Looking to purchase my first McIntosh!

[2x’s]

So I just love the McIntosh sound, always have! I’ve been on a steady upgrade path for a good 10 years. I think I’m ready to take the plunge.

I found an ma252 for $2900 brand newish, store demo. I really liked the way it sounded and at that price I think it would work. However I’m wondering if there’s a better entry around the 3k mark all in. I’m not opposed to buying used if recently serviced, or if the price is really awesome.

Of course the dream move would be a tube pre, and tube amp. Meters are another thing making me iffy on the 252, I just love that esthetic!!

I don’t want to regret spending that kind of money, and probably should wait till I get enough to buy something closer to what I’d rather have.

I’m open to the advice on upgrade paths. I have home theater system with pre outs, so one path would be to get a 7 channel amp with meters, send two to a preamp in my listening room until I can buy an awesome Mac two channel pre with home theater bypass and have an all inclusive rig. I have Cornwall 1 and forte 2 in that setup so I’m sure it would sound incredible while I wait for the preamp. Or I could just get the integrated for my listening room and move it upstairs to my dining room setup which does a lot of entertaining of guests, then put the dream setup in the listening room years down the road as money allows.

I’m a little nervous about spending my all in budget on used gear which would obviously get me more for my money, but may lead to additional cost for repairs if something goes squirrelly.

Thanks in advance for the advice, and go easy on me, I don’t really know what I don’t know yet, you know??

Thanks,
Bobby2xs

 

[Mamrak1]

You have already waited 10 years. How much longer until you own a McIntosh piece? There is a lot of “ if and buts” in your post. If you have heard the MA252, then buy it.

 

[2x’s]

You have already waited 10 years. How much longer until you own a McIntosh piece? There is a lot of “ if and buts” in your post. If you have heard the MA252, then buy it.

That is a solid observation, but was hoping someone may have some advice on used gear, like where to buy well priced serviced gear, or if the 7 channel path would even make sense, as in would I get much of that Mac sound by just using a Mac amp with my AVR outs to my nice speaker collection.

 

[Mamrak1]

Well I see a MA252 listed USA Audiomart for $3100. You have a lower price from a dealer no less. I doubt you will do much better. But that is up to you ultimately.

 

[2x’s]

Should’ve checked that out, kinda makes it a no brainer. I’ll probably be able to sell it for 2900 when it’s time to upgrade!

 

[Yamaki]

Given that any MA252 you purchase is 2 years old or less I wouldn't worry about having to do repairs to the unit. McIntosh gear is well designed, built under high quality standards by very qualified personnel. So pull the trigger already!!!!

Given the hybrid integrated nature of it's design and functionality you have a tube based pre-amp and a solid state power amplifier which for many is the optimal combination.

Let the AVR drive the center and rear channels of you system if you are so equipped and let that MA252, with connections made to the AVR's right front & left front pre-outs, drive your front main speakers.

 

[2x’s]

Given that any MA252 you purchase is 2 years old or less I wouldn't worry about having to do repairs to the unit. McIntosh gear is well designed, built under high quality standards by very qualified personnel. So pull the trigger already!!!!

Given the hybrid integrated nature of it's design and functionality you have a tube based pre-amp and a solid state power amplifier which for many is the optimal combination.

Let the AVR drive the center and rear channels of you system if you are so equipped and let that MA252, with connections made to the AVR's right front & left front pre-outs, drive your front main speakers.

I’m not sure it has the ability to drive the l/r in my home theater.

 

[Yamaki]

I’m not sure it has the ability to drive the l/r in my home theater.

What are your speaker specs?

 

[2x’s]

They’re efficient Klipsch Cornwall, but the 252 is an integrated amp without home theater bypass, and I don’t believe it can be used in the home theater. I believe I’d have to just use it in my separate 2 channel setup.

 

[Mamrak1]

If you absolutely have to have home theater bypass in an integrated amp, you should be looking at the Parasound Halo 6 Integrated amp. It’s in your price range.

 

[2x’s]

My original post could have been clearer.

I’ve got 2 home theater setups and 2 stereo setups. All will eventually become dream worthy, and are currently satisfying.

Which means there’s a lot of ways I can go when upgrading and paying forward cool pieces throughout the 4 setups.

 

[jayvis]

I think you'll be better served and happier if you build a dedicated 2-channel system and keep those components separate from your home theater system, as long as you have room in your home to do so. I've come to that conclusion after 25 years of experimenting with different combinations. The MA252 is a great 2-channel mate with any of your Klipsch speakers. You'll notice a bigger improvement by using a McIntosh component in a dedicated 2-channel system than in a home theater set-up.

 

[crouse]

I haven't heard the MC252, but if it has the features you want, I say go for it. If you later decide to move up the range, you will be able to recoup most of the money you spent on the 252. Of course, you may like it so much you keep it forever.

 

[Rex Everything]

You're a subscriber....Barter Town is a great place to start. I see serviced tube and ss Mac in your budget range there...

 

[TSmith8605]

That is a solid observation, but was hoping someone may have some advice on used gear, like where to buy well priced serviced gear, . . .

You can browse the McIntosh Compendium to see what models McIntosh has made over the years including specs and features and then go shopping at Audio Classics who sell and warrant very nice used and / or nearly-new McIntosh. AC may be a bit more expensive but it will be done right and they will back up the sale, etc.

 

[2x’s]

You can browse the McIntosh Compendium to see what models McIntosh has made over the years including specs and features and then go shopping at Audio Classics who sell and warrant very nice used and / or nearly-new McIntosh. AC may be a bit more expensive but it will be done right and they will back up the sale, etc.

I have been cruising Audio Classics, they are a little high on used prices, but I like the fact that they tell you the real condition the pieces are in! I think the 252 is set at a price that’s pretty close to what it would fetch if I sold it down the road, I’m just being a little petty, I want the meters!

 

[Mamrak1]

I have been cruising Audio Classics, they are a little high on used prices, but I like the fact that they tell you the real condition the pieces are in! I think the 252 is set at a price that’s pretty close to what it would fetch if I sold it down the road, I’m just being a little petty, I want the meters!

Just remember, you are getting a warranty with what you purchase at Audio Classics. Equipment that is rated “B1” normally looks like a brand new unit pulled fresh from the box.

 

[thevinoman]

There is a very nice MC240 FS here on the site that is within your budget, and would be a heck of a great place to start......then bide your time for a nice preamp.

 

[twiiii]

I would rather have a full featured older unit. I don't need remote control so I can go back even further. But I would start out with an integrated unit too. But one build on a conventional chassis with out the tubes. They are just something you will have to keep replacing and replacing. Been there and done that. Audio Classics has a MA 6500 for $2299 and they guarantee what they sell for $2299. You can always twist Steve's arm, too. There are a couple of higher priced newer models, but he might give you a break, Don't mention my name he might want to charge you double. I have bought quite a few items over the past ten years and they have restored another 4 pieces for me, too. I have been very happy with AC. Yes they charge a little more, but you get service after the sale like we did from all the Mac dealers back in the 70's. It should be that way again.