New MA252 Integrated Amp

[krustycat]

That looks simple and fantastic!

[80B]

Congratulations, that looks wonderful!

[Formerly YB-2]

Does look good. One of those pieces that gets better looking with time (as I get used to it). Assume that it is "remote capable" and comes with the standard, 'full function' remote?

[dcanlas]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Does look good. One of those pieces that gets better looking with time (as I get used to it). Assume that it is "remote capable" and comes with the standard, 'full function' remote?

It does come with full function remote.

[afridi]

My dealer had put a 252 on display. I took it home and am not giving it back! Right now feeding it with a Sony HAP S1 and have some real cheap speakers as I await a pair of Focal 905s.

First listen: very smooth. Detailed. Best of all it’s very musical. I was thinking of dropping in some NOS tubes I have collected over the years but rather like the sound as is. This amp is a keeper. It’s my second system for an office. I think I might throw in some REL TZeros at some point.

One of these days I might swap it into my main system and see how it compares to my Plinius 103.

[Formerly YB-2]

Dropped by our local (if 50mi can be considered local) McIntosh emporium to give the MA252 a listen. Have to admit, the first thing about the MA252 is that it is much better looking in person. Even with the tube cages on it doesn't come across as "gadgety" in real life as it often does in pic's. The other most impressive thing is how good it sounds. At least pushing a set of Harbeth Monitor 3.1s from a Marantz 8006 CDP (my CDs). The Harbeths got a bit congested in the mids with complex orchestral music (think the HL5s would have done better, being 3-way). Based on my 45 minutes of listening, I wouldn't hesitate to own one. Most favorably impressed.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Dropped by our local (if 50mi can be considered local) McIntosh emporium to give the MA252 a listen. Have to admit, the first thing about the MA252 is that it is much better looking in person. Even with the tube cages on it doesn't come across as "gadgety" in real life as it often does in pic's. The other most impressive thing is how good it sounds. At least pushing a set of Harbeth Monitor 3.1s from a Marantz 8006 CDP (my CDs). Based on my 45 minutes of listening, I wouldn't hesitate to own one. Most favorably impressed.

Must have been Overtures since they are Harbeth and McIntosh dealer. I agree, the MA252 does look better in person. I have a McIntosh dealer nearby, World Wide Stereo. They carry some good gear like McIntosh and Dynaudio, just wish their listening rooms were better and they took HiFi more seriously.

[Formerly YB-2]

Yes. Was Overture. They have quite some gear on display. Especially the Magico & Focal speakers. Amazing how large speakers have become these days.

[1KW]

Originally Posted by Maks

Nope, but I've bought other Mc gear online (mostly here) without hearing them. The point is Mc is all about making people buy at brick and mortar dealers to get better service, but if they offering NOTHING other than, "yeah we don't have that, but we'll sell it to you" what's the point? Where is the value? Why would I drive to a dealer, not hear a piece of gear, have them make profit off me for literally doing nothing other than pushing paper, then I have to drive back to pick the gear up? Versus calling up an online dealer, getting a price, saying OK, then having the box arrive at my door? This isn't to take away from Mc dealers who do provide value like in home demos and such. It just rubs me the wrong way when dealers want to make money when they do zero work.

Mcintosh doesn't car about US sales and is shows. They really don't care. US sales numbers are down, less dealers also. It's about sales abroad, I have heard this from multiple people who have credibility .

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Yes. Was Overture. They have quite some gear on display. Especially the Magico & Focal speakers. Amazing how large speakers have become these days.

Last time I was at Overtures was when I bought my MC501's and that was a LOOONG time ago. I'm overdue for a visit.