McIntosh MA252

Vintage analog sound with visual appeal

The McIntosh MA252 looks like something you'd find in an art gallery, with its four vacuum tubes confined in metal cages, an illuminated glass panel, and a stylized heat sink. Top it all off with a McIntosh-green glow, and you would think this piece came straight from a movie set.

This amplifier is more than a beautiful centerpiece, though. It's an audio powerhouse. McIntosh's Hybrid Drive™ technology combines a vacuum tube preamplifier for musicality and warmth with a solid-state amplifier section that delivers formidable power. A large transformer and multiple filter capacitors ensure ready reserves of current to give your music lifelike detail and dynamics.

Analog connections for hi-fi sound

This amp is strictly analog — no digital inputs or processing here. But an array of analog inputs lets you connect your audio components of choice for classic hi-fi stereo sound.

You'll get three unbalanced RCA stereo inputs, one of which is a phono input for turntables with moving magnet cartridges. A pair of balanced RCA inputs lets you connect a high-end component like a CD/SACD player. Connect a pair of power-hungry speakers to the gold-plated binding posts: this "Mac"can handle it. If more bass is what you crave, there's a mono subwoofer RCA output to connect your favorite sub. And for private listening, you get a High Drive headphone amplifier for your audiophile cans.

Legendary McIntosh dependability

A regulated power supply ensures stable, noise-free operation. And just in case you get carried away, McIntosh's patented Power Guard circuit prevents amplifier clipping to protect your speakers. Built-in thermal protection and Sentry Monitor output protection circuits help prevent overheating to ensure high reliability and a long operating life.

A world-famous audio heritage, made in America

Since its founding in 1949, McIntosh has defined the meaning of high-quality sound reproduction, while setting industry standards for superior performance and reliability. The company is based in Binghamton, New York, where its high-end components and speakers are still individually handcrafted by a team of skilled experts. This uncompromising dedication to quality has made McIntosh one of the most recognized and respected audio manufacturers in the world.