McIntosh MA252

McIntosh MA252 – Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

The McIntosh MA252 is a 2-channel Hybrid Drive integrated amplifier that combines the musical character of a vacuum-tube preamplifier with the power and control of a direct-coupled solid-state output stage. The preamplifier section uses two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes, while the solid-state power amplifier delivers 100 watts per channel into 8-ohm loudspeakers or 160 watts per channel into 4-ohm loudspeakers. Designed as an all-analogue integrated amplifier, the MA252 provides balanced and unbalanced line-level inputs, a dedicated Moving Magnet phono input, a full-range mono subwoofer output and a High Drive headphone amplifier. McIntosh technologies including Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor™ and Monogrammed Heatsinks™ provide protection, reliability and high-current performance.

Key Features

Hybrid Drive™ Architecture: Combines a vacuum-tube preamplifier stage with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier.

Vacuum-Tube Preamplifier: Uses two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes housed in protective tube cages.

Solid-State Power Stage: High-current direct-coupled output section provides substantial speaker-driving capability.

100W per Channel into 8Ω: Delivers 100 watts continuously to each channel with both channels operating.

160W per Channel into 4Ω: Increased output into lower-impedance 4-ohm loudspeakers.

All-Analogue Design: Focused on analogue audio without an internal DAC or digital audio inputs.

Four Analogue Inputs: Includes two unbalanced RCA inputs, one balanced input and one Moving Magnet phono input.

Moving Magnet Phono Stage: Built-in MM phono input allows compatible turntables to connect without a separate phono preamplifier.

Mono Subwoofer Output: Full-range mono output allows integration with a compatible powered subwoofer.

High Drive Headphone Amplifier: Dedicated 1/4-inch headphone output supports headphones with impedances from 20Ω to 600Ω.

Power Guard®: Monitors the amplifier output and helps prevent harsh clipping that could damage connected loudspeakers.

Sentry Monitor™: Protects the output stage against potentially damaging operating conditions.

Monogrammed Heatsinks™: McIntosh heatsinks are connected to high-current output transistors for efficient thermal management.

Bass & Treble Controls: Independent tone adjustments provide ±10dB control in precise 1dB steps.

Tone Bypass: Tone controls can be bypassed when a direct signal path is preferred.

Input Level Matching: Individual source levels can be adjusted to provide more consistent volume when switching inputs.