I recently had the amazing opportunity to unbox, set up, and listen to the all-new McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier

It was first released in 2017, but has been on backorder for months. I was finally able to get my hands on a brand-new unit. I thought I would do an in-depth unboxing with a couple of videos of the unit powering up and in action. Please enjoy.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Carton

In the usual McIntosh fashion, it is well boxed and protected. The unit is heavy but not has heavy as most McIntosh amps.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Carton Interior

Cutting the factory seal and removing the unremarkable top piece of foam reveals the goodies inside.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Remote

The packaged remote and the unpackaged remote

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McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Remote

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Remote With Battery

Installed the battery in the remote

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Cable and Tool

Power cable and speaker binding post tool

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Getting Closer

Removed the second piece of foam to reveal more of the MA252.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, On The Table

Taking the MA252 out of the box and setting it on the table

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Unwrapped

Removing the plastic

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Tubes and Cages

The protected tubes and tube cages. The small outer holes are the pre-installed tubes.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Tubes

Exposed tubes without the cages. The MA252’s preamp section uses two 12AX7a tubes and two 12AT7 tubes.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Tube Cage Detail

The freshly unwrapped tube cage. Note the detail on the top of each cage, impressive! Make sure you take the time to install the cages so the “Mc” faces the front of the unit.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Standby Light

The standby light turns on for the first time since leaving the factory.

First tube warmup

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Warming Tubes

Warming up the tubes. It takes them about six seconds to reach temperature and finally turn green. That means they’re ready to use.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Tubes Ready

Warmed up and ready to listen, I love the signature green glow.

First listen of the MA252 on the phono input.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Detail

The McIntosh MA252 is an amazing integrated amp that really performs at this price point. The impressive level of detail on the unit is a fantastic treat.

McIntosh MA252 Two-channel Integrated Amplifier, Detail

If you’re looking for a compact, warm-sounding setup this is the way to go. I had some time to listen to it using a Pro-Ject turntable with a pair of Bowers and Wilkins 805D speakers. Quality was incredible! The soundstage opened up before my ears with extreme clarity. I will also say the remote is simple and to the point; it just works and fits my hand very comfortably. I think I may have found my new favorite integrated amplifier.

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MCINTOSH MA252 SPECIFICATIONS
Design:

Hybrid integrated (tube preamp stage, solid-state amp stage)

Power output per channel:

100 watts into 8 ohms or 160 watts into 4 ohms

Speaker impedance:

4 or 8 ohms

Total harmonic distortion:

.03%

Frequency response:

0 to -0.5dB – 20Hz to 20kHz

Phono stage sensitivity (moving magnet):

3mV

Dimensions (WxHxD):

12″ (30.5cm) x 7-5/8″ (19.4cm) x 18″ (45.7cm)

Weight:

28lbs (12.7kg)

Price:

$3500

Company:

McIntosh

SECRETS Tags:

mcintosh, integrated amplifier, tube amp, two channel amplifier, hybrid, Blog 2018