01 · MA352
Four visible preamplifier tubes
Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes operate in the preamplifier section.
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The MA352 combines a four-tube preamplifier with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier rated at 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms or 320 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes are visible above the polished stainless-steel chassis.
Its six analog inputs comprise two balanced, three unbalanced line inputs, and one moving-magnet phono input with adjustable loading. There is no internal DAC, keeping the MA352 centered on analog sources and allowing the owner to select a separate digital source if desired.
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Analog Hybrid Drive with considerably more muscle
The MA352 combines a four-tube preamplifier with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier rated at 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms or 320 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes are visible above the polished stainless-steel chassis.
Its six analog inputs comprise two balanced, three unbalanced line inputs, and one moving-magnet phono input with adjustable loading. There is no internal DAC, keeping the MA352 centered on analog sources and allowing the owner to select a separate digital source if desired.
Five-band analog equalization, Home Theater PassThru, two subwoofer outputs, a variable preamplifier output, and HXD headphone listening give the hybrid design useful reach beyond a simple turntable-and-speakers system.
A perspective from Pearl Audio
The MA352 is what happens when the delightful MA252 idea grows up and starts moving bigger loudspeakers. You still see the four small-signal tubes, and the preamplifier still has that tactile analog quality, but the output stage is now delivering 200 watts into 8 ohms and 320 into 4. That is a major change in the range of loudspeakers and rooms I would consider pairing with it.
I also like that McIntosh did not force a digital section into this amplifier. You choose the DAC or streamer that suits the system, while the MA352 concentrates on analog control, adjustable moving-magnet phono, and power. The five-band equalizer and two subwoofer outputs make it more adaptable than its open-chassis appearance first suggests.
Three things to know
Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes operate in the preamplifier section.
The direct-coupled output stage delivers 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 320 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
Two balanced inputs, three unbalanced line inputs, and one adjustable moving-magnet phono input keep the design focused.
The McIntosh difference
McIntosh gives its technologies names because each solves a specific problem. Here is what each one does, why it matters in a system, and what you may notice when listening.
On the MA352
On the MA352
On the MA352
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On the MA352
Component H × W × D: 9 7/8 H × 17 1/2 W × 17 7/16 D inches Packaged H × W × D: 12 7/8 H × 22 5/8 W × 21 7/8 D inches
No. Its preamplifier uses two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes; its power amplifier is solid state.
It is rated at 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 320 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
No. The MA352 is an analog integrated amplifier. Connect a separate streamer or DAC to one of its line-level inputs.
The built-in phono input is for moving-magnet cartridges and provides adjustable loading. Moving-coil cartridges require a suitable external phono solution unless their output and loading requirements are compatible through additional equipment.
Yes. The MA352 provides two unbalanced subwoofer outputs.
Yes. Home Theater PassThru lets a selected analog input operate at fixed gain under a compatible processor’s volume control.
Its preamplifier uses two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes. The 200-watt-into-8-ohms and 320-watt-into-4-ohms power-amplifier section is solid state.
No. It is an all-analog integrated amplifier. A network streamer or DAC/streamer connects to one of its balanced or unbalanced line inputs.
The tubes illuminate amber during warm-up and green for normal operation. A flashing amber indication can accompany Power Guard intervention; the owner’s manual should be consulted if an abnormal indication persists.
Yes. The tone controls can be used for a source-specific adjustment or bypassed for a flat response.
Allow open space around the component, keep ventilation openings clear, and leave additional room behind it for terminated speaker cables, source connections, control cables, and the power cord. Pearl Audio will confirm support and clearance during system planning.
Use the Audition control on this page, call Pearl Audio, or email us. We will confirm a private listening appointment and prepare a system appropriate for the MA352.
The MA352 weighs 66 lbs. McIntosh purchases begin with a Pearl Audio consultation so we can confirm loudspeaker matching, source connections, placement, ventilation, and system control.
Arrangements may be completed at the store or later by phone or email, with pickup at Pearl Audio or local delivery and installation within the Portland, Oregon service area.
The Pearl Audio Experience
A high-end audio system should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. Pearl Audio stays involved from the first audition through installation and long-term ownership.
Hear the MA352 by appointment in one of Pearl Audio’s two professionally designed demonstration rooms, with time to compare and ask questions.
Portland-area delivery and installation help ensure that placement, connections, ventilation, and system configuration are handled with care.
Pearl Audio supports everything we sell for as long as you own it—whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or system change.
