Mcintosh MC352 350W Power Amplifier

Manufactured 1998 – 2004
350 Watts x 2 Channels, 700 Watts x 1 Channel
Included Autoformers

McIntosh Audio Labs is a classic American company. Since 1949, McIntosh has remained true to its design aesthetic: bullet proof build, black glass, chrome, and big blue meters. The MC352 is their 350 watt stereo power amplifier. Several things set it apart from the pack of solid-state muscle amps. First, the MC352 sports output transformers, like a tube amp. In tube amps, the trannies serve to lower the power tubes’ high impedances to speaker-driving levels. In the MC352, the patented McIntosh Autoformer matches output impedance for a given speaker load. The MC352 has taps for two, four, or eight ohms. Sentry Monitor and Power Guard circuits protect the amp and reduce distortion. The MC352 is a double-balanced push/pull design that achieves remarkably low distortion levels (.005%) across its power band. Lastly, the MC352 is a massive and visually striking piece of electronics.

The Big Mac (sorry!) was plugged directly into an AC outlet. Since I do not own a preamp, I connected the variable output of my CD player to the RCA inputs of the amp. Power was fed to the Maggies from the Mac’s four-ohm taps. The big blue meters were amusing to the point of distraction, so I turned them off for critical listening. No break-in time was necessary, since McInstosh sent us a factory-refurbished amp (although, with build quality like this, I can’t imagine what would need refurbishing).

The most compelling aspect of the MC352’s performance in my system was its effortlessness. Music was discharged into the room with incredible speed and authority. Bass response was unparalleled. Ron Carter’s Under Gray Skies sounded better than ever, with each bass note clearly defined and pitch perfect. Music filled the room with energy that was felt in the floorboards as well as heard by the ears. The MC352’s control over the Maggies was complete. In the 1.6s, all sounds above 600Hz. are produced by the quasi-ribbon. With much of the critical midrange and all of the top end produced by a single line source, it’s no wonder that the Magneplanars are noted for their seamless musical perspective. The responsiveness of the quasi-ribbon when connected to the MC352 was truly exceptional. Notes cut through the air with a precision and clarity reserved for much more expensive speaker/amp combinations. Of course, big amps and big speakers make for big sound. However, small-scale music was intimate and engaging. Natalie Merchant is one of my favorite artists. Her voice was drawn with a subtlety and warmth that is rare in high-stakes amps. Is 350 watts per side necessary to accurately render a classical guitar? Probably not, but the MC352 gets to the heart of music from the first watt to the 350th.

The McIntosh/Magneplanar pairing was magical. The MC352 is a remarkable product for its power, extremely low distortion, transparency, and non-fatiguing sound. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to turn the meters back on and enjoy the show. Victor Chavira