The MA252 is an integrated amplifier by McIntosh that delivers 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 160 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in November 2017. It is a 2-channel design using a Class HD output stage. The MA252 is a hybrid, with vacuum tubes in the preamplifier stage feeding a solid-state output, running 2x 12AX7a, 2x 12AT7. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It also has a phono input, so a turntable can connect straight to it. The McIntosh MA252 has an MSRP of $5,000.
There are 3 McIntosh amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
McIntosh Integrated Amplifier Series
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 Hz-20 kHz) 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
How loud will 100 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the McIntosh MA252?
100 W into 8 ohms, 160 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
Need more power?
McIntosh MA252 is rated at 100 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 91 to 120 watts band. The next band up is 121 to 180 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the 61 to 90 watts band and better speakers.
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
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- 1/4 Headphone Output
- Subwoofer Output (Single)
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.
Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:
Balanced connections
McIntosh MA252 has a balanced XLR input. A balanced cable carries the signal twice, on two conductors of opposite polarity. Interference picked up along the way lands on both equally and cancels when the two are recombined at the far end, so the longer the cable run and the noisier the surroundings, the more the connection is worth. Whether a balanced connection also yields more power depends on how the amplifier is built inside - some are balanced end to end, others convert to single-ended internally and deliver the same power either way, so it is worth reading the maker's own wording rather than assuming.
McIntosh MA252 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 160 into 4.
- ✓Hybrid design, with a valve stage ahead of a solid-state output section.
- ✓Phono stage built in, so a turntable needs no separate preamplifier.
- ✓Dedicated subwoofer output (Single).
- ✓Balanced XLR inputs, worth having on a long cable run.
- ✓Headphone output (1/4).
- ✓Detachable mains lead (IEC 3-prong).
- ✗Analogue inputs only - a TV, computer or CD transport needs an external DAC.
- ✗No Bluetooth and no network streaming - everything arrives over a cable.
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
12.7 kg (28 lbs).
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: 12.7 kg (28 lbs)
- 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.
| General |
| Brand |
McIntosh |
| Full Model Name |
McIntosh MA252 |
| Release Date |
November 2017 |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class HD |
| Amplifier Technology |
Hybrid (vacuum tube and solid state) |
| Tubes |
| Input and Driver Tubes | 2x 12AX7a, 2x 12AT7 |
| Total Tube Count | 4 |
| 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 Hz-20 kHz |
| 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 |
| 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 |
12.7 kg (28 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
3 Yrs Amp/90 Days Tube |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Yrs Amp/90 Days Tube |