MC252 vs Parasound NC 2250v2
The NC 2250v2's power @ 8ω is 275W against the MC252's 250W, its signal-to-noise 114 dB against 112 dB, its thd 0.020% against 0.005%, and its damping factor >100 against 40.
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The McIntosh MC-252 is a solid-state stereo power amplifier introduced around 2003, designed for audiophiles seeking high power and fidelity. It delivers 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms in stereo operation and can be bridged to mono for 500 watts into 8 ohms or other impedances. The amplifier features McIntosh's exclusive Output Autoformers® that ensure full power delivery to speakers with impedances of 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 ohms without stress. It incorporates the patented Power Guard® circuit to dynamically prevent clipping and distortion. The MC-252 offers a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz with a total harmonic distortion of only 0.005%, a damping factor of 40, and a high signal-to-noise ratio of 112 dB. Its shallow design allows easy installation in standard cabinets. Inputs include balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors, with selectable speaker impedance from 2 to 8 ohms. The amplifier weighs approximately 42.9 kg (94.5 lbs) and measures about 445 x 240 x 376 mm (17.5 x 9.4 x 14.8 inches). It is highly regarded for its clean, powerful sound and robust build quality, featuring a fiber-optic illuminated 3D glass front panel.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the MC252 in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The NC 2250v2's power @ 8ω is 275W against the MC252's 250W, its signal-to-noise 114 dB against 112 dB, its thd 0.020% against 0.005%, and its damping factor >100 against 40.
The KAV-2250's thd is 0.030% against the MC252's 0.005% and its weight 32 kg (71 lbs) against 42.9 kg (95 lbs). Both share power @ 8ω (250W) and signal-to-noise (112 dB).
The C 268's power @ 8ω is 80W against the MC252's 250W, its signal-to-noise 110 dB against 112 dB, its thd 0.003% against 0.005%, and its damping factor >100 against 40.
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The RMB-1555's power @ 8ω is 120W against the MC252's 250W, its signal-to-noise 116 dB against 112 dB, its thd 0.030% against 0.005%, and its damping factor >100 against 40.
MC2200
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