New MA252 Integrated Amp

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by pwrfulpete02

I've really been enjoying the Ma252/Kef ls50 combo; being said that it is a "gateway" mc product...I just bit and bought another mc product...maybe through the back gate though...its a nice MC2505.

Another fan of the MA252 and McIntosh's first solid-state amp with meters, the MC2505. My intro to stereo 'high-end' was an MC2505 with an MX110 and a pair of large Altec horns (don't recall which ones). I do remember what a big step up it was from the mono tube amp with a single Bozak my uncle had at the time.

[Unionista]

Hello, all! First post from a new member...

I also have a pair of LS 50s (brand new) that need a new amp. As my system is in a rather small room now (11 x 12 x 8), I am thinking of downsizing everything to gain space. The first to go were the old Acoustat Spectra 11s. The next to go will be the "arc-welder" amp used to drive them. The 252 looks like a winner.

Question: has anyone critically evaluated the phono stage yet? If it's really superlative (for the price), I think my search is done...

[tweet]

Unionista...Welcome to AA!

[ruffoc]

Does anyone have details about the circuit in the MA252? How are the tubes used in the pre amp? 2 for pre gain? 2 for tone controls? Or is the second pair of tubes used for the phono stage? Difficult to get the facts based on the current media out there. by the waythis review in French shows a massive R-Core transfomer

[GreginNH1]

WOW. 5,000 Euros!

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by ruffoc

Does anyone have details about the circuit in the MA252? How are the tubes used in the pre amp? 2 for pre gain? 2 for tone controls? Or is the second pair of tubes used for the phono stage?

From the description on the McIntosh website it appears that all the tubes are used in preamp line stage rather than any in the phono-stage. In the Power Guard description it states that the two tubes in whatever channel the Power Guard is triggered on will flash amber until the clipping clears. While not definitive, seems it would not do so if were in the phono-stage.

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by ruffoc

Does anyone have details about the circuit in the MA252? How are the tubes used in the pre amp? 2 for pre gain? 2 for tone controls? Or is the second pair of tubes used for the phono stage? Difficult to get the facts based on the current media out there. by the waythis review in French shows a massive R-Core transfomer

WHATEVER the magic is....I can tell you I love mine. :-)

[Berman002]

Originally Posted by Unionista

Hello, all! First post from a new member...

I also have a pair of LS 50s (brand new) that need a new amp. As my system is in a rather small room now (11 x 12 x 8), I am thinking of downsizing everything to gain space. The first to go were the old Acoustat Spectra 11s. The next to go will be the "arc-welder" amp used to drive them. The 252 looks like a winner.

Question: has anyone critically evaluated the phono stage yet? If it's really superlative (for the price), I think my search is done...

Sorry didn't use the phono, all my source are digital, but so far my listening experience is getting better and better each day with the MA252 and LS50. a bit more bass could be better but the high and mid so sweet after 10 hours of run in. I wish I still have my R900 to compare.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by Berman002

Sorry didn't use the phono, all my source are digital, but so far my listening experience is getting better and better each day with the MA252 and LS50. a bit more bass could be better but the high and mid so sweet after 10 hours of run in. I wish I still have my R900 to compare.

Maybe try a small sub such as a REL T5? I love mine. Except with the grandest of floor standers, I'd never go without one.

[afridi]

Am wondering if McIntosh's are worth having their tubes swapped out. I have a bunch of CV4024s lying around and may give that a go. CV4004s are expensive and seems like would make a good match to the CV4024.

Anyone here with experience tube rolling McIntoshs?