Can someone figure out the gain of this amp?

Check out page 26 of the manual. You’ll see the following stated there:

Voltage Gain:
High Level to Output 1: 44dB
High Level to Output 2: 15dB
Phono to Output 1: 84dB
Phono to Output 2: 55dB

(Output 1 is the speaker output; output 2 is apparently the output of the preamp section of the integrated amp).

The 28 db figure you referred to is a typical number for power amps, but integrated amps tend to have gains in the area of 35 to 40 db or so, since the gain of their preamp section adds to the gain of their power amp section. 44 db in this case is somewhat greater than average for an integrated amp, but is still reasonable.

If those gain numbers weren’t provided in the manual it would be possible to calculate them from the specs you provided, which appear to have come from the less complete set of specs contained in the description at the website. (McIntosh user manuals usually provide more complete specs than the descriptions at their website). Post back if you’d like me to go through those calculations.

Regards,
-- Al

Thanks Al, so to get a comparable gain of my current system, I should add the gain of my BHK Pre ( not certain gain) and my Nuforce STA200 ( which has 34.5 dB if gain)?

Yes, that’s correct.

I see that the BHK Signature preamp has a specified "sensitivity" of 1.3 volts, and a specified "output level" of 4.0 volts. Presumably that means that an input of 1.3 volts would result in an output of 4 volts, if the volume control is set at max. (Preamp gains are usually defined based on the volume control being at max). That corresponds to a gain of about 10 db, which would add to the 34.5 db gain of your Nuforce amp and result in almost exactly the same overall gain as the MA352.

db of gain = 20 x log(Vout/Vin) = 20 x log(4/1.3) = 9.76 db, or about 10 db.

("log" = the base-10 logarithm)

Regards,
-- Al

Ahhh. So since I have to use a passive pre ( between pre and amp) to lower the gain (super high tube hiss) with my system now( Zu Omen def speakers), I’m looking at super high hiss with the Mac but without a way to lower the gain. That changes things a lot since I love my Zus.

Abery, I am not sure why you do not just try a " better quality " passive pre ( my Luminous is totally invisible, and fabulous ). I am not stating additional gain ( preamp ) is bad, but speakers such as yours, and the high gain of the STA200 ( not to mention, 1 less pair of ic's ), would be killer....I use my Luminous with a dozen or so rotating amplifiers ( not just the Nuforce ) and I get plenty of gain on every one of them. You seem to be all over the map, looking into every new product coming out. Contact Tim Stinson at Luminous ( tell him I sent you to him, as I was a beta tester for him, and I get nothing from this ), and he will discuss with you, with complete straight forwardness and honesty, the truth...( my unit is single ended, has 3 pr. of inputs, 2 pr. of outputs, has remote, and is silent ). ( Maybe, he can give you a 30 - 60 day trial, IDK ). The Luminous requires, ime, a few hundred hours of break in, as I believe, ime, everything does ) It is " night and day " superior to your Schiit SYS. Stop the insanity. Enjoy ! MrD. 

I was actually looking at the Hattors at one time

Over the last few months, I have moved my listening room to another area and have added room treatments, etc. My sitting position is a little further back than previous room (listening triangle). Anyway, today I decided to remove the SYS passive pre from between my tube preamp and high gain amp. To my surprise, the hiss is only noticeable when I am closer to speakers or if I am actually listening for it. I have always expected tube hiss of some sort. Removing the SYS has also seemed to "open" the system up a little. Thanks for all the info above

Glad to hear it. The SYS, along with the additional set of cables, would obviously be detrimental to the sound, other than for the purpose you initially intended. You should have, an almost new system, with it opening up. Enjoy ! MrD.

Great info above.

I have the MA352 as well  and I am going to upgrade my turntable to a Rega P6.

I am strongly considering using a  SOUNDSMITH CARMEN MK II ES MOVING IRON CARTRIDGE with a listed 2.2mv output. will that work or am I asking for trouble?

recommendations welcome.

Wish more users/owners of the MA352 would comment on their units. 
Currently running a MA6600 and looking for a warmer not so in your face sound. 
Been looking at Luxman, Audio Research and the MC MA352. 
Any information appreciated. Thanks

Moved out the McIntosh for a Classe A Luxman 590 AXII. It sounds wonderful. 
No more listening fatigue, hours of pleasure once again. 😎