The McIntosh MA352 combines a vacuum-tube preamplifier with a direct-coupled solid-state power amplifier. It delivers 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms or 320 watts into 4 ohms, with six analog inputs and a five-band equalizer.
Why This Model Matters
Its open chassis places four preamplifier tubes beside the blue power meters, making the hybrid architecture visible. The power stage supplies the speaker-driving output, while two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 tubes operate in the preamplifier. An MM phono input suits compatible turntables, and balanced and unbalanced line inputs accept other sources. Digital playback comes through an external source’s analog output, keeping the MA352’s role centered on analog control and amplification.
Highlights
200 watts per channel into 8 ohms; 320 watts into 4 ohms
Tube preamplifier and solid-state power stage
Six analog inputs including MM phono
Five-band analog equalizer
Exposed tube layout with blue output meters
Who It's For
For listeners who appreciate tube preamplification and a visible tube layout but want substantial solid-state power. It suits an analog-focused system with an external DAC or streamer providing digital music through a line input.
