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The MA252 is notable for blending a tube preamp with a solid-state power stage, and US$4,199 is a fair used-market price. It sits just above the US$4,149 median, comfortably within the recent US$3,927–US$4,666 comparable range—not a bargain, but certainly not ambitious.
Its appeal is the unusually versatile all-analog setup: 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 160 into 4 ohms, a useful MM phono stage, balanced input, tone controls, headphone output, subwoofer connection, and McIntosh’s Power Guard protection. The hybrid design gives it tube character without committing you to tube power-stage maintenance. At this price, confirm the remote, tube cages, and original packaging are present, and check the tubes and display, but a clean, complete example is an easy recommendation for a vinyl-focused system.
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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