McIntosh MA352 Integrated Amp

[damacman]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

That's kind of the way I see it. It definitely won't appeal to everyone; but I think it will sell. I've started to feel that a lot of Mc products are starting to look the same-a box with a nice glass front and two knobs, in many cases. This one definitely isn't that, and I think it looks pretty cool.

Would I buy one? Probably not, the form factor wouldn't work for me, and I haven't bought an integrated amp since I was 14 years old anyway. This needs to sit on a relatively open table so the whole thing is visible, and that setting I just wouldn't have.

So while I wouldn't be lining up to buy one, I'd look at it in a store if I had a chance and wouldn't mind hearing what it sounds like.

Pete, often when you try to become all things to all people, you become nothing to your core customer base. It's almost as if a noob decision maker said - Folks like our meters, they like our chrome chassis, they like our EQ, they like tubes, they like our lighting, they like the form factor of our classic stereo tube amplifiers, they like our alpha-numeric display, they like our new Mc heatink design . . . oh and integrated amplifiers are our biggest seller. Make me a product that offers all of that.

Haven't we been seeing a progression of this thought process for a while now? I guess as long as Mc's core products continue to offer the performance they're known for we shouldn't worry.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

Hard to keep up with all the McIntosh integrated amp offerings. Now showing 11 on their web site.

Well 11 currently, but it's actually 9 and maybe less. The MA8000 and MA7900 have both been superseded by newer models and stocks are limited to whatever is left on hand. The same may be true for one or two others, but I'm not familiar enough with some of the IA's to know.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by damacman

Pete, often when you try to become all things to all people, you become nothing to your core customer base. It's almost as if a noob decision maker said - Folks like our meters, they like our chrome chassis, they like our EQ, they like tubes, they like our lighting, they like the form factor of our classic stereo tube amplifiers, they like our alpha-numeric display, they like our new Mc heatink design . . . oh and integrated amplifiers are our biggest seller. Make me a product that offers all of that.

Haven't we been seeing a progression of this thought process for a while now? I guess as long as Mc's core products continue to offer the performance they're known for we shouldn't worry.

That's all true, and sometimes what they come up with does disappoint their core base. One example that comes to mind is the MT10 Turntable. They just had to try to make it look like one of their components. They tried too hard is the opinion of quite a few people, largely because of the meter on the "front panel". I never was able to warm up to this turntable. That doesn't mean it isn't a fine turntable, however.

You're right, as long as their core products continue to deliver, life is good.

Funny thing is, I didn't much care for the MA252, which is pretty similar to the MA352. But for some reason, I like the looks of the MA352 a lot more than the MA252. It must be the meters, and the additional controls. In this case, I think the meters helped.

If one doesn't like the MA352, that's fine. Different strokes for different folks.

[Ventoux]

Originally Posted by jdandy

No matter how great this new McIntosh integrated amplifier may or may not be, I do not like the physical design one iota.

Yuke!

Agree Dan. Too much bling.

[crwilli]

Until I saw an MA252 in person, I was on the fence. Once I did, I was very pleased with its presence and its performance. I suspect the MA352 will be the same.

[Dylan Morris]

I think it’s just great. Tubes and SS the best of both worlds. And I love the 5 band tone controls on the chrome front looks stunning to me.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Until I saw an MA252 in person, I was on the fence. Once I did, I was very pleased with its presence and its performance. I suspect the MA352 will be the same.

Likewise! When I finally saw a MA252 it had a wow factor.

[jimimac]

Thank you for the kind words...

[brownbear]

I wonder how this would pair with my D1100 hmmmm

[bachrocks]

I wonder if the humming issues reported by some MA252 owners have been eliminated in the design of the MA352.

As someone with limited financial resources, an integrated amp is a temptingly attractive idea, and although I prefer seperates, if the sound quality were there, I could easily fall in love with the looks of the 352.

Thanks for the post, Maks.