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McIntosh MA252 Review
McIntosh MA252

Main Features

  • 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 28.00 lbs / 12.70 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):8 x 12-1/16 x 17-5/16 inch
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McIntosh MA252 Review
McIntosh MA252 McIntosh MA252
See at AMAZON

The MA252 is an Integrated Amplifier by McIntosh that delivers . Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the MA252 compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. McIntosh MA252 lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle.

There are 3 McIntosh amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

McIntosh Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Bluetooth
McIntosh MA5300
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesNo
McIntosh MA252
100 watts4-ohmsNoNo
McIntosh MSA5500
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesYes


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The McIntosh MA252 is rated at 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms. McIntosh provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.03% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 100 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.03%
  • 160 watts into 4-ohms
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 97dB Signal to Noise Ratio

When pairing the McIntosh MA252 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the McIntosh MA252, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.

Inputs
  • Phono Input

Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output

Bluetooth Connectivity

McIntosh MA252 doesn't have bluetooth connectivity feature. In order to stream your music via bluetooth, the easiest way is to connect an external bluetooth receiver to your McIntosh MA252. Two bluetooth receivers that we recommend are the iFi Zen Blue V2 and the Audioengine B1.

Phono Input

McIntosh MA252 External Dimensions and Weight

McIntosh MA252 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 8 x 12-1/16 x 17-5/16 inch (203.2 x 306.4 x 439.7 mm ). The unit weighs 12.70kg / 27.9lbs.

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the McIntosh MA252 is approximately 1347.2cm2 / 208.8inch2.

  • Width: 306.4mm (12-1/16")
  • Height: 203.2mm (8")
  • Depth: 439.7mm (17-5/16")
  • Weight: 12.70 kg (28.00lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1347.2cm2 / 208.8inch2
  • Volume: ~27.4 liter / 7.2 gallon

Warranty

3 Yrs Amp/90 Days Tube of parts warranty and 3 Yrs Amp/90 Days Tube of labor warranty is generally provided for the McIntosh MA252 by the manufacturer.

McIntosh MA252 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand McIntosh
Full Model Name McIntosh MA252
Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
Amp Class Class HD
Performance
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 100 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 160 watts
Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
THD 0.03%
Minimum Impedance 4
Signal to Noise Ratio 97 dB
Digital Music
Built-in DAC No
Bluetooth No
WiFi
Ecosystem
Apple AirPlay No
Apple AirPlay2 No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon No
HEOS No
BluOS No

CONNECTIONS
Total Analog Inputs
Phono Input Yes
Optical Digital Inputs No
Coaxial Digital Inputs No
USB Input No
Preamp Outputs No
Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 1/4
Removable Power Cord IEC 3-prong
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height 203.2mm (8")
Width 306.4mm (12-1/16")
Depth 439.7mm (17-5/16")
Weight 12.70 kg (28.00lbs)
OTHER
Parts Warranty 3 Yrs Amp/90 Days Tube
Labor Warranty 3 Yrs Amp/90 Days Tube
McIntosh MA252 Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Phono Stage
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