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At £3,400, this McIntosh MA252 is a fair deal, sitting just below the 75th percentile (£3,470) of your recent GBP listings and comfortably under the £3,649 asking price seen on a comparable UK eBay listing. It is slightly above the median (£3,043) but well within the typical used range, making it a reasonable entry point for a well-regarded hybrid integrated that pairs a vacuum tube pre-amp with a solid-state power amp.
The MA252 is cherished for its 100W into 8Ω (160W into 4Ω) output and its ability to deliver McIntosh’s signature warm, rich sound without sacrificing dynamics. At this price, it represents a solid buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a tube-solid-state hybrid that avoids the fragility of all-tube designs while retaining musicality. Unless the condition is questionable or accessories are missing, there’s no material reason to push back—this is a clean, capable amp at a fair market value.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
McIntosh Laboratory, founded in 1949 in the United States by Frank H. McIntosh and Gordon Gow, embodies a storied heritage of American audio innovation. Originally based in Silver Spring, Maryland, before relocating to Binghamton, New York, where products are still handcrafted today, the brand emerged from a commitment to superior sound reproduction. From powering President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration to the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound at Woodstock, McIntosh has shaped pivotal moments in music history and pop culture, earning its place as a cultural icon.
The company specializes in a comprehensive lineup of high-fidelity components, including renowned amplifiers—particularly its revered tube models for their warm, enveloping sound—along with solid-state power amps, stereo tuners, loudspeakers, turntables, music streamers, processors, and digital-to-analog converters. This breadth supports both two-channel stereo systems and multi-channel home theaters, delivering immersive experiences in music and film. Iconic blue watt meters on their gear have become globally recognized symbols of precision and power.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, McIntosh commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising quality, luxurious build, and timeless design. Far from mid-tier or niche boutique, it stands as a premium benchmark, favored by legendary musicians and producers across decades, blending vintage allure with modern performance for those who demand the ultimate in sonic fidelity.
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