Author Topic: McIntosh 252 Impressions?  (Read 16794 times)

carusoracer

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McIntosh 252 Impressions?
« on: January 19, 2007, 05:34:43 AM »
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

  • Guest
McIntosh 252 Impressions?
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2007, 08:01:58 AM »
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.

Offline Carlman

  • Audio Neurotic
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  • Posts: 3037
McIntosh 252 Impressions?
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2007, 08:08:19 AM »
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
I really enjoy listening to music.

carusoracer

  • Guest
McIntosh
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2007, 09:45:22 AM »
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

  • Guest
Re: McIntosh
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2007, 11:50:38 AM »
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....

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.

OnTrack

  • Guest
McIntosh 252 Impressions?
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2007, 01:21:36 PM »
Quote
Belles 350 Ref = $4000 = $800 in 3 years.
McIntosh 252 = $4200 = $4000 in 20 years.

How I would LOVE to find "ANY" Belles product for 80% off...of new/list.

Personally, I find they hold value better than that..but i must be looking in all the wrong places.  8)

Hantra

  • Guest
McIntosh 252 Impressions?
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2007, 02:20:24 PM »
Quote from: "OnTrack"
How I would LOVE to find "ANY" Belles product for 80% off...of new/list.

Here's one.  But you missed your chance.  

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1173741294

OnTrack

  • Guest
McIntosh 252 Impressions?
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2007, 02:52:18 PM »
Did I ever....

I WILL keep my eyes open.

Hantra

  • Guest
McIntosh 252 Impressions?
« Reply #8 on: January 21, 2007, 01:36:37 PM »
This is about the best deal I've seen on a 252.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1174578214

Just wanted to give a heads up as this was posted today.  I don't know the guy, or endorse the deal, but I figured since you were looking.

carusoracer

  • Guest
McIntosh 252 Impressions?
« Reply #9 on: January 21, 2007, 06:24:42 PM »
Thanks for the heads up...

Hantra

  • Guest
McIntosh 252 Impressions?
« Reply #10 on: January 24, 2007, 02:33:40 PM »
If you're looking to save some money, check this one out:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1174853153

The guy says he will not ship, but WHY NOT?  It's already damaged!?  If it works, that's a smoking deal.  I have to wonder how you do that kind of damage though.  I can only imagine.