McIntosh MC352

Commentary

This is a stereo power amplifier that has further refined the design philosophy cultivated in the MC500 and further enhanced its perfection.

In the MC352, the linearity of voltage and current amplification is strictly controlled at each stage.
For this reason, 16 units of each element with excellent operating characteristics and stable current gain are selected for the output transistor. In addition, feedback is applied to the two balance stages before the amplification stage so that the load impedance of each amplification stage becomes constant according to the level of the input signal, and the linearity of the impedance is improved.
In addition, by using high-precision parts with small fluctuations in capacitors and resistors, and by reducing crossover distortion with an automatic tracking and bias system, linearity at small output is also improved.

Using an output transformer, the output transistor can always operate in the best condition because the optimum impedance matching is possible for any type of speaker load.
In addition, the MC352 has improved dynamic characteristics and stability by adopting the first balanced winding of Macintosh.

We have increased the capacity of the transformer in the power supply and the size of the filter condenser to improve the power supply capability and SN ratio.

A rigid stainless steel chassis is used for the chassis, the power transformer is placed in the center, and the output auto-former is laid out on the left and right sides for a monoblock construction with reduced crosstalk.
The power transistors are mounted on a highly cooled heat sink with a surface area of 2,800 square inches, eliminating the need for cooling fans.

Equipped with a unique power guard system.
The output signal waveform is compared with the input signal. When the total harmonic distortion due to overdrive exceeds 0.3%, the power guard indicator lights. When the distortion further increases, the power guard circuit operates to control the input signal.
In addition, the MC352 uses an output auto-former so that direct current does not damage the speakers in principle. In addition, even if the speakers are short-circuited or subjected to an ultra-low impedance load, the Sentry Monitor circuit operates to guard the power stage.

It is equipped with a large peak output display meter with Macintosh Blue lighting.
This meter also has a light off position.

Uses a speaker terminal that has undergone gold plating treatment.

Equipped with temperature protection that mutes the input when the sensor detects overheating.

Equipped with a delay turn-off circuit to reduce shock noise when power is turned on.

It can also be used as a 700W monaural amplifier by parallel connection.

Model Rating

Type	Stereo power amplifier
Rated output (20 Hz to 20 kHz, sine wave)	Stereo : 350W + 350W (2 ohm, 4 ohm, 8 ohm load, continuous minimum average power output value) Mono parallel : 700W (1 ohm, 2 ohm, 4 ohm load, continuous minimum average power output value)
Rated output bandwidth	20 Hz to 20 kHz
Output load impedance	Stereo : 2 Ω, 4 Ω, 8 Ω Mono : 1 Ω, 2 Ω, 4 Ω
Input Sensitivity / Impedance	2.2V/10k Ω
Frequency characteristic	20 Hz ~ 20 kHz + 0 -0.25 dB 10 Hz ~ 100 kHz + 0 -3dB
Total harmonic distortion factor	0.005% or Less (250 mW ~ Rated Output, 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz, Both Channel Drive)
Cross-modulation distortion (SMPTE, both channel drive)	0.005% (Instantaneous Peak Power Output ≦ Rated Output x2, 20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)	Unbalanced : 85 dB (116 dB, rated output or less) Balance : 115 dB (124 dB, rated output or less)
Sensitivity	Unbalanced : 1.9 v Balance : 3.8 v
Input impedance	Unbalanced : 20k Ω Balance : 40k Ω
Damping factor	40 or more
Power Guard	Clipping prevention Total harmonic distortion factor <2% (overdrive <14 dB, 1 kHz)
Pwer	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz, 14.4A (UL/CSA Standard)
External dimensions	Width 445x Height 240x Depth 495 mm (including knob and terminal)
Weight	47.63kg