McIntosh MA352 Integrated Hybrid Drive Amplifier with MA252 Integrated Hybrid Drive Amp Comparisons!

[@richardstaples75]

Great "just the facts" review. I've owned the 352 for 2 years - LOVE IT. I listen to lots of jazz (classic, modern, smooth) & Mozart. The 352's power, hybrid architecture AND 5-pot tone control gives innumerable variety to the listening experience. Key words: versatile, flexible, surprising, and (best of all) delightful.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Well said!

[@TheKent2288]

Thank you for the excellent review. I followed you from the headphone channel and glad you are doing 2 channel reviews as well. I am in the process of building my first proper 2 channel system and your reviews really helps :)

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thanks, @TheKent2288, for your ongoing support!

[@jaycoleman8062]

I have the MA-252 and their XR50 speakers. The sound is wonderful. The speakers aren't very efficient, but pumping that 100 watts through them makes the bass very deep and tight, not flabby. The sound comes from everywhere but still manages terrific separation. The amp is so quiet that if you have good ears, you might here motor noise on lesser turntables. My next step is a (high output) MC cartridge TT. Basic streaming from a phone with a wireless dongle sounds pretty decent believe it or not. Of course a streamer would be better but im more a vinly & CD guy. I also love the look. The meters would be nice, but they paid for most of the speakers. 😮

[@billhaidei346]

Absolutely loving my new MA252 & TT-15, running Heresy IV's.

[@Spectrvm____]

Thank you for not only reviewing the 352 but also comparing it to the 252 which I happen to own because I was looking for a simple integrated system for my turntable setup. My biggest question is this: is it worth the upgrade based on sound quality alone? I’m not too fussy on inputs I just care about sound quality that feels immersive with good clarity but is warm and not clinical which Mc does so well. I enjoy the sound of the 252 but part of me is wondering if I’m getting an even more immersive listening experience with the 352. Would appreciate any thoughts!

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

@davidmnml6881 thanks for your great questions! I think it is worth the upgrade on sound quality however it will depend on your preferences if you like the changes from the warmer sound of the 252 to the more articulate, resolving, and defined sound of the 352. However you have the 5-band tone control on the 352 which will allow you to tailor the sound to your speakers and room. I think it's worth a trip to your local dealer to hear them side by side if possible.

[@TheSolidsoundwavesif]

0:11 That's the greenhouse in "Outland" . 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 lol

[@donaldsandoval1722]

Thanks for such a thorough review of the 352.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching and for your support!

[@MitchHowes]

Was considering the 252 until I realized I could pair the 352 with an external amp for Bi-amping possibilities

[@kevinl6231]

If budget permits, the 352 is the better choice because it leaves you room for upgrading speakers. Personally, I would only use the 252 with really good bookshelf speakers (e.g. Fyne) along with a small sub.

[@hamfirl]

Hey, we have the same MA352 n SF Nova 5, same colour too. That combinations are the look n sound of LOVE & ecstasy...❤

[@JamesJones-qs7rr]

I've enjoyed watching your McIntosh MA352 and Michi videos. Are the MA352 and Michi X3 (or X5) similar in value? Is one a clear winner in your opinion? Is the additional power on the Michi noticeable? These integrated amps are on my shortlist, but leaning towards the McIntosh based on the resale value I'll be starting my 2 channel system with one of the amps noted above and buying speakers to suit. On my shortlist are Martin Logan ESL 11's and B&W 804's. I've listened to both, very different, but appreciated both. Also hoping to find a Focal Kanta 2 or 3 for review. Thanks

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

I don't like to say one thing is a clear winner over another, as everything comes down to preference. The Michi X3 is the best value for the money, I believe, but the MA352 is spectacular as well and a good value for McIntosh.

[@DavidLemay-j4v]

Hi im looking between the ma352 and the audio research i50, what would be your choice? Naim sources and totem forest speakers thank you

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Based on the recommended power and sensitivity of your speakers, I would think the MA352. The i50 puts out 50w, the minimum recommended power for your speakers, even though it is a high-current design. Both are great amps; you may want the extra power the MA352 has, though, if you listen loud or have a large room.

[@DavidLemay-j4v]

@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup thank you very much, appreciated

[@royhuijsmans6117]

Thanks for your upload! Relaxed and informative video, just what i wanted to know. I like that the pre-amp side has tubes, i wanna have listen in the shop, i'm in doubt between this MA352 or the MA8950. Is there are distinctive sound difference? The MA352 has tubes and is 3000€ ,in EU, cheaper. But the MA8950 has a DAC 2 , ARC and MC connection... Does anyone has a favourite or experience he/she likes to share? i would love to read it!(i'm also considering a MP100 Phono pre-amp)

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks for posting this cool vid.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@The-Spotlight-Kid]

Haven't got this amp tho I'd love to try it. But I do have & like a hybrid combo also done this same way round with full valved pre playing into a solid state power-amp (class 'A' in my current set-up) i used to be all valved (tubed, for those across the pond) until i heard & could afford to sample some much better s/state power amps, but still think the valve/ hybrid mix with solid state power is the way to go, for all the speakers of every technology I've owned at least. (I also happen to prefer a fully valved phono stage for reasons of spaciousness, solidity of image & musicality) P.S. Vinyl has long spun in my family, i vaguely recall my grandad having & learning from 16'RPM language course box sets & some Dylan Thomas L.P.s where he's reading his own poems, which I've now inherited (I binned the language sets) I wonder what my vinyl & CD listening son will bin when I pop off, i only have CDs in the car now (since last t/table, arm & cart' upgrade, but he likes 60's psychedelia & all my Funkadelic L.P.s (and today's stuff) but he won't get those L.P.s ...yet, that music only leaves the house on a recorded format or totally, post mortem.

[@mikeamato1768]

How would you compare MAC7200 to MA352?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Hey, Mike, both are awesome what speakers and external DAC are you pairing them up with? Do you need the am/fm functionality?

[@mikeamato1768]

The amp would be paired with older Bowers & Wilkins CM5 speakers. I will eventually replace speakers with 3 ways from Sonus faber. I currently use an internal DAC in a yamaha integrated receiver, so if I got the MA352, I would have to buy a DAC/streamer. I am mainly interested in how autoformers affect the sound.@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Awesome

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thanks for watching and for your support!

[@kevinhurley3699]

bought it 4 years ago new $5800

[@mrk8212]

#goals

[@Paufit]

320 watts into 4 ohm ? Meters say 400

[@titusrider7948]

How can Mac make such a gorgeous and expensive amp WITHOUT moving coil cartridge capability? 🤪

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

😂😜