MA 352 as power amp

[Nurlan]

Hi Gents.

I’m new to the forum and happy to be here Lots of valuable topics!

I have one question regarding MA352, is “pass through” input bypasses pre section of it. I currently have C48 pre amp and to be honest what to keep it. So if I connect it to MA352 through “pass through” will the signal be fed directly to power section?
If not, then that will be pointless to run the signal through SS/tube/SS way.

I asked McIntosh support, but the answer was a bit unclear.

 

[whoaru99]

So if I connect it to MA352 through “pass through” will the signal be fed directly to power section?

That would be the normally expected behavior of HT pass though on an integrated amp.

 

[Nurlan]

That would be the normally expected behavior of HT pass though on an integrated amp.

Thanks for your reply.

In different places, different definitions - some say HT bypasses only certain loops, like volume control and etc. but overall the signal sees pre section.

 

[whoaru99]

Here's the deal, IMO.

You try it and it works to your satisfaction, or it doesn't. Either way you are out nothing from your current position.

If McIntosh's response was unclear then I suggest going back to them with followup. I have doubts anyone here can give you the absolute confidence you are seeking.

 

[damacman]

PassThru simply puts the preamp at unity gain and bypasses all front panel controls. This will not bypass the preamp section of the MA352.

Time for an MC352 ...

 

[jayvis]

The simple answer is NO. You can't use the MA352 as a power amp with your C48 as the preamp. In my opinion, doing that would defeat the whole purpose of buying the MA352 in the first place.

 

[Nurlan]

Here's the deal, IMO.

You try it and it works to your satisfaction, or it doesn't. Either way you are out nothing from your current position.

If McIntosh's response was unclear then I suggest going back to them with followup. I have doubts anyone here can give you the absolute confidence you are seeking.

I currently don’t own mc352, but I was thinking to get it. But still want to keep C48. The purpose is to have SS/SS (C48 with MA352 as power) and hybrid combination (MA352 itself).

 

[Nurlan]

PassThru simply puts the preamp at unity gain and bypasses all front panel controls. This will not bypass the preamp section of the MA352.

Time for an MC352 ...

Yea. That’s what I was wondering…

In fact, having separate power SS amp is the best way, but unfortunately weights of MC’s power amps make this shipping almost impossible to me even mc152 with it’s 37kg.

 

[Nurlan]

The simple answer is NO. You can't use the MA352 as a power amp with your C48 as the preamp. In my opinion, doing that would defeat the whole purpose of buying the MA352 in the first place.

Thanks a lot for your answer.
It looks like I have to forget this option.

 

[Nurlan]

Thanks everybody for clarity!