Mc Intosh MA 352 integrated amplifier

Since half a century, Mc Intoshis renowned for the quality of its electronic components. The myth of the American manufacturer is mainly due to its success over the years thanks to its high-end integrated amplifiers.

Mc Intosh is also considered a legend for its musicality and its products’ reliability. After the global success of the MA 252 integrated amplifier, Mc Intosh comes back today with a more efficient device from a higher range, while still using the tube/transistor hybrid technology: the MA 352 integrated amplifier.

MC INTOSH MA 352: CHASSIS

On the outside, no doubt, it’s certainly a Mc Intosh!

We have here a superb chassis which reminds us of the profile of the legendary MC 275. In fact, just like this one, it has large embossed screen printings forming the brand’s name.

MC INTOSH MA 352: FRONT PANEL

On the polished stainless-steel panel, there are two main circular multifunction buttons. The one on the left allows the selection of the sources when rotating it and also enables the access to the setup menu. The other one on the right turns on and off the device when pressing it and adjusts the volume when rotating it. Of course, these features are accessible via the remote control.

There are also 5 smaller rotary buttons enabling a 5-band tone control for 30, 125, 500, 2,000 and 10,000 Hz. The menu accesses allow lots of settings and customization. The menu is displayed on the Oled screen visible between the input tubes. It is possible to rename every input and change their gain, or even to shunt them.

The user has also access to a “left/right” balance setting and tone changes (bass and treble). It is also possible to set up the XLR 2 in “BY PASS” to connect a processor or a video amplifier. There is also a headphone output in standard 6.35 mm Jack format. It is compatible with headphones having very different impedance (from 100 to 600 Ohms) thanks to the Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) technology.

Regarding the design, and contrary to the MA 252, the MA 352 is provided with the two legendary blue Vu-meters which are partly the reason for the American manufacturer’s success.

MC INTOSH MA 352: BACK PANEL

On the back of the MA 352 integrated amplifier, there is a pair of speaker terminals compatible with Hi-Fi speakers having a nominal impedance of 4 to 8 Ohms. These terminals are compatible with banana and fork connections, or even bare wire, but this latter option is not recommended.

There are only 5 “LINE” inputs, including 2 balanced ones (XLR). There is also an MM phono input, a stereo SUB output and two Trigger outputs. The moving magnet phono input offers an adjustable capacitive charge and the XLR 2 can be set in By-Pass.

The power cable (See all our power cables) is in the IEC format. Therefore, it can of course be upgraded with a higher-end cable.

MC INTOSH MA 352: TECHNOLOGY

Just like its younger brother the MA 252, the Mc Intosh MA 352 operates with a so-called “hybrid” technology!

The input stage is composed of two 12AX7 and two 12AT7 directly linked to two transistor power circuits. The power stage is composed of Thermal Track on Semiconductor transistors. These bipolar models are provided with a diode which eliminates any thermal imbalance and latency of operation. These transistors are fixed to two large heat sinks on either side of the chassis to ensure an appropriate cooling of the power stage when it is used. Moreover, the McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ proprietary circuit connected to the output transistors minimise the warm-up time.

An enormous R-Core transformer is in charge of the power supply! It takes most of the available space in the cabinet. A filtering system of over 36,000 µF is associated to it.

The MA 352 is equipped with the Power Guard® patented technology which monitors the output signal in case of overheating and performs real-time micro-adjustments on the input signal to prevent signal clipping which could potentially damage the drivers.

Always in the interest of reliability, a protection circuit against short-circuits without Sentry Monitor™ fuse will disengage the output stage before the current exceed too high operating levels, before automatically resetting when the operating conditions go back to normal.

MC INTOSH MA 352: TESTING AND LISTENING

From the first few measures, the reproduction of this integrated amplifier is surprising and disconcerting…

We have here the same qualities from the MA 252 in terms of balance and transparency. It does not fall into the “vintage” sound either. The Mc Intosh MA 352 shows remarkable dynamism and accuracy, associated with an unusual neutrality for the manufacturer.

The reproduction remains balanced no matter the musical style. The MA 352 demonstrates a lot of refinement and nuance. It marks a big difference with the MA 252 in terms of driver power and stiffness.

It can be associated with very high-end Fi-Fi speakers, and even those known to be reluctant. The MA 352 perfectly handles the drivers and even large ones, without being afraid of weak outputs.

There is also a magnificent soundstage which is vast and deep while still remaining accurate and realistic. The singers and solo instruments are perfectly centred and it is really easy to place the different sections.

The MA 352 is very swift and offers an excellent low volume reproduction, it can even offer a wall-shaking noise level if requested!

The bass is especially articulated and punchy. The upper mid-range is very realistically and accurately transcribed.

We have here the distinctive timbre quality and presence of tube amplifiers. The carnal and organic reproduction doesn’t show any aggressiveness.

The Mc Intosh MA 352 integrated amplifier is a true revelation and a clear success. It is nicely manufactured, easy to use, versatile and offers a remarkable musicality. There’s very little competition at this price…

A long-term investment! Our personal favourite!

AWARDS:

Hi-Fi World - Best amplifier