McIntosh MA252
McIntosh hybrid integrated amplifier, combining valve preamplification with a transistor output stage, for a demanding stereo system.
Description
The MA252 marks McIntosh's entry into the hybrid integrated amplifier category. It combines a valve preamplification stage with a solid-state output stage, an architecture new to the American brand, drawing inspiration here from its MC275 valve amplifier.
The preamplifier relies on four valves, two 12AX7a and two 12AT7, housed in protective cages. The solid-state, direct-coupled output stage delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, or 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms. The high-current output transistors, paired with McIntosh monogrammed heatsinks, eliminate the usual warm-up time of valve amplifiers: the MA252 is ready to use as soon as it is switched on. A control microprocessor manages the entire operation of the system.
Connectivity includes two unbalanced phono inputs, a balanced input and a moving magnet input, all of which can be renamed from the front panel or the supplied remote control. Bass and treble controls allow tonal adjustment, and a subwoofer output allows the addition of a subwoofer. The speaker terminals are gold-plated.
The MA252 features Power Guard technology, which continuously monitors the signal to protect the speakers against clipping; its activation is indicated by an orange flicker of the two valves on the affected channel. The unit also has Sentry Monitor and the Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) circuit.
This model is aimed at enthusiasts wishing to combine the sonic warmth associated with valves and the stability of a transistor output stage, in a stereo system driving 8 or 4 ohm speakers, with the option of adding a subwoofer.
What to check before buying used
The 12AX7a and 12AT7 valves wear with hours of use: microphonics, excessive hiss or a loss of gain on one channel indicate tired valves that will need replacing. Also check that the control microprocessor and remote control are working correctly, as well as the condition of the phono input contacts and the front panel selector. A check of the power output on both channels rules out any imbalance in the solid-state stage.
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