater than 200 at 8 ohms, greater than 100 at 4 ohms
• Hybrid Drive technology combines a vacuum tube preamp section and a solid-state power amp section

-two 12AX7a and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes

• built-in High Drive headphone amplifier
• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™
• patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents amplifier clipping to protect speakers
• Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection circuits provide long amplifier operating life and protection against overheating
• illuminated glass front panel with long-life LED display for a beautiful appearance and long-term durability
• -front-panel display indicates source selection, volume levels and setup functions

Outputs:

• 1 set of balanced stereo XLR inputs
• 2 sets of RCA line-level stereo inputs
• RCA phono input for use with a moving magnet cartridge

Output:

• 1 pair custom McIntosh gold-plated binding-post speaker connectors
• 1/4″ headphone jack for connecting a set of low impedance dynamic headphones (20-600 ohms)
• 1 mono subwoofer RCA output

• adjustable bass and treble settings for each individual input source
• selectable tone control bypass
• Power Control output provides convenient turn-on/off of McIntosh source components
• Data Port provides remote control of connected McIntosh source componentsremote control includedInputs: