McIntosh MA252 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier 2x100W (8 ohms) with Tube Preamp & MM Phono Stage

The McIntosh MA252 is a hybrid integrated amplifier delivering 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms. It was McIntosh's first hybrid design, pairing a vacuum tube preamplifier stage with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier, an arrangement McIntosh calls Hybrid Drive. Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes handle the preamplifier duties, each housed in its own protective cage, and the styling takes its cues from the MC275 tube amplifier.

Four inputs cover one balanced XLR, two unbalanced RCA and a moving magnet phono stage, all of which can be given custom names from the front panel. An OLED display shows input selection and settings, and bass, treble, balance, tone bypass and per-input level offset are adjustable from the panel or the supplied remote. Power Guard monitors the output for overdriving and makes real-time corrections to prevent harsh clipping, flashing the affected channel's tubes amber while it works, with Sentry Monitor protecting the output stage alongside it.

Key Features

• 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 160 watts into 4 ohms
• Hybrid Drive tube preamplifier with solid-state output stage
• Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes in protective cages
• Moving magnet phono input for turntable connection
• One balanced XLR and two unbalanced RCA inputs
• Custom input naming from the front panel
• OLED display with input and setting readout
• Power Guard with amber tube indication on clipping
• Sentry Monitor output stage protection
• High-drive 1/4 inch headphone amplifier
• Mono full-range subwoofer output
• Polished stainless steel dual-layer chassis

Warranty

This product comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty.

Why Consider the McIntosh MA252

The hybrid arrangement is the reason to choose the MA252 over either a pure tube or a pure solid-state amplifier. The tube stage sits where it influences tone, in the preamplifier, while the solid-state output stage supplies the current and damping factor that loudspeakers actually need, and the monogrammed heatsinks mean there is no warm-up period before the amplifier performs. At 12 inches wide it is also considerably smaller than most McIntosh components, which makes it practical in rooms where a full-width chassis will not fit.

Ideal For

• Listeners wanting tube character with solid-state loudspeaker control
• Vinyl systems using moving magnet cartridges
• Smaller rooms where a full-width chassis will not fit
• Analogue-only systems with no digital sources required
• A first step into McIntosh ownership

What's in the Box

• McIntosh MA252 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
• Vacuum tubes fitted
• Remote control
• Power cable
• Owner's manual

Downloads

• Owner's Manual (PDF)
• Product Brochure (PDF)

Technical Specifications