New McIntosh MA252

The MA-252 is an intriguing option, no question. At $3500 it is tempting since I’ve been having issues finding an appropriately priced balanced preamp for my Merrill Audio Thor amps which power my inefficient but incredibly revealing ATC SCM 19v2’s.

For those that have used the MA-252, are the 100watts/ch the typical conservatively rated watts one hears about from McIntosh? I’m not against stepping down in watts as I rarely listen above 85-90dB as it isn’t townhouse neighbor friendly to do so. Rogue Audio’s RH-5 fits my price point to add in front of the Thor’s, so that’s the competition. I have a fair offer on the Thors, so the MA-252 is in the ballpark of affordability for me too.

Regardless of what I do, I think it’s a lovely integrated, one I think would have high WAF as well in even the most discerning of homes.

Greginnh-
How do you think the MA-252 compares to the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium?
Thanks

@returnmusic - that's a real tough question.  I have the MA252 in my office and the PrimaLuna in my living room at home so it would difficult to declare a winner.  

Thus far, they are both very much at the same level of sonic performance.  Perhaps I will bring the MA252 home one day for a shoot-out.  

You cannot go wrong with either one!

 I realize it’s more complicated than I assumed, and involves transporting & maneuvering a 64lb chunk into your setup. 
You just got the MA 252!
Please let us know if you ompare them down the road.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the new amp- it looks to be a very high sonic value and a beauty to boot.

Placed my new MA-252 into service last week.
Extremely nice integrated amp.
I had a Prima Luna Dialogue Premium HP, and although both are fine sounding integrated, I prefer the MA-252.  
The Prima Luna had NOS Mullard tubes - with the stock tubes, I preferred the Mc even greater.
The bass is tighter and fuller with the Mc, and the overall sound a bit more balanced. 
Plenty of detail, without sounding analytical. Vocals sound "human" - you feel the emotion of the artist. The Mc pulls you into the music. Before you realize it, you are toe tapping and humming along - pure enjoyment, but not for someone looking to analyze every last detail.
Produces significantly less heat than the Prima Luna.
Enough power for my Maggie .7s