I recently replaced my aging yet venerable MA6500 with this new Mcintosh MA252 Hybrid. I also spent an additional $240 for the Golden Lion Russian Tubes (platinum /gold pins) and the sound really stepped up. The solid state amp is simply a newer configuration of the MA6500 or present MA5300 integrated, but this is so much better to my ears.
The Golden Lion tubes are wonderful yet given the current geo-political climate, I doubt we will be getting these much longer (I may have to stockpile them for future use). They outperform the Slavian sourced McIntosh stock tubes as well.
I am glad that there are only 4 inputs and no digital DAC. I added the McIntosh MT20 ($500.00) and I now have excellent transmittal and digital receiver capabilities via the balanced inputs (also excellent sounding). For about the same price as the MA5300, I feel I got exactly what I needed. I never use all of the extra connections and they do come at a cost. This tube pre-amp in the MA252 is the same as in the $10,000 MA352 and the $$$ McIntosh put in this makes it hard to believe it's only $4,500.00. Blows away almost anything else I've heard.
Obviously, it will drive most medium floor-standers well (I hooked it up to me relative efficient 88.5db Bowers & Wilkins floor standers and it did fine). Where it shined was with my KEF LS50 Metas. This pairing shocked me at the mid range clarity. The dedicated sub-woofer coax output (an anomaly for McIntosh) has my REL t/5 sub-woofer in sync nicely.
Pairing it with a Rega P8 (Ania Pro MC) and an excellent Marantz ND8006 network player has extended the range of the KEFs. I have more expensive kits but none as enjoyable as the sound emanating from this kit. The MA252 is a best value. Recommend upgrading the tubes, it's worth it. Cheers.
