Introducing the McIntosh MA352, a masterfully crafted hybrid integrated amplifier that fuses the warm, musical richness of vacuum-tube preamplification with the solid-state muscle of modern power amplification. With its elegant design, illuminated blue meters and mirror-finish chassis, the MA352 not only delivers premium audio performance—it also makes a bold statement in any high-end audio system.
Designed for the discerning listener, the MA352 is where form meets function: vintage aesthetics combined with contemporary engineering under the banner of the storied McIntosh heritage.
Product Description
Hybrid Drive Architecture
At the heart of the MA352 is McIntosh’s signature Hybrid Drive™ technology. The preamplifier section employs a pair of 12AX7A and a pair of 12AT7 vacuum tubes, delivering tube-stage warmth, texture, and dimensional sound. That tube-rich coloration is married to a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier section that delivers serious output: 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 320 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
Connectivity & Flexibility
-
2 balanced (XLR) inputs and 3 unbalanced (RCA) inputs, plus a dedicated Moving Magnet (MM) phono input with adjustable loading—perfect for turntable aficionados.
-
A stereo preamplifier output allows integration with additional external power amps or active subwoofers.
-
Home Theater Pass-Through and Power Control/Data Ports make the MA352 an effective hub for a complete system.
Signature Technologies & Build Quality
This amplifier boasts many of McIntosh’s proprietary technologies:
-
Power Guard®: Monitors the output signal and adjusts in real time to prevent clipping and speaker damage.
-
Sentry Monitor™: A fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the output stage when needed and resets automatically.
-
Monogrammed Heatsinks™: High-current output transistors paired with custom heatsinks for thermal efficiency and fast warm-up.
-
A full five-band analog tone control, with ±12 dB adjustment on each band—rare in modern integrated amplifiers.
Crafted with a mirror-finished stainless-steel chassis, vintage die-cast aluminum side badges, illuminated logo, and McIntosh’s dual-scale blue output meters, the MA352 is as aesthetic as it is functional.
Performance Highlights
-
Power Output: 200 W into 8 Ω / 320 W into 4 Ω
-
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.03% – virtually inaudible distortion even at high output
-
Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz within ±0.5 dB; down to 10 Hz at -3 dB
-
Dynamic Range: Effortless headroom for commanding bass, crisp highs, and open, natural midrange
Listeners consistently praise the MA352 for its “grace with control,” offering bass that’s big and tight, highs that remain airy and detailed, and midrange that feels rich and lifelike.
The McIntosh MA352 is more than an amplifier—it’s a statement of craftsmanship, heritage, and performance. Combining tube warmth with solid-state authority, it delivers music with depth, realism, and soul. For those who demand both sonic excellence and timeless design, the MA352 stands as one of the finest hybrid integrated amplifiers available today.
Technical Specifications
-
Power Output per Channel: 200 W into 8 ohms, 320 W into 4 ohms.
-
Number of Channels: 2 (stereo)
-
Rated Power Band: 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
-
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.03% maximum.
-
Dynamic Headroom: approx. 1.5 dB.
-
Frequency Response: +0 / -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz; +0 / -3 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz.
-
Input Sensitivity (Phono MM): 2.5 mV.
-
Input Sensitivity (High Level): 0.5 V (balanced) / 0.25 V (unbalanced).
-
Signal to Noise Ratio (MM phono): 82 dB; High Level: 93 dB.
-
Input Impedance: High Level – 20 kΩ.
-
Damping Factor: >200 at 8 ohms; >100 at 4 ohms.
-
Tube Preamplifier Section: 2 × 12AX7A, 2 × 12AT7 (vacuum tubes) + Solid-State Power Amplifier.
-
Dimensions (W × H × D): Approximately 17½″ (44.5 cm) × 9-7/8″ (25.1 cm) × 20-1/2″ (52.1 cm).
-
Weight: ~66 lbs (29.9 kg).
No review found.
Please Login to post review.