{"product_id":"mcintosh-ma352-hybrid-drive-integrated-amplifier-pre-loved-1","title":"McIntosh MA352 Hybrid Drive Integrated Amplifier - Pre-Loved","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrice listed is MSRP. Please call to order and discuss pricing.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis MA352 will come with its manual, McIntosh double-shipping cart and power cord, and manual. Tested and functioning like new.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA SkyFi 1-year warranty will be included with this product (no McIntosh warranty).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt will be shipped in its original McIntosh double box to ensure safe transit, as packaging like this is essential to protect the glass faceplate. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupport your local McIntosh Dealer!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Includes our Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance\u003cbr\u003e• Vacuum tube preamplifier and solid state power amplifier\u003cbr\u003e• 200 Watts into 8 Ohms\u003cbr\u003e• 320 Watts into 4 Ohms\u003cbr\u003e• 5-band tone control\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MA352 Integrated Amplifier is a hybrid design that combines the finest of vacuum tube and solid state audio design principles. The result is an eye-catching amplifier that enjoys the best of these two opposing audio philosophies all while reproducing music at the highest quality level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Want valve [vacuum tube] sound with solid state power and reliability? McIntosh have a long history in both fields and bring their expertise to glorious fruition in the audacious MA352 hybrid amplifier, packed with power, glowing valves and the expansive sound they enjoy... The MA352 is an amplifier that we thought was glorious in both appearance and sound.\" Named Best Hybrid Amplifier 2020. – Hi-Fi World\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe MA352 has \"everything it takes to become an instant classic.\" - Audio Review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MA352 includes our Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance. An all analog design, the MA352 has a vacuum tube preamplifier section that is powered by a pair of 12AX7A and a pair of 12AT7 vacuum tubes; its output stage is a direct coupled solid state amplifier that outputs 200 Watts per channel into 8 Ohm speakers or 320 Watts per channel into 4 Ohm speakers – enough power to properly drive virtually any set of loudspeakers. Dual scale blue Watt meters give an accurate readout of power output for both speaker impedances.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"The hybrid McIntosh amplifier is powerful enough to power your favorite speakers, and refined enough to make the experience memorable, no matter what kind of music you play. Highly Recommended.\" - Lyd \u0026amp; Bilde\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"It is a no nonsense pure analogue amplifier design that does exactly what it should do and that is power your speakers to very high levels without any kind of distortion but with exceptional accuracy and clarity to the music.\" Winner of Reference Award - The Speaker Shack\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MA352 has 2 balanced and 3 unbalanced inputs plus 1 Moving Magnet phono input with adjustable loading for connecting a turntable. It has gold-plated speaker binding posts to help prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables to your speakers. A stereo preamplifier output is available for connecting a higher-powered amplifier; it can also be used to connect 1 or 2 powered subwoofers for added low frequency performance.\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"The quality of the sound never falters. The MA352 remains stunningly clear and detailed with loads of power to spare. With the MA352's impressive 0.03% THD and IMD, you’ll be hard pressed to find any distortion even at window shaking volume.\" - Tone Audio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"There’s a sense of confidence in the amplifier’s effortlessness in terms of its power capabilities and its handling of music, how it functions and its overall execution. It offers a rounded set of features. It’s solidly built and assembled. It looks gloriously attractive. Finally, and most importantly, it plays music to very high standards of dynamic realism, tonal accuracy and sheer listenability.\" - SoundStage Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MA352 is packed with numerous McIntosh technologies including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Our patented Power Guard® technology that monitors the output signal for over driving and makes real time micro adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh sounding clipping that could potentially damage your speakers\u003cbr\u003e• Our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit Sentry Monitor™ that will disengage the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal\u003cbr\u003e• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors that minimize thermal equilibrium lag (or warm-up) time\u003cbr\u003e• High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)\u003cbr\u003e• A 5-band analog tone control allows for manual adjustment of your favorite recordings (each band adjustable by ± 12dB)\u003cbr\u003e• Home Theater Pass Through lets it be seamlessly integrated into a home theater system\u003cbr\u003e• Power Control to send power on\/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown\u003cbr\u003e• Data Ports to send remote control commands to connected source components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe MA352 \"allows you to experience music to the fullest by letting the dynamics and all the energy, as well as the subtleties and slightest nuances, be expressed freely. The width of the soundstage, balance of the frequency ranges, precision of the timbres, impact of the lows and clarity of the highs: the McIntosh MA352 combined all of these qualities with ease, no matter the style of music we listened to.\" - Son-Vidéo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unit sits on a stainless steel chassis polished to a mirror finish; vintage McIntosh-styled die cast aluminum name badges are affixed to each side. Blue output meters, control knobs, an illuminated logo, and a black glass front panel with direct LED backlighting complete the unit. It can be paired with an assortment of CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers and speakers to complete your home audio system\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSkyFi Cosmetic Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA few very light hairline scratches, Overall excellent. Could pass for new if not looking closely.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBrand Background:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMcIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOwnership:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSingle Owner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eConnections:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eXLR, RCA, IEC Power, Power control, Speaker Binding Posts\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral Sound:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCosmetic Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e9\/10 = Excellent. Perfect physical condition, gently used. See our detailed rating description \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/pages\/our-rating-scale\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWorking Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorking perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEverything like when it arrived new\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecs:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS\u003cbr\u003ePower Output per Channel\u003cbr\u003e200 Watts into 8 Ohms\u003cbr\u003e320 Watts into 4 Ohms\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Channels\u003cbr\u003e2\u003cbr\u003eSpeaker Impedance\u003cbr\u003e4 or 8 Ohms\u003cbr\u003eRated Power Band\u003cbr\u003e20Hz to 20kHz\u003cbr\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion\u003cbr\u003e0.03%\u003cbr\u003eDynamic Headroom\u003cbr\u003e1.5dB\u003cbr\u003eFrequency Response +0,-0.5dB\u003cbr\u003e20Hz to 20kHz\u003cbr\u003eFrequency Response, +0, -3dB\u003cbr\u003e10Hz to 100kHz\u003cbr\u003eSensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)\u003cbr\u003eN\/A\u003cbr\u003eSensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)\u003cbr\u003e2.5mV\u003cbr\u003eSensitivity High Level (Balanced \/ Unbalanced)\u003cbr\u003e0.5V\/0.25V\u003cbr\u003eSensitivity (Power Amp input)\u003cbr\u003eN\/A\u003cbr\u003eSignal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)\u003cbr\u003eN\/A\u003cbr\u003eSignal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)\u003cbr\u003e82dB\u003cbr\u003eSignal To Noise Ratio (High Level)\u003cbr\u003e93dB\u003cbr\u003eSignal To Noise Ratio (Power Amp input)\u003cbr\u003eN\/A\u003cbr\u003eInput Impedance (Balanced \/ Unbalanced)\u003cbr\u003e20K\/20K\u003cbr\u003eDamping Factor\u003cbr\u003e8 Ohms: \u0026gt;200\u003cbr\u003e4 Ohms: \u0026gt;100\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Output (Balanced \/ Unbalanced)\u003cbr\u003e8V Unbalanced\u003cbr\u003eDIGITAL AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS\u003cbr\u003eDigital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type\u003cbr\u003eN\/A\u003cbr\u003eDigital Coaxial Input Sample Rate\u003cbr\u003eN\/A\u003cbr\u003eDigital Optical Input Sample Rate\u003cbr\u003eN\/A\u003cbr\u003eDigital MCT Input Sample Rate\u003cbr\u003eN\/A\u003cbr\u003eDigital USB Input Sample Rate\u003cbr\u003eN\/A\u003cbr\u003eGENERAL SPECIFICATIONS\u003cbr\u003eVacuum Tube or Solid State\u003cbr\u003ePreamplifier: Vacuum Tube\u003cbr\u003ePower Amplifier: Solid State\u003cbr\u003eOutput Type\u003cbr\u003eDirect Coupled\u003cbr\u003eOutput Meters\u003cbr\u003eYes\u003cbr\u003eDual Layer Chassis\u003cbr\u003eYes\u003cbr\u003eChassis Finish\u003cbr\u003ePolished stainless steel\u003cbr\u003eMcIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™\u003cbr\u003eYes\u003cbr\u003ePower Requirement\u003cbr\u003e120V 50\/60Hz, 6.0A\u003cbr\u003eStandby Power Requirement\u003cbr\u003e\u0026lt;0.5 Watts\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e17-1\/2\" (44.5cm) x 9-7\/8\" (25.1cm) x 17-7\/16\" (44.3cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e66 lbs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLink to Manual:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mcintoshlabs.com\/products\/integrated-amplifiers\/MA352\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommended Cables:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-hero-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-silver-streak-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - TAK-CU - New Speciality Series Tonearm Cable, New - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-tak-cu-phono-cable-with-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Phono Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-ascent-series-hero-analog-interconnects-pair-balanced-xlr-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors\u003c\/a\u003e - Better \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-summit-series-silver-streak-analog-interconnects-pair-balanced-xlr-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors\u003c\/a\u003e - Best \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-8tc-8-tc-ascent-speaker-cables-pair-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Speaker Cables\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-summit-series-monocle-xl-speaker-cables-pair-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR)\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-summit-series-bifocal-xl-bi-wire-speaker-cables-pair-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Summit Series BiFocal XL Bi-Wire Speaker Cables (PAIR)\u003c\/a\u003e - Best If Applicable \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-pk14-pk-14-ascent-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Better \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-ascent-series-pk10-pk-10-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable Coaxial Digital Interconnect SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-d-60-digital-interconnect-rca-bnc-or-wbt-terminations-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable Optical Digital Interconnect SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-opt-1-optical-digital-interconnect-toslink-connector-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - Digital AES\/EBU (XLR Connector) Interconnect - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-orchid-aes-ebu-reference-digital-interconnect-brand-new-speciality-series\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Digital AES\/EBU Interconnect\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-cables-and-interconnects-collection-all\/products\/kimber-kable-select-series-reference-usb-cable-ks-usb-cu-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Select Series Reference USB Cable\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTesting Process:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*Integrated Process followed by Receiver Process. Delete per listing as needed.*\u003cbr\u003eWe start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the device has the ability to decouple the preamplifier from the power amplifier, we remove the jumpers and independently test each section. If the device cannot be decoupled, we assess the electronic condition of the piece by analyzing the speaker level output only. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe start by connecting the \"Pre-Out\" jacks of the integrated to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the preamp section is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNext we test the power amplifier section by connecting the integrated amplifier speaker outputs to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the \"Main In” jacks and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the preamp and power amp both pass these tests, we reconnect the sections and verify that the preamp section can drive the power amp to rated power with a 1KHz tone on one of the line level inputs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the unit passes all of these tests it moves to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the device has the ability to decouple the preamplifier from the power amplifier, we remove the jumpers and independently test each section. If the device cannot be decoupled, we assess the electronic condition of the piece by analyzing the speaker level output only. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe start by connecting the \"Pre-Out\" jacks of the receiver to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the preamp section is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo test the tuner, we connect one of the tape outputs to the Sencore PA81 and the antenna terminals to a Sencore SG80 which allows us to “simulate” an ideal radio station using precision test signals instead of music. This device, in conjunction with an oscilloscope allows us to properly evaluate the following parameters:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1) AM Reception (Where Applicable)\u003cbr\u003e2) FM Mono Reception \u0026amp; Tuning Meter Function\u003cbr\u003e3) FM MPX Reception (Stereo)\u003cbr\u003e4) Dial Tracking: How accurately the tuner dial or display indicates the actual frequency of the broadcast being received.\u003cbr\u003e5) Stereo Separation: A properly working stereo tuner will have minimal crosstalk between the left and right channel.\u003cbr\u003e6) Sensitivity \u0026amp; Signal Strength Meter Function: By lowering the output of the SG80 we can simulate weak stations and determine how well the tuner will be able to pull in weak distant stations. This adjustment also helps us verify signal strength meter function.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the tuner has acceptable performance related to the parameters above, we connect the unit for listening tests with a simple dipole antenna. We listen for audio reproduction quality of local stations and evaluate how many stations the tuner can receive while we sweep through the dial. We are looking to verify that the tuner can decode stereo on strong local broadcasts and pick up a wide variety of local stations at the bottom, middle, and top of the frequency band. At this point we also test convenience features such as muting, filters, built in oscilloscope function, etc. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNext we test the power amplifier section by connecting the receiver's speaker outputs to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the Main In” jacks and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the preamp and power amp both pass these tests, we reconnect the sections and verify that the preamp section can drive the power amp to rated power with a 1 KHz tone on one of the line level inputs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBefore the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"McIntosh","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48349553197310,"sku":"107754","price":11545.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/3275\/9084\/files\/mcintosh-ma352-hybrid-drive-integrated-amplifier-pre-loved-881.jpg?v=1781201310","url":"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/en-au\/products\/mcintosh-ma352-hybrid-drive-integrated-amplifier-pre-loved-1","provider":"SkyFi Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}