Systemic Development > Amplification and Preamplification

McIntosh 252 Impressions?

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carusoracer:
Looking for others that have been able to hear the McIntosh 252 SS Amp?

I currently have the 05' version of Odyssey Stratos Extreme SE and like the high current and damping abilities to control my Gallo Ref 3's.
I have the sub amp but have found few Amps that provide impact in the Bass department with a wide soundstage and smooth midrange.

I have heard the 252 once when it came out and once impressed but the price tag is a little to steep. Now there are some preowned models out there I might be able to swing.

Any thoughts,comments, opinions? Room Size 14x12x14 Cathedral ceiling


My system 2channel only:
EE MiniMax PreAmp U707 Gold Lion, 59' Hamburg Valvo ECC82, Mullard 10M Gold pins. Black Sand Violet PC
Shanling T200A CDP  Bendix Redbank 6385 Tubes  Jena Labs Basic Cryo PC
Odyssey Stratos Extreme SE 05' version  Z Cable White Lightning PC

Gallo Acoustics ref 3 speakers w/SubAmp BPT L12 PC

SilverFi and Straley IC's...PS Audio Prelude Speaker cables,8the Nerve room treatments,Walker Extreme SST,Cryo Furutech F15A,Z Heavysleeve,TweekGeek HotBox w/Bybees,Herbie Halo's

Hantra:
Having heard the Stratos before, I think the MC252 is in a different league all together.   Some guys like the 252 better than the 501 monos!  I'd say go out and listen to a 252 or a 402.  They'll sound very similar, and will PWN your Gallos!  I had the Gallo Ref 3's on my 501's and it was divine.

Carlman:
I almost bought the 252 but decided to go with the 402 to avoid the upgrade bug that's sure to bite...

The good thing about Mc gear is that it holds its value.  So, you could buy the 252 and/or 402, compare them and sell what you don't like for what you paid... if you can float that kind of cash outlay.

-C

carusoracer:
I agree about the upgrade issues regarding the 402. I was reading the specs on the 252 almost 100 lbs :o

Once that baby is in there will be no let's try and swap Amp sessions :P

I'll have to go hear one again. What really bowled me over was hearing my first Deadshow in the 80's how clear,clean and coherent everything sounded. I worked my way to the soundboard and asked the guy what equipment the were using and he informed me "McIntosh" :wink:

I really have not been able to see any other amps out there except the Belles 350 Ref or Moscode 401HR. I certainly have not seen any deals on them let alone any dealer that has one to hear....

Hantra:

--- Quote from: "carusoracer" ---I really have not been able to see any other amps out there except the Belles 350 Ref or Moscode 401HR. I certainly have not seen any deals on them let alone any dealer that has one to hear....
--- End quote ---

I've only heard one Belles, and that is the MB-01 monoblock.  I personally thought they were boring amps sound wise.  Haven't heard the Moscode.

Let's do some quick math though.  

Belles 350 Ref = $4000 = $800 in 3 years.
McIntosh 252 = $4200 = $4000 in 20 years.

Like cars, audio is not an investment.  But like cars, there are MUCH worse investments than others.  

Regardless of that, you've got an American institution that has been building quality stuff for 54 YEARS.  85% of which is still playing today and 100% of which the factory still supports.  Contrast that to a Belles or Moscode.  

I listen to a ton of Grateful Dead, Garcia, and anything live that's good.  McIntosh just does music better, and especially live music.  It's insane.

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