01 · MA252
The tubes are part of the experience
Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes form the preamplifier and remain visible during listening.
Swipe or use the previous and next buttons to browse. Select an image to open a magnified view.
The MA252 pairs a four-tube preamplifier with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier in a compact open-chassis design. Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes are visible above the polished stainless-steel chassis.
The amplifier delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms or 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms. One balanced input, two unbalanced inputs, and a moving-magnet phono input keep the source layout straightforward and fully analog.
Talk with Pearl Audio
No appointment or hold begins until Pearl Audio confirms it.
The compact McIntosh Hybrid Drive integrated
The MA252 pairs a four-tube preamplifier with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier in a compact open-chassis design. Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes are visible above the polished stainless-steel chassis.
The amplifier delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms or 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms. One balanced input, two unbalanced inputs, and a moving-magnet phono input keep the source layout straightforward and fully analog.
Bass and treble controls, a mono subwoofer output, High Drive headphone listening, and Power Control add practical flexibility without changing the MA252’s clear purpose: a focused, compact McIntosh music system.
A perspective from Pearl Audio
The MA252 has always struck me as one of the friendliest McIntosh amplifiers. The tubes are right there where you can see them, the controls make sense at a glance, and it does not require an enormous rack before the system starts to look intentional. Add a good turntable, a streamer or DAC, and the right loudspeakers and you have a system that feels special every time it is switched on.
Its limits are also refreshingly honest. There is one moving-magnet phono input, no internal DAC, and fewer system-control features than the MA352. In return you get a compact Hybrid Drive amplifier with 100 watts into 8 ohms and 160 into 4. For many rooms, that is not the beginning of a compromise. It is the end of unnecessary complication.
Three things to know
Two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes form the preamplifier and remain visible during listening.
Balanced and unbalanced line inputs join a fixed-load moving-magnet phono stage.
The output stage supplies 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
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 MA252
On the MA252
On the MA252
On the MA252
C55 OUT → MC462 IN · Explore the demonstration →
On the MA252
Component H × W × D: 7 5/8 H × 12 W × 16 1/2 D inches Packaged H × W × D: 19 1/4 H × 22 1/4 W × 13 1/2 D inches
No. The preamplifier uses two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes, while the power amplifier is solid state.
No. It is an analog integrated amplifier. A streamer, disc player, or separate DAC connects to a balanced or unbalanced line input.
Turntables fitted with a suitable moving-magnet cartridge can connect to the fixed-load phono input. Other cartridges may require an external phono preamplifier.
The direct-coupled output stage is rated at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
Yes. The MA252 provides one mono unbalanced subwoofer output.
No. Home Theater PassThru is not listed for the MA252. Consider the MA352 or a larger McIntosh integrated if that function is required.
The preamplifier stage uses two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes. Its direct-coupled loudspeaker output stage is solid state.
Yes, through a separate streamer connected to one of the analog line inputs. The MA252 itself is fully analog and does not contain a network streamer or DAC.
The rear-panel subwoofer connection is a mono, full-range output. Subwoofer crossover, phase, and level are therefore set at the subwoofer or in another system component.
The tubes glow amber during the start-up sequence and green in normal operation. They can flash amber when Power Guard is active.
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 MA252.
The MA252 weighs 28 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 MA252 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.
