REVIEW： McIntosh MA252 AMP – LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT？
United States of Analog | December 19, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review of the McIntosh MA-252 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier. The host Bob is sharing his personal experience after owning the unit for several years, discussing his initial disappointment with the amplifier despite being a lifelong dream to own McIntosh gear.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- McIntosh MA-252 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier [00:00:00]: Price around $4,500, 100 watts into 8 ohms/160 into 4 ohms, tube preamp section with solid state amplifier section, includes phono section, balanced inputs, headphone amplifier, coax/optical/USB inputs, single subwoofer output, uses 12AX7A x2 and 12AT7 x2 tubes, has monogrammed heatsink and power guard circuit
- McIntosh 275 power amplifier [00:02:37]: Mentioned as what the host originally wanted but couldn’t afford due to needing a separate preamp
- Marantz 1060 [00:02:09]: Host’s previous amplifier from his younger days
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Host was initially not enamored with the MA-252 when he first got it [00:04:48]
- The amplifier felt underpowered to him initially, not delivering the “thunderous sound” he expected [00:05:16]
- His expectations may have been too high for the unit [00:05:14]
- Despite initial disappointment, he hints the video will have a “happy ending” [00:01:11]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00:07]: Opening with dramatic photos asking “Why isn’t he smiling?” about himself with the amplifier
- [00:00:41]: “It will go a long way into proving to my wife that this isn’t a complete waste of time”
- [00:02:59]: “I don’t even have monogrammed towels and they were offering me a monogrammed heatsink”
- [00:01:33]: Describes himself as a “nuisance client” at the hi-fi shop with no money to spend
- [00:01:01]: “I just feel like if it can work for cable news, it can work for YouTube” – explaining his dramatic intro
Summary
The video opens with host Bob dramatically introducing his review of the McIntosh MA-252 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier, playfully acknowledging his clickbait-style approach. He shares his personal backstory of dreaming about owning McIntosh gear since his early 20s, when he would spend Saturday mornings at a hi-fi shop in Austin as a broke audiophile attending McIntosh amplifier clinics where they would test customers’ equipment.
Bob explains how he was immediately attracted to the MA-252 when he first saw it online, drawn by its glowing tubes, monogrammed heatsink, and hybrid design combining tube preamp with solid-state power section delivering 100 watts per channel. Despite having to make “lifestyle changes” to afford the nearly $4,500 amplifier, he ordered one and eagerly awaited its arrival during a period of high demand.
However, the story takes an unexpected turn as Bob reveals his initial disappointment with the amplifier after getting it home. Despite owning it for several years and giving it plenty of time to burn in, he admits it hasn’t been his favorite piece of gear, feeling underpowered compared to his high expectations. He suggests his expectations may have been unrealistic, though he hints that the story will ultimately have a positive resolution.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- McIntosh MA252 amplifier (main subject)
- Sansui amplifiers [00:05:25]
- Technics SUG700 amplifier [00:07:09]
- BDI cabinet [00:06:56]
- McIntosh 275 amplifier (design comparison) [00:08:33]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [00:05:42] The MA252 “constantly clipped” and felt low powered despite being rated at 100 watts
- [00:06:24] McIntosh customer service response was dismissive: “well, that’s what it is. That’s what it does”
- [00:07:09] Found the Technics SUG700 to be “more reference sounding” than the McIntosh
- [00:08:19] Praises the form factor as “beautiful” with “substance” and “style”
- [00:08:40] Considers it “built well” and something that will “last a lifetime”
- [00:09:18] Notes design issue where 275-inspired design cues on the sides can be blocked by other equipment
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- [00:05:53] Observed tubes changing from green to orange when clipping occurred
- [00:07:01] Experienced clipping issues and felt the amp was “low powered”
- [00:07:37] Plans to test it with “my best speakers and my best turntable” for redemption
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- [00:05:25] Expected “100 Macintosh watts would be like 200 Sansui watts”
- [00:07:09] Technics SUG700 described as “more reference sounding amp than the Macintosh”
- [00:08:33] McIntosh admits taking “design cues from the 275”
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- [00:06:56] Acknowledges that cable management issues (“a lot of wires behind my BDI cabinet”) could potentially cause noise problems
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- [00:08:03] “You got the money for a Mac or you don’t? I actually didn’t, but I made the sacrifice.”
- [00:06:24] Describing McIntosh engineer’s response: “well, that’s what it is. That’s what it does.”
Summary
The host recounts his disappointing initial experience with the McIntosh MA252, describing persistent clipping issues despite the amplifier’s 100-watt rating and his expectation that McIntosh watts would be more powerful than other brands. His frustration was compounded by what he perceived as dismissive customer service from a McIntosh engineer who seemed uninterested in addressing his legitimate concerns about the unit’s performance.
This led him to sideline the MA252 in favor of a Technics SUG700, which he found to offer more reference-quality sound. However, he’s now giving the McIntosh a second chance, setting up a “redemption” test using his best speakers and turntable to evaluate whether the amp deserves to remain in his audio system long-term.
Despite his performance concerns, the host clearly appreciates the MA252’s aesthetic qualities, praising its beautiful design, build quality, and longevity. He acknowledges the premium pricing but frames it as an either-or proposition – you can afford McIntosh or you can’t. His evaluation framework focuses on form, sound, and fit rather than value, recognizing that this amplifier occupies a luxury market segment where traditional price-performance metrics may not apply.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- McIntosh MA-252 amplifier [09:50-15:16]
- Forte 4 speakers (Klipsch) [11:31, 11:38, 12:32]
- MoFi Studio Deck turntable [12:02]
- Technics amplifier (mentioned as alternative) [12:21]
- McIntosh 275 (referenced for comparison) [09:58]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
The host concludes that the McIntosh MA-252 is back in his “good graces” after initially falling out of favor [14:46-14:52]. He describes it as having a “distinct warmish, punchy, syrupy, gooey flavor” [11:11] and states “It’s going to find a place in one of my systems” [13:54-13:59].
Final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers
- The McIntosh pairs perfectly with Forte 4 speakers, as the warmth tames the speakers’ brightness [11:38-11:52]
- Since Forte speakers are very efficient, clipping issues are minimized [12:27-12:36]
- Suggests McIntosh should keep power guard but remove visual clipping indicators as they reduce confidence in the product [12:49-13:02]
- Notes that having multiple equipment options allows you to enjoy different “flavors” of sound [10:45-11:01]
How did the video wrap up?
The host wrapped up by acknowledging he “sounds like a big baby” [14:39-14:41] and noting that “we should all be fortunate enough to have a Macintosh in our system” [14:41-14:45]. He thanked “the audio gods” and viewers for being part of the “United States of Analog” [14:46-14:55], followed by some brief off-camera comments [15:16-15:19].
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions
- “It’s like a Snuggie. It hugs you. It makes you feel warm.” [14:20-14:26]
- “I mean, come on, it’s a Mac. I never was going to get rid of it.” [13:59-14:02]
- “It’s warm, and on some days, especially Sunday afternoons, that’s a good thing.” [14:27-14:35]
Summary
In this final portion, the host reveals his renewed appreciation for the McIntosh MA-252 after initially being disappointed with it. He admits that his original expectations were too high given the significant investment, but now with more gear options available, he can appreciate the amp’s distinct warm, “syrupy” sound signature. The host particularly praises how well the McIntosh pairs with his Forte 4 speakers, noting that the amp’s warmth perfectly balances the speakers’ natural brightness.
The host acknowledges that while he sometimes craves different sonic flavors (which he gets from his Technics amp), the McIntosh fills an important role in his system collection. He’s grateful to have multiple options that allow him to choose different sound characteristics depending on his mood. A previous high-pitched whine issue appears to have been resolved, and clipping is no longer a concern with his efficient Forte speakers.
By the end, the host admits he was never really going to sell the McIntosh anyway, calling himself “a big baby” for his earlier criticisms. He emphasizes that the amp has found its rightful place back in his system rotation, particularly for relaxed listening sessions where its warm, embracing sound signature shines. The review concludes on a positive note, with the host expressing gratitude for both the equipment and his audience.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
