Two chassis for separate tasks

The C12000 consists of the C12000 Controller and the C12000 Preamplifier. Control, power supply and external control connections are separated from the audio section, allowing operation and signal processing to work cleanly independently.

Hybrid Drive with Tube and Solid-State Outputs

"Hybrid Drive" combines tube and solid-state technology. The C12000 offers selectable outputs for tube or solid-state operation, so that playback can be adapted to music, system and sound preferences.

12 analog inputs for many sources

With 6 balanced inputs, 4 unbalanced inputs and 2 phono inputs, the McIntosh C12000 is designed for extensive analog stereo systems. Digital inputs, HDMI ARC, USB, network and an upgradable digital module are not available.

Flexible Phono Preamplifier for Turntables

Both phono inputs can be configured as Moving Coil or Moving Magnet. Adjustable capacitance, resistance and gain help to properly integrate cartridges and turntables.

When does a preamplifier make sense?

A separate preamplifier makes sense when multiple analog sources, turntables, headphones and power amplifiers in a stereo system are to be controlled cleanly. The C12000 is particularly suitable for systems where a high variety of connections and flexible output selection are important.

Headphones and Home Theater Integration

For headphones, a high-drive output with "HXD® Headphone Crossfeed Director" is available. In addition, the C12000 can be integrated into a multi-channel home theater system via "Home Theater Pass Through".

Operation and System Integration

Power Control can automatically switch connected McIntosh components on and off. Data Ports send remote control commands to connected sources, and RS232 and a rear IR sensor input are also available. The remote control is also included in the scope of delivery.

Award

The McIntosh C12000 was awarded the Sound+Image Award 2023 and as Stereo Preamplifier of the Year 2023.

5 years manufacturer's warranty

Specifications

General

• Product Type: 2-Channel Stereo Preamplifier
• Design: Multi-Chassis System with C12000C Controller and C12000ST Preamplifier
• Channels: 2
• Technology: Hybrid Drive with tube and transistor outputs
• Frequency Response: +0, -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Dimensions per Module: 44.45 cm Width × 15.24 cm Height × 45.7 cm Depth
• Weight C12000C Controller: 12.3 kg
• Weight C12000ST Preamplifier: 11.3 kg
• Shipping Weight C12000C Controller: 19.5 kg
• Shipping Weight C12000ST Preamplifier: 17.7 kg

Audio Performance

• Total Harmonic Distortion High Level: 0.005 %
• Total Harmonic Distortion Phono: 0.05 %
• Maximum Output Voltage Balanced: 20 V RMS
• Maximum Output Voltage Unbalanced: 10 V RMS
• Sensitivity High Level Balanced: 900 mV
• Sensitivity High Level Unbalanced: 450 mV
• Sensitivity Phono Moving Coil: 0.25 mV to 2.5 mV
• Sensitivity Phono Moving Magnet: 5 mV to 10 mV
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio High Level: 107 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio Moving Coil: 79 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio Moving Magnet: 83 dB
• Voltage Gain High Level: 15 dB
• Voltage Gain Moving Coil: 58 dB to 64 dB
• Voltage Gain Moving Magnet: 40 dB to 46 dB
• Input Impedance Balanced: 50,000 Ohms
• Input Impedance Unbalanced: 25,000 Ohms

Inputs

• 6 Balanced Analog Inputs
• 4 Unbalanced Analog Inputs
• 2 Phono Inputs, each configurable as Moving Coil or Moving Magnet
• Adjustable Capacitance for Phono: 50 pF to 400 pF
• Adjustable Resistance for Phono: 25 Ohms to 47,000 Ohms
• Adjustable Phono Gain: 40 dB to 64 dB in 6 dB steps
• Digital Inputs: none
• HDMI ARC: no input
• Network Connection: none

Outputs

• 1 Balanced Transistor Output
• 1 Balanced Tube Output
• 1 Fixed Unbalanced Output
• 1 Programmable Unbalanced Output, selectable Tube or Transistor Output
• Output Impedance Balanced: 200 Ohms
• Output Impedance Unbalanced: 100 Ohms

Headphones

• Headphone Output: 6.35 mm High Drive Headphone Jack
• Headphone Crossfeed Director: HXD
• Selectable Headphone Impedances: 16 to 40 Ohms, 40 to 150 Ohms, 150 to 600 Ohms
• Headphone Power: at least 150 mW from 16 to 600 Ohm load

Control and Integration

• Input Level Match: ±6 dB
• Home Theater Pass Through: present
• RS232 Control Input: present
• Power Control Output: 1 Main, 2 Output, 4 Trigger
• Rear Panel Data Ports: 8
• Rear Panel IR Sensor Input: present
• Service Port: 1
• Tone Controls: not present
• Tone Bypass and Input Assign: not present

Tube Complement

• High-Level Preamplifier Section: 2 × 12AT7 and 1 × 12AX7A per channel
• Phono Section: 4 × 12AX7A, 2 per channel

Power Supply

• Power Consumption in Operation: 75 Watts
• Standby Power Consumption: less than 0.5 Watts
• Possible Factory Voltage Settings: 100 V, 110 V, 120 V, 220 V, 230 V, or 240 V at 50/60 Hz
• Field Conversion of Mains Voltage: not possible

Materials and Optics

• Stainless Steel Chassis with Mirror Finish
• Brushed Black Titanium Stainless Steel
• Black Glass Front
• Blue Indicators
• Illuminated Logos
• Brushed Aluminum Handles

Scope of Delivery

• C12000C Preamplifier
• Remote Control
• 2 Shielded Special Interconnect Cables between Controller and Preamplifier
• Power Cable
• Documents

• Anleitung