McIntosh – MA252 Hybrid Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Tubes or Solid-State? Get Both with the McIntosh MA252 Two-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier, Featuring 100Wpc Output and a Big, Musical Sound

Have it both ways — tube and solid-state — with the McIntosh MA252 two-channel hybrid integrated amplifier. Benefitting from the company’s acclaimed Hybrid Drive technology, the all-analog MA252 will quiet any debates over the two amplifier types once you hear its blend of authority, romance, resolution, immediacy, precision, and control. Having won awards from around the globe, the 100Wpc component also boasts the alluring McIntosh look, right down to its polished stainless-steel chassis and soft-glow OLED display. 

Outfitted with two 12AX7 and two 12AT7 tubes in the preamplifier stage, MA252 is the first McIntosh vacuum-tube design with Power Guard — a patented technology that monitors the output signal for signs of overdrive and makes real-time micro-adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh clipping that could potentially damage your speakers. Sentry Monitor, a High Drive headphone amplifier, and Monogrammed Heatsinks connected to high-current output transistors that eliminate the need for warm-up time continue the distinctive McIntosh theme. 

The 28-pound MA252 also arrives prepared to match with a variety of configurations. One pair of balanced inputs, two pairs of unbalanced inputs, and a built-in MM phonostage complement a subwoofer output, power control output, data port, and gold-plated binding posts. You can adjust Input selection, bass, treble, tone bypass, balance, and input offset levels via the front-panel knobs or supplied remote control. A three-year manufacturer warranty and the knowledge that McIntosh has been among the leading audio brands for more than seven decades provide more assurance that MA252 is nothing but quality.

Interested in hearing how this tubes-meet-solid-state amplifier sounds in your room? Arrange for a risk-free in-home audition by contacting a Music Direct audio consultant at 312-433-0200 today.

“The McIntosh MA252 is not only a time machine that allows you to travel 30 or 50 years ago [when listening to classic albums], but it also takes you to the future: you spend from morning to afternoon or from evening to night with it in what seems like an instant.”
—HiFi Live Magazine, High Quality Award

“The McIntosh MA252 is an amplifier that will prove hard to replace. It will allow you to find speakers that are the best suited to your tastes, and it will pamper them appropriately. A first-class amplifier.” 
—Son-Video

“If you’re looking for a definition of a ‘musical’ sound, the MA252 is it personified.”
—Audio Esoterica

“Carved like a boat designed to surf all the waves of music.” 
—ON Magazine, Top Audio Award

“Pure pleasure for the ears.”
—Stereo+, five-star review

“Far bigger than its size should indicate, and there is no reason to doubt the power, because it kicks hard.”
—Lyd & Blide