Интегральные усилители — McIntosh MA252

The MA252 is the first hybrid integrated amplifier from McIntosh, combining a vacuum tube preamplifier stage with a solid-state power amplifier, and its styling takes inspiration from the MC275 vacuum tube amplifier. McIntosh announced it on November 1, 2017 at a suggested price of USD 3,500, with a UK price of GBP 4,500, and it comes with a 3-year limited warranty on home audio electronics.

Key specs that matter

Output is 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts into 4 ohms, with an FTC rating of 100W and 1.8dB of dynamic headroom. THD is 0.03%. Frequency response is plus 0, minus 0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz and plus 0, minus 3dB from 10Hz to 100kHz. Damping factor is above 200 into 8 ohms and above 100 into 4 ohms. Line level connections comprise a single XLR pair plus two RCA pairs, all at 20k ohms, and a moving magnet phono input with fixed loading has 3.0mV sensitivity. Signal-to-noise ratio is 97dB for high level sources and 80dB for phono. Maximum preamp output is 8V unbalanced.

Engineering and use context

Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes, housed in protective cages, form the preamplifier stage. The direct-coupled solid-state output uses high-current transistors on Monogrammed Heatsinks, so no warm-up time is needed. Clipping that might harm connected loudspeakers is prevented by Power Guard, which tracks the output signal, and Sentry Monitor provides a second layer of protection for the amplifier. Bass and treble adjust from the front panel or remote and can be bypassed, input level matching is available, and an OLED display shows input selection and settings, with names assignable to every input. A control microprocessor manages system operation and the remote control functions. The chassis is polished stainless steel in dual-layer construction with die-cast aluminium side badges. It measures 30.5 cm wide, 19.4 cm high and 41.9 cm deep and weighs 12.7 kg, with a shipping weight of 16.8 kg. Power draw is 3.7A at 120V, 50/60Hz, and standby use is under 0.5 watts.

Pairing

An MM turntable connects directly to the phono socket, while a digital source needs its own converter since McIntosh lists no DAC. One mono RCA subwoofer output is provided, speakers connect through gold-plated binding posts, and a High Drive headphone amplifier feeds a 6.35 mm jack.

Alternatives

The McIntosh MA2375 is an all-tube integrated model from the same maker using KT88 output tubes, rated at 75 watts per channel.