Help! Buy McIntosh MA252?

That's a good idea, ejr, I'll ask my local dealer.  Otherwise it's so hard to imagine how each component will end up fitting with your existing setup and whether it makes enough of a difference to justify the cost.  Paying 7-15% restocking fee each time is just not realistic.

Skypunk, in what aspects was the 252 weaker than the Raven and the Pathos?

I've just purchased a McIntosh MA252 and matched it with my B&W 683 S2s.  I did not compare it to other hybrid integrated amps.  As an experiment I've also been trying the MA252 with an older set of Dynaudio Excite X14s bookshelf speakers.  All I can say is that the improvement over my prior solid state receiver with both speaker sets is dramatic.

Much will depend on the room, placement, media and input devices, but I really found the largest improvement in vinyl music; cleaner more natural highs, more musical detail and really strong bass.  A big improvement in CD and Streaming Media is also there, but not to the same degree as vinyl.  My cartridge is an MM Ortofon 2MBlack.

The 683 S2s never sounded better; its like they have new life; the X14s now fill the room with sound.  I was skeptical that the McIntosh investment was worth the upgrade differential, but now I have no doubts.  Still, I can't help but wonder now much nicer a set of new B&W 800 series would pair with the MA252 and that's how they keep us hooked.

Thanks for sharing your experience.  I decided to pull the trigger on the MA252 as well, after borrowing one for a few days. Dramatic improvement describes my own impression too.  I just wrote a post about it here  My MA252 saga | Audiogon Discussion Forum

I'm glad you're enjoying your amp.  BTW are you having an issue with hissing at high volumes? I read somewhere that the newer units have addressed that problem.

Enjoy !   Its a great amp.   

I recently replaced my aging yet venerable MA6500 with this new Mcintosh MA252 Hybrid. I also spent an additional $240 for the Golden Lion Russian Tubes (platinum /gold pins) and the sound really stepped up. The solid state amp is simply a newer configuration of the MA6500 or present MA5300 integrated, but this is so much better to my ears.

The Golden Lion tubes are wonderful yet given the current geo-political climate, I doubt we will be getting these much longer (I may have to stockpile them for future use). They outperform the Slavian sourced McIntosh stock tubes as well. 

I am glad that there are only 4 inputs and no digital DAC. I added the McIntosh MT20 ($500.00) and I now have excellent transmittal and digital receiver capabilities via the balanced inputs (also excellent sounding). For about the same price as the MA5300, I feel I got exactly what I needed. I never use all of the extra connections and they do come at a cost. This tube pre-amp in the MA252 is the same as in the $10,000 MA352 and the $$$ McIntosh put in this makes it hard to believe it's only $4,500.00. Blows away almost anything else I've heard.

Obviously, it will drive most medium floor-standers well (I hooked it up to me relative efficient 88.5db Bowers & Wilkins floor standers and it did fine). Where it shined was with my KEF LS50 Metas. This pairing shocked me at the mid range clarity. The dedicated sub-woofer coax output (an anomaly for McIntosh) has my REL t/5 sub-woofer in sync nicely. 

Pairing it with a Rega P8 (Ania Pro MC) and an excellent Marantz ND8006 network player has extended the range of the KEFs. I have more expensive kits but none as enjoyable as the sound emanating from this kit. The MA252 is a best value. Recommend upgrading the tubes, it's worth it. Cheers.