McIntosh MA252 Integrated Amp

mark090852

Beautiful to look at! Wish I could get a listen to one.
https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/MA252

Tony M

I thought I've seen that number on older McIntosh amps.

It is purtty! I bet it does sound nice.

I like the Mc in the heat fins touch!

tonyb

Looks cool, but for a SS power supply, seems a tad light, especially for what the asking price probably is.

Clipdat

I found a few things interesting in the description.

First, this is intriguing to me, "...advanced high current output transistors. These transistors eliminate the typical amplifier warm-up time so that the MA252 is in peak operating condition from the moment it’s turned on."

This is the first I can recall of a manufacturer listing a feature like this as a potential benefit. It's amusing to me as someone who owns amps that don't start to sound their best until they've been playing for an hour are the bare minimum.

Personally, I don't really consider the "warm up" time to be a negative inconvenience. I think it adds character to my amps! But, I could see the attraction for a feature like this.

Secondly, they mention "An all analog design, it comes with 2 unbalanced, 1 balanced and 1 Moving Magnet phono input for turntables." - key word analog. But then later they go on to state "A powerful control microprocessor is used for smooth system operation..." - that sounds like a digital component to me.

tonyb

Clipdat wrote: »

I found a few things interesting in the description.

First, this is intriguing to me, "...advanced high current output transistors. These transistors eliminate the typical amplifier warm-up time so that the MA252 is in peak operating condition from the moment it’s turned on."
.

Do you see the conundrum there ? If the amplifier section is ready to go at an instant, what about the pre amp section, which has tubes ? Everyone who has tubes can tell you they sound better after a warm up time. So that feature is really....worthless.

mark090852

tonyb wrote: »

Clipdat wrote: »

I found a few things interesting in the description.

First, this is intriguing to me, "...advanced high current output transistors. These transistors eliminate the typical amplifier warm-up time so that the MA252 is in peak operating condition from the moment it’s turned on."
.

Do you see the conundrum there ? If the amplifier section is ready to go at an instant, what about the pre amp section, which has tubes ? Everyone who has tubes can tell you they sound better after a warm up time. So that feature is really....worthless.

I think their point is that there is no waiting for the amplifier section. It is ready and waiting for when the tubes warm up. Apparently, that warmup doesn't take too long. Here's a video of a "first listening".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxdHMlJabyY

mhardy6647

Well, there was an MC-252



And an MC-250



As to the cosmetics (of the new one): de gustibus non est disputandum.

My idea of a beautiful Mac, FWIW -- true beauty being more than skin deep:

Tony M

Maybe I was remembering that 250 or 225.

Thanks.

mhardy6647

There also some "B list" Mac amplifiers that seem to get little regard (i.e., sell cheap on the used market) but probably still ain't half bad.

this one comes to mind, e.g.,



(MC) 752.

An MC-752 is no MC-275

There were also an "MA" series of solid state (and hybrid) integrated amplifiers.
These, relative to my sonic tastes, at least, are generally pretty forgettable (at least at the prices they'll fetch on the current market).



MA-6100 (e.g.) - all ss



MA-230 (hybrid)

(all borrowed photos -- there are a couple-three Mac pieces here, but none of them would really be relevant to this thread)

codycatalist

That video quality is fantastic. Personally, never liked the green glow of tube Mac gear. I always enjoy the natural filament light.

Can't say I have heard any Mac gear but it isn't one on my wish list to get ears on...come to think of it there isn't a lot on that list...is someone going to take my Midiophile card?