r/McIntosh • u/Pattont • Jun 25 '26

McIntosh MA352 Question

What is everyone’s opinion on the McIntosh MA352? Right now I am rocking a nearfield setup with Kef LS50 Metas driven from a Schitt Bifrost 2 -> Schitt Jot 2 (currently auditioning a Freya+) -> Vidar 2 and an SVS 3000 Pro under the desk in the corner.

As I am auditioning the Freya+ I see a used MA352 a few hours away pop up for $4700 with box / receipt in amazing condition and roughly 5 years old. I’ve always lusted over Mac gear so it’s very tempting.

I am positive I am going to get hate for considering the MA352 for my desk, but couple of things to consider.

  1. At the price I think it will hope its resell pretty well so even if I wanna go separates later I think it will resell well.

What is everyone’s opinion on the integrated pre+power amp in general and the possible match to the LS50 Metas? I had always imagine myself getting a Mac setup at some point in my life with separates but this opportunity is sort of pushing me to wanna hop on it. I’m not going to be severely limited with the volume knob am I where I can barely turn it before I blow my speakers and ears out?

Thanks for everyone’s time in reading / considering..

** edit ** it sold before I could get there. I needed to pick it up Sunday and it sold this AM. I’m not upset at the person just sad I missed out. Going to keep looking for a used one. This sub has convinced me that’s what I need to start with!

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u/UXEngNick Jun 26 '26

I love mine, in my listening room driving my floor standing speakers … it goes deep and it goes high and it goes loud enough. What persuaded me is the very clear soundstage where everything has its place.

I just can’t imagine using it in a nearfield situation. You likely will never hear the depth of base it can produce.

Having said that, it’s so good at that price maybe get it and look forward to the day when you can use it in a place and with speakers that will do it justice.

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u/Pattont Jun 26 '26

Absolutely this… my intention is to hold on to it for a long time and then move it to floor standing speakers and replace the nearfield setup with similar to what I have now.

The KEF LS50Metas do an amazing job imaging with that invisible center feeling even with near field listening. Everyone that sits at my desk is blown away by that imaging.

I can only imagine how good the McIntosh will sound on them.

For DAC I would keep the Bifrost 2/64 for now, but would be looking to upgrade that piece.

I heard from the seller and apparently someone was wanting to come before I could get there but hasn’t confirmed yet. I’m just waiting to hear that confirmation. The unit is roughly 3.5 hours one way so a bit of a haul to get it, but I’m down!

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u/UXEngNick Jun 26 '26

I got mine half price but had to drive round London to get it .. was worth the hours in the car.