MA-252 inbound

Congrats Randy! Sounds like a great piece. I think the hybrid will give you the best of both worlds - that tube sound and finesse, with the balls and bass control of a solid state power amp.

Please let us know your opinion and use it in good health!
 
Man you have been busy building all along in 2019 - good to be happy, why not, right?

I am so hoping this does what I want. I really do not need the best of the best, or anything like that. I need something I enjoy. The U-Turn was a good addition not because it is the best sounding, but it does a very nice job and allows me to have fun with vinyl again, and it does sound pretty darn good!

As most of you know, I have been Jonesing for a McIntosh for a while (dam Bingo boy thing... grrrr), but the cost has been an issue many times, not totally thrilled with the design/shape of many of the used older pieces I see, and really was hoping to find something without their built in DAC. I simply feel that Mc does not offer a DAC as good as what I already have and therefore would be a waste.

I know that the MA252 in not a high end piece, but I also know the benefits of a tube pre with a SS amp and I know the output transistors being used are top notch (same as in the T+A). Granted it does not have a ton of extra features but when I compare to higher model:

* Higher model has more power, but I know from my use that 100 WPC of Mc power is way more than enough.
* 5 band eq versus tones controls... I don't use tone controls so who cares :)...
* Only 1 xlr, 2 rca, and MM inputs... versus two more on higher model... well I like MM cartridges and with my current table I do not envision going into MC. I also have the SimAudio for now if I do. The inputs cover all the basis for me, MM, check, Balanced from DAC, check, two more inputs for Tuner and SACD, check, even though I never spin a disk it is good to have the option just in case.
* Subwoofer output, NICE, since I do not current have one. Higher model have two... one is fine because I have no place to put a second sub anyway and the ELAC works really good in its corner :).
* Blue meters, that would be cool, but not a reason to spend thousands more :)...

The MA252 checks all the boxes, and coming across a one month old one that I was able to get an amazing deal on really made it a no brainer to me. If I decide not to keep both setups I believe it will be very easy to get my money out, no matter which way I decide... :D
 
The MA252 is a superb integrated. I’m sure you’ll sell everything else in no time, if you’re smart. :)
 
The MA252 is a superb integrated. I’m sure you’ll sell everything else in no time, if you’re smart. :)

Hehe, we will see how it all works out. As you know the Stage 2 is fantastic, the T+A Amp is also amazing. I am not sure the rest of my system allows me to truly appreciates the subtleties of this preamp and amp. I just think a more simplified approach may be better for me as Cheryal and I start zeroing in on retirement!
 
Well I did a massive re-wire, re-setup of the system. Pain in the you know what.... Listened for a few hours last night. I can say I really like the look and feel of the unit. The look and feel factor along with the warm and fuzzy factor seem like it is a big thumbs up.

The sound factor I would say is too early to tell, but I also feel it sounds real good. Maybe my ears are not that discriminating any more but I don't really hear much of a difference. It may be that my setup, speakers, room, etc., is just not refined enough to appreciate the subtle differences in my other gear. The McIntosh does use the same output transistors as the T+A, so I did not expect a huge performance gap.

So far I am enjoying it but will take a few days to really make sure.
 
Randy, if it sounds good to you...it is good! And that's all that matters. I happen to like the retro looks of Mc stuff. I've only auditioned one Mc integrated amp and I thought it sounded great. Can't recall the model but it wasn't the MA 252. It didn't have the exposed tubes and I think it was all SS. Perhaps an MA 8000? Anyway, I'd be proud to own a Mc. As a side, I also auditioned an ARC VSi75 (with the KT 150 power tubes, not the KT 120s) that same day and it sounded superb. But, going strictly on reviews and forum comments, the MA 252 sounds like a great integrated. Congrats on a great score!
 
Thank you everyone. So far I am really loving the operation of this integrated amp. Its simplistic approach is exactly what I like, but it does have enough fun stuff, such as the green glow from the tubes and re-naming the inputs... they now display; Digital, Vinyl, CD/SACD, and Tuner!

I really like the look and feel of the unit, and of course the nice large McIntosh on the front (sorry, my Binghamton boy coming through :D, I loved seeing 2 Chamber St, Binghamton, NY on the box).

A subwoofer output was also critical for me.

So far I am enjoying the sound performance of the amp. I am hoping to give it some good solid listening today. With a few hours listening last evening I was impressed. The gentleman that I purchased it from stated that it was probably not broken in yet. I believe he is probably right. So far, the enjoyment factor is extremely high. We will see if that continues... :)
 
The MA252 definitely sounds different then the W4S/T+A combo, more or less in the subtle things. The W4S/T+A is more detailed, maybe a bit faster and more dynamic. The Mc has a rich inviting vocal range, is very smooth and great control over the bottom end. I attribute most of what I am hearing to a tube versus passive pre.

Both are very good inviting sounding systems. I think if I had a higher level in my other components the advantages to the W4S/T+A combo might very well win out. But at the level I'm at, and comfortable with, the warm fuzzy good feelings I am getting from the McIntosh will probably win out!
 
Another quick observation; this has got to be the coolest running amplifier I have ever encountered. It has been playing all day, sometimes pushed harder then I normally would. There is virtually no heat near the tubes. I mean I can actually hold my hand on the little tube cages and feel almost nothing. The heat sinks are cooler then the T+A DAC. Pretty amazing actually.
 
Randy,

The MA252 is one of the handful of McIntosh amps I could easily live with long term. It’s a superb performer. It’s like a comfortable pair of slippers and does so much right. I think it’ll continue to grow on you.
 
Randy,

The MA252 is one of the handful of McIntosh amps I could easily live with long term. It’s a superb performer. It’s like a comfortable pair of slippers and does so much right. I think it’ll continue to grow on you.

I got to agree, so far. Good explanation, it is just comfortable! The W4S/T+A combo is probably a bit higher performance, but this just feels so right!
 
Back
Top