McIntosh MC252 Solid State Amplifier - 250W Per Channel

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One of the most compact high power amps made by McIntosh, and one of the best looking in our opinion featuring 3D glass and heavy aluminum end caps. 

Super capable and full of features.  Would cost you over $6k to buy a new equivalent (yet inferior) amplifier today.

Please check out our full video on this amplifier:

Performance Features:
• Power Output
The MC252 consists of two separate power amplifier channels, each capable of 250 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% distortion. The two channels can be combined into a single channel with 500 watts into 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% distortion.

• Patented Autoformers
The McIntosh designed and manufactured Output Autoformers provide an ideal match between the amplifier output stage and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms. The Autoformers also provide perfect DC protection for your valuable Loudspeakers.

• Patented Power Guard
The patented McIntosh Power Guard Circuit prevents the amplifier from being over driven into clipping, with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable Loudspeakers.

• Patented Sentry Monitor with Thermal Protection
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection circuits ensure the MC252 will have a long and trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits guard against overheating.

Click here for a PDF copy of the McIntosh MC252 Owner's Manual

Click here for a PDF copy of the McIntosh MC252 Service Manual

Specifications:
Power Output Stereo
Minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, all channels operating is:
250 watts into 2 ohm load
250 watts into 4 ohm load
250 watts into 8 ohm load

Power Output Mono Bridged
Minimum sine wave continuous average power output is: 500 watts into 4 ohm load
500 watts into 8 ohm load
500 watts into 16 ohm load

Power Output Mono Bi-Amp (Parallel)
Minimum sine wave continuous average power output is: 500 watts into 1 ohm load
500 watts into 2 ohm load
500 watts into 4 ohm load

Output Load Impedance
2, 4 or 8 ohms (Stereo Mode)
1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 ohms (Mono Modes)

Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20,000Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion
Maximum Total Harmonic Distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power output is 0.005%

Intermodulation Distortion
Maximum Intermodulation Distortion if instanta- neous peak output per channel does not exceed twice the rated output, for any combination of fre- quencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, with all channels operating is 0.005%

Dynamic Headroom
2.0 dB

Frequency Response
+0, -0.25 dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3 dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz

Sensitivity
1.6 Volts Unbalanced Input
3.2 Volts Balanced Input

A-Weighted Signal To Noise Ratio
112 dB below rated output

Input Impedance
10,000 ohms Unbalanced Inputs
20,000 ohms Balanced Inputs

Wide Band Damping Factor
Greater than 40

Overall Dimensions
Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm)
Height is 9-7/16 inches (23.97cm) including feet
Depth is 14-13/16 inches (37.62cm) including the Front Panel and Knobs

Weight
94.5 pounds (42.87 kg) net, 108.5 pounds (49.22 kg) in shipping carton

Our Testing Process for Amplifiers (Solid State) at SkyFi:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage.

We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally, we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If everything reads clean, we will often test for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier then remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will be also be tested.

Final testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We've learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage Kef speakers that we're very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice.

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.