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Considering McIntosh MA352

Greetings. My first forum post. I am considering upgrading my amp and looking at the McIntosh MA352. I currently have a Quad - Vena integrated amp, VPI Prime Scout turntable and Focal Chorus 726 speakers. The MA352 integrates both tubes and solid state technology (so best of both worlds with tubes and the famous blue meters) and would be an eye catching centerpiece in the vinyl room. Any thoughts about this set up or other recommendations are welcomed. Cheers.  
eclumsden
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
yep

i’m w fuzz

based on what you said the mac ticks all boxes for you

w focals the only mistake you can make is get an amp that is too bright... the mac won't be
alanlyonclt
3 posts
 
I have had mine for about 2 months and love the sound.  The looks are off the charts.  It is a tube preamp with solid state amp which has always been my favorite combination.  I have had 2 McIntosh tube preamps with multiple McIntosh solid state amps.  The last was C2600 preamp with M452.  This sounds close to that.  So no one asks I sold the C2600 and M452 because I needed the money.  I am extremely happy with the 352.  My speakers are Sonus Faber Veneer 3.0.  
Good Luck 
digital10000
3 posts
 
The MA352 also struck my interest as I am looking to get into the Mac bandwagon. I have been eying the MC352/MC402 and too many variations.  Looking to combine an Atmos (7.2.4) HT setup with an audiophile L/R for my SACD listening. The HT by-pass seems to be the solution. Have you used this configuration? My L/C/R: B&W 805D3 (L/R) and B&W HTM4D2 (C). Any thoughts or recommendations?
skypunk's avatar
skypunk
499 posts
 
Had a 352 sold it in a month and put the Pathos Classic One MkIII back in. Both are hybrid but the Pathos was more engaging and plenty of power and can be used as mono blocks.

now if having green glowing tubes and blue meters get the 352. Me it was about the sound not the glitz.
viethluu's avatar
viethluu
90 posts
 
I have the MC352 currently driving a pair of KEF R5 and I can give you my assessment of this amp against my other amp (Mark Levinson 23.5):

1. The MC352 has the same bass output and authority comparing to the ML23.5. 

2. The MC352 is easier for your ear if you have a bad record or bad CD. It has a warmer, cozzier sound, comparing to the ML23.5

3. The MC352 is less resolving when it comes to micro detail comparing to the ML23.5 ; so if you have good recording then the ML23.5 will sound better.

4. The sound stage of the MC352 is smaller comparing to the ML23.5. By saying that, I mean the ML23.5 will give you a more lively presentation of the musical event ( it can be both engaging and fatiguing at the same time, depending on the record).

5. The LM23.5 has better imaging but the MC352 has more air around the instruments. 

Overall, I would prefer the MC352 for a long musical session. and I will choose the ML23.5 for maximum musical fidelity. 

Hope that help
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