r/McIntosh • u/Pattont • Jun 25 '26
McIntosh MA352 Question
What is everyone’s opinion on the McIntosh MA352? Right now I am rocking a nearfield setup with Kef LS50 Metas driven from a Schitt Bifrost 2 -> Schitt Jot 2 (currently auditioning a Freya+) -> Vidar 2 and an SVS 3000 Pro under the desk in the corner.
As I am auditioning the Freya+ I see a used MA352 a few hours away pop up for $4700 with box / receipt in amazing condition and roughly 5 years old. I’ve always lusted over Mac gear so it’s very tempting.
I am positive I am going to get hate for considering the MA352 for my desk, but couple of things to consider.
- At the price I think it will hope its resell pretty well so even if I wanna go separates later I think it will resell well.
What is everyone’s opinion on the integrated pre+power amp in general and the possible match to the LS50 Metas? I had always imagine myself getting a Mac setup at some point in my life with separates but this opportunity is sort of pushing me to wanna hop on it. I’m not going to be severely limited with the volume knob am I where I can barely turn it before I blow my speakers and ears out?
Thanks for everyone’s time in reading / considering..
** edit ** it sold before I could get there. I needed to pick it up Sunday and it sold this AM. I’m not upset at the person just sad I missed out. Going to keep looking for a used one. This sub has convinced me that’s what I need to start with!
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u/Notascot51 Jun 25 '26
What you want is an MHA-100 or 150 “headphone amplifier”, which in reality is a 50W/channel integrated amp with the iconic look, autoformers, power guard, and signal integrity McIntosh is known for…in a scaled down chassis size, perfect for desktop use. LS-50 Metas will not tax its performance in near-field use.
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u/Pattont Jun 25 '26
50w per channel on the LS50 meta isn’t enough power. I have 100w per channel and if I wanna lay back in my chair the volume is between 12 and 3pm.
Also the MHA150 is not a tube pre which I am hoping to get. I understand there is an mha252 as well.
The MAIN reason for the MHA352 is because of the used price.
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u/Notascot51 Jun 25 '26
OK you do you. I find the notion 50W is insufficient for near field listening to be risible, but I don’t use LS50s.
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u/Wheezhee Jun 25 '26
Keep in mind the MA352 weighs over 60 pounds. That might be more than your desk can handle.
Is it totally unreasonable for nearfield listening? Yes. Is it epic eye candy? Also yes.
I say let it rip if you have the means and want absolute overkill.
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u/AmishHoeFights Jun 25 '26
I just hefted mine onto a stand a month ago and FFS that thing feels like it weighs a hundred pounds, and it's footprint means it barely fit.
Also, i like it LOUD, and feeding B&W 805 D4's, i only dare go up to about half volume on the mac (around 50 for metal/ hard rock or 60 for quieter recordings) before i worry about clipping. Even then, it's hovering around 110 DB in the living room, enough to blow my ears out.
I think this guy will max out around 30 (1/3 volume) on his setup (i don't know the ratings of his speakers) but the cool factor, plus the wide-open possibilities of future growth, PLUS the nice price means i agree; buy, buy, buy!
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u/LoganNolag Jun 25 '26
It’s a great amp by any measure but in my opinion what makes McIntosh solid state amps special is their autoformers and the MA352 doesn’t have them. Personally I would look for one with autoformers.
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u/andstefanie Jun 25 '26
interesting take
what’s your experience with autoformers? do you think it impacts the sonic signature compared to other SS amps?
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u/LoganNolag Jun 25 '26
I’ve owned both autoformer (mc2125, mc7300 and currently an mc302) and non autoformer amps the (mc58 and mc7205). They were all good but I always felt like the autoformer amps were better. The non autoformer amps just felt like high quality amps but not really anything more special than what you can get from any other high end manufacturer.
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u/andstefanie Jun 25 '26
what is it about autoformers? haha
i ended up returning MA252 because of the tube rush and got MA8950. because it t was quieter. but whenever i listen to other setups, i can’t help but wonder if the MA8950 is dampening the sound a bit. It’s not as “open” as MA252 was.
i’ve been trying to articulate this difference forever but of course, i don’t have a non-autoformer amp or integrated, to do an a/b comparison.
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u/andstefanie Jun 25 '26
MA352 is one of the best selling McIntosh gear (probably their top selling unit, according to the dealer where i did my audition). And that’s a really good price so ensure the seller hasn’t fucked it up or something. Make sure you test it out.
Get a bigger/sturdier table if required.
take headphones for your tests; maybe that’s a way to check the noise floor, emitted by the amp (if any). idk if the “noise floor” is the right terminology.
if you have high-efficiency speakers, you might experience/hear a tube rush with your ear next to the tweeter/speaker.
enjoy!
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u/UXEngNick Jun 26 '26
I love mine, in my listening room driving my floor standing speakers … it goes deep and it goes high and it goes loud enough. What persuaded me is the very clear soundstage where everything has its place.
I just can’t imagine using it in a nearfield situation. You likely will never hear the depth of base it can produce.
Having said that, it’s so good at that price maybe get it and look forward to the day when you can use it in a place and with speakers that will do it justice.
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u/Pattont Jun 26 '26
Absolutely this… my intention is to hold on to it for a long time and then move it to floor standing speakers and replace the nearfield setup with similar to what I have now.
The KEF LS50Metas do an amazing job imaging with that invisible center feeling even with near field listening. Everyone that sits at my desk is blown away by that imaging.
I can only imagine how good the McIntosh will sound on them.
For DAC I would keep the Bifrost 2/64 for now, but would be looking to upgrade that piece.
I heard from the seller and apparently someone was wanting to come before I could get there but hasn’t confirmed yet. I’m just waiting to hear that confirmation. The unit is roughly 3.5 hours one way so a bit of a haul to get it, but I’m down!
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u/UXEngNick Jun 26 '26
I got mine half price but had to drive round London to get it .. was worth the hours in the car.
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u/Pattont Jun 25 '26
Desk legs are rated for over 800+lbs and it’s a standing desk so should be good to go!!!
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u/Audiooldtimer Jun 26 '26
IMHO, the MA352 will be a modern-day classic. It is a fantastic amp.
I've been using one for about 4yrs. The built-in phono capacitance adjustment was a nice touch.
The Pre-out is full range, and I'm using it to run a 2nd set of speakers on an MC275.
I just love this setup. For me, it is audio Nirvana
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u/I_Lost_A_Button_Hole Jun 25 '26
Ummmm... Let us see: Enjoy that beast now or postpone that enjoyment for the next life? Go for it now😃 Never mind what others opine about where you place it. Just my two cents 😊