McIntosh MA352 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier

McIntosh MA352 Integrated Amplifier

Hybrid integrated amplifier with a vacuum tube preamplifier, 200 Wpc into 8 ohms, and a five-band analog equalizer

The McIntosh MA352 combines a vacuum tube preamplifier with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier in a fully analog integrated design. Its preamp section uses two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes, while the output stage delivers 200 Wpc into 8 ohms or 320 Wpc into 4 ohms, giving the MA352 the power to drive a wide range of loudspeakers.

Six analog inputs include two balanced, three unbalanced, and one Moving Magnet phono input with adjustable loading. A stereo preamp output allows the MA352 to feed an external power amplifier or connect one or two powered subwoofers, while Home Theater PassThru makes it easier to incorporate the amplifier into a multichannel system.

A five-band analog equalizer provides ±12 dB of adjustment at each frequency band, with tone bypass available when no correction is required. McIntosh High Drive headphone circuitry with Headphone Crossfeed Director is also included for private listening.

The MA352 incorporates McIntosh Power Guard to monitor the output signal and help prevent clipping, along with Sentry Monitor protection and Monogrammed Heatsinks connected to the high-current output transistors. Dual-scale blue watt meters provide power-output indication for both 4- and 8-ohm loudspeaker loads.

Features

Hybrid Drive Design

The MA352 pairs a vacuum tube preamplifier with a solid-state power amplifier. Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes handle preamplification, while the direct-coupled transistor output stage provides the current and power required for demanding loudspeakers.

200 Wpc Into 8 Ohms

The solid-state output stage delivers 200 Wpc into 8-ohm loudspeakers and 320 Wpc into 4-ohm loads, with dual-scale watt meters providing output readings for both impedances.

Moving Magnet Phonostage

A dedicated Moving Magnet phono input allows a turntable to connect directly to the MA352. Adjustable loading provides additional flexibility for matching different MM cartridges.

Five-Band Analog Equalizer

Five analog tone-control bands can each be adjusted by ±12 dB, allowing broad tonal correction for recordings, loudspeakers, or room acoustics. The equalizer can also be bypassed.

Power Guard

McIntosh Power Guard monitors the amplifier’s output signal and makes real-time adjustments to the input when necessary to prevent clipping that could otherwise produce harsh distortion or damage loudspeakers.