Just put together my MA-252 & XR50 speakers, which arrived today. Very easy set-up after removing all the packaging and doing all connections BEFORE even putting the power cord on. Where to start? The stereo separation is amazing. So much bass that I will need to play with the settings and speaker placement. I have only played vinyl so far and will probably try streaming a little Sirius later. I've got about 15 of my favorite records ready to go. Terry Reid is next. Time for a little "super lungs" now. 😂
I really do not need to wait to chime in. The sound is magnificent. It is truly a wall of sound, especially from 19-inch tall speakers. The bass will make you rethink the need for a subwoofer. The detail across the stereo spectrum is extremely impressive as well. It is simple to set up with the proper connections. Banana plugs are excellent and make things simple. It's very hard to describe just how good the sound is. Yes, you are approaching 10k just for the amp & speakers, but I can honestly say this would be a keeper for most people who hear it. Just add your own turntable and maybe a streaming device, and you are in (audio) nirvana. I can not recommend these components any higher. I am extremely happy with this. ❤
Thanks for informative contribution. I’m doubting between MA252 and 352. I have Atohm GT1 HD & Opera Callas bookshelves, KEF KC62 sub and a 3,3x4,5m listening room. I’m “afraid” the MA353 is a bit overkill/overspend…? Looking for some expert advice. Cheers
Hi Laurens, we're glad to help. Sounds like you have some excellent components so far! Are you looking to power one pair of speakers per amp or both pairs with one amp? Are there any specific inputs or features you need from there?
Looks like the Callas are super efficient and have a 4-ohm impedance so these two models are likely a bit more than you need. Would you want to consider another brand? Are you okay using another style amp?
@@crutchfield thanks for thinking with me, I’m in exploration phase, so always interested in “studying” options. Got the NAD M33 and that’s a keeper, good class D and family-friendly ;-). Would like to play around with a suitable Class A, A/B, or tube integrated alternative for the fun of it
Help me crutch field! I am looking to buy a pair of Audio Physic cardeas plus or Sonus faber Olympica Nova v. I will have almost no cash after but maybe able to afford this amp from a friend for like 2.5k maybe less. Do you think this would work for a few years before I can upgrade
The default on the MA252 is for the display to always be on but there is also the option to change it via the Input/Trim Control on the unit or the Trim button on the remote to show the display only during an operational change.
@@crutchfield Entertaiment center you know a TV connected to a receiver and the receiver driving the speakers and the components connected to it like phono, blue ray player, cable box, etc..... i am surprised that you even asked.
We ask as its always helpful to know all the goals for and gear being connected before confirming a device like this integrated amp can work for someone. It does have a phono input as well as a couple of unbalanced preamp level inputs and a balanced input. It does not have HDMI inputs, but devices like the Blu-ray player, cable box, etc.. can be connected to a TV with an analog audio output. Then that TV's analog audio output can be connected to one of the unbalanced RCA inputs on this McIntosh unit.
The most annoying thing, well apart from the monster green color is that McIntosh is not pronounced Mackintosh, Mc in a name is pronounced Mick, so Mcintosh is actually pronounced Mickintosh
WOW !!! What a change for Mac !
beauty
Just put together my MA-252 & XR50 speakers, which arrived today. Very easy set-up after removing all the packaging and doing all connections BEFORE even putting the power cord on. Where to start? The stereo separation is amazing. So much bass that I will need to play with the settings and speaker placement. I have only played vinyl so far and will probably try streaming a little Sirius later. I've got about 15 of my favorite records ready to go. Terry Reid is next. Time for a little "super lungs" now. 😂
Now that sounds like a sweet setup. Hope you've got a comfortable chair!
I do. :-) After a couple of weeks, I'll do a full review. Their speakers are just incredible. The amp ain't bad, either. :-)
Looking forward to it.
I really do not need to wait to chime in. The sound is magnificent. It is truly a wall of sound, especially from 19-inch tall speakers. The bass will make you rethink the need for a subwoofer. The detail across the stereo spectrum is extremely impressive as well. It is simple to set up with the proper connections. Banana plugs are excellent and make things simple. It's very hard to describe just how good the sound is. Yes, you are approaching 10k just for the amp & speakers, but I can honestly say this would be a keeper for most people who hear it. Just add your own turntable and maybe a streaming device, and you are in (audio) nirvana. I can not recommend these components any higher. I am extremely happy with this. ❤
Happy listening!
Thanks for informative contribution. I’m doubting between MA252 and 352.
I have Atohm GT1 HD & Opera Callas bookshelves, KEF KC62 sub and a 3,3x4,5m listening room. I’m “afraid” the MA353 is a bit overkill/overspend…? Looking for some expert advice. Cheers
Hi Laurens, we're glad to help. Sounds like you have some excellent components so far! Are you looking to power one pair of speakers per amp or both pairs with one amp? Are there any specific inputs or features you need from there?
@@crutchfield Thanks for response. I’d mostly pair it with the Opera’s (I think) to play CDs (Primare transport, Hegel DAC)
Looks like the Callas are super efficient and have a 4-ohm impedance so these two models are likely a bit more than you need. Would you want to consider another brand? Are you okay using another style amp?
@@crutchfield thanks for thinking with me, I’m in exploration phase, so always interested in “studying” options. Got the NAD M33 and that’s a keeper, good class D and family-friendly ;-). Would like to play around with a suitable Class A, A/B, or tube integrated alternative for the fun of it
Fun! The Naim Uniti Nova is an excellent AB amplifier match for your speakers here: www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc921/p_956UNTNOVA/item.html
I love mine and using focal kanta 3
Nice! What sources are you most listening to?
Help me crutch field! I am looking to buy a pair of Audio Physic cardeas plus or Sonus faber Olympica Nova v. I will have almost no cash after but maybe able to afford this amp from a friend for like 2.5k maybe less. Do you think this would work for a few years before I can upgrade
Hi Hamish, are you asking if the McIntosh MA252 is a good match for these specific speaker models?
mostly albums but I'm actually streaming a lot too
Are the green LEDs defeatable?
The default on the MA252 is for the display to always be on but there is also the option to change it via the Input/Trim Control on the unit or the Trim button on the remote to show the display only during an operational change.
It is not cheap
can this be used as a receiver for Entertaiment system?
What type of setup do you have in mind?
@@crutchfield Entertaiment center you know a TV connected to a receiver and the receiver driving the speakers and the components connected to it like phono, blue ray player, cable box, etc..... i am surprised that you even asked.
We ask as its always helpful to know all the goals for and gear being connected before confirming a device like this integrated amp can work for someone. It does have a phono input as well as a couple of unbalanced preamp level inputs and a balanced input. It does not have HDMI inputs, but devices like the Blu-ray player, cable box, etc.. can be connected to a TV with an analog audio output. Then that TV's analog audio output can be connected to one of the unbalanced RCA inputs on this McIntosh unit.
The most annoying thing, well apart from the monster green color is that McIntosh is not pronounced Mackintosh, Mc in a name is pronounced Mick, so Mcintosh is actually pronounced Mickintosh