McIntosh MA352

Description

Overview

The MA352 is a hybrid integrated amplifier from McIntosh of Binghamton, New York. It marries a vacuum-tube preamplifier stage to a solid-state power stage, so this integrated amplifier offers the tonal character many listeners associate with valves alongside the drive and control of a modern high-power output — all in one chassis with the tubes on show.

Design & build

The MA352 makes a feature of its hybrid nature: the vacuum tubes are visible on the top plate, above a black glass front panel with direct LED backlighting, an illuminated logo and dual-scale blue watt meters, on a polished stainless-steel chassis. It measures 17.5 × 9.88 × 17.44 inches and weighs 66 lb.

Sound & performance

The output stage delivers 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 320 watts into 4 ohms — a genuinely powerful solid-state section. Total harmonic distortion is quoted at 0.03% with frequency response of +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz. The presentation aims to combine the smoothness of the tube preamplifier with the grip of the transistor output.

Key features

The preamplifier stage uses two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes. Five analogue inputs are provided — two balanced and three unbalanced — along with a moving-magnet phono input with adjustable loading. A 5-band analogue equaliser offers ±12dB per band, a High Drive headphone stage with Headphone Crossfeed Director is fitted, and two subwoofer outputs and Home Theater PassThru add flexibility.

Technology

The output stage is direct-coupled and protected by Power Guard against clipping and by the fuse-less Sentry Monitor against short circuits. Rather than the Autoformer used on McIntosh’s larger amplifiers, the MA352 employs a direct-coupled solid-state output, pairing it with the valve preamplifier to define the amplifier’s hybrid character.

Specifications

Type: hybrid integrated amplifier (tube preamplifier, solid-state output). Power: 200W into 8 ohms, 320W into 4 ohms. Tubes: 2 × 12AX7A, 2 × 12AT7. Analogue inputs: 2 balanced, 3 unbalanced, MM phono (adjustable loading). Equaliser: 5-band analogue, ±12dB. THD: 0.03%. Frequency response: +0, -0.5dB, 20Hz–20kHz. Outputs: 2 subwoofer, Home Theater PassThru. Dimensions: 17.5 × 9.88 × 17.44 in. Weight: 66 lb.

Who it’s for

The MA352 suits the listener who wants the tonal appeal of a valve preamplifier without giving up the power to drive real loudspeakers, in a single striking component. With its phono stage and passthrough it works equally as a stand-alone hi-fi heart or within a wider system.

What we would pair it with

The MA352’s valve preamplifier stage gives it a midrange that suits speakers which are already accurate rather than already warm. We pair it most successfully with Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3 or 703 S3, where the valve stage softens the top without dulling it. With an already-warm speaker such as the Sonus Faber Sonetto V G2 it can be a great deal of the same thing twice — lovely for some listeners, too much for others, and exactly the sort of decision worth making with your ears rather than from a page. It has no digital section, so plan a streamer or DAC alongside it.

Room and setup notes

The tubes are on show on the top plate, which is part of the appeal and also a practical constraint: it cannot go on a shelf with something directly above it, and it should not be where small hands can reach. It weighs 66 lb. Valves are consumables — expect to replace them eventually, and factor that in as you would with any tube equipment. Allow the amplifier twenty minutes from cold before judging it; this is not superstition, it is the tube stage reaching its operating point.

Also worth considering

If you want McIntosh without valves, the MA5300 and MA7200 are the solid-state equivalents at similar money, and the MA7200 adds a phono stage. If you want more of the valve character, the MA252 is the smaller hybrid and the MA12000 the full expression of the idea. See the rest of our integrated amplifiers.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

A hybrid amplifier of this class rewards careful matching to loudspeakers and sources. We can demonstrate the MA352, advise on partnering equipment and arrange delivery and installation across the South. Speak to our team to arrange a listen or to specify your system.