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Mcintosh C-12000 Hybrid Tube/Solid State Preamplifier

SKU: C-12000

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Product Description

The C12000 Preamplifier is the next generation of our acclaimed two-chassis preamplifier design. The two-chassis design allows the audio section to be completely separated from the control and power sections. The absolute isolation of a preamplifier's two main functions – control and sound – is achieved by this unusual but effective design. Splitting these primary purposes of a preamplifier up into separate chassis will deliver the purest sound reproduction possible.

The C12000 is comprised of the C12000 Controller module and the C12000 Preamplifier module. All power control, data ports, and external control connections are located in the C12000 Controller. Dual isolated power supplies drive the left and right channels, while a dual microprocessor gives robustness to the control system. The C12000 Preamplifier houses the audio connections and circuitry. Inside each, the left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated from each other to allow true dual mono operation – resulting in the ultimate stereo separation and sonic purity. The two units are connected together via a pair of specially designed, high performance umbilical cables that are shielded to prevent outside noise from leaking into the audio signal. Although they are two separate units, when connected they act as one and are easy to control and operate from the included remote control or the C12000 Controller front panel.

A total of 12 analog inputs1 are located in the C12000 Preamplifier module: six balanced, four unbalanced, and two unbalanced phono inputs. The phono inputs are no longer set up as dedicated for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges; instead, both are configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet with adjustable Capacitance and Resistance Loading, along with adjustable Gain in 6dB steps from 40dB to 64dB. This provides maximum flexibility for you to configure the C12000 to best fit your turntable(s), cartridge(s), and vinyl record collection.

The C12000 includes our Hybrid Drive technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance. The C12000 Preamplifier module offers both vacuum tube and solid state output, allowing you to decide which to use based on the music being played, the audio components in the rest of your home audio system, and your sound preferences. All outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers. For vacuum tube output, six tubes or valves power the high-level preamplifier section with two 12AT7 tubes and one 12AX7A tube assigned to each the left and right channel. Solid state output is via a discrete balanced op-amp.

For connecting the C12000 to your amplifier(s) and the rest of your home music system, there are four total outputs: one balanced vacuum tube; one balanced solid state; one fixed unbalanced; and one programmable unbalanced (can be either vacuum tube or solid state). The amount of user adjustments available on the two phono inputs and all the outputs represent a new level of customization in McIntosh preamplifier design, allowing you maximum flexibility in how you want to configure your audio system.

The amplifier circuit has a high common mode rejection, so any noise introduced by interconnect cables is significantly reduced. For personal listening, our high output High Drive headphone jack is included, while the user selectable Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) brings an added depth and spatiality to your music. The C12000 can be seamlessly integrated into your existing multi-channel home theater system via the Home Theater Pass Through feature.

McIntosh Laboratory is a manufacturer of high-end audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, receivers, and speakers. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh, and is based in New York, USA.

McIntosh is known for its iconic design, featuring blue backlit watt meters on its amplifiers, and its commitment to quality, with all of its products built in the USA and tested by hand before leaving the factory.

McIntosh's amplifiers, such as the MC452 and MC312, are highly regarded for their power and sound quality, and their ability to drive a wide range of speakers. The company's preamplifiers, such as the C2700 and C53, are also highly regarded for their ability to deliver an extremely detailed and transparent sound.

McIntosh's receivers, such as the MX170 and MX123, are designed to provide a high-quality audio experience in a single unit, with support for a wide range of audio and video sources.

All orders are processed within 48 hours from date of order.

We offer Free Ground Shipping on all orders regardless of size.  

  • If you would like to receive your order quicker you can request Express shipping during Check-Out in the Comments section.  Additional charges will apply.
  • In-stock items are shipped from our Vancouver warehouse and will reach major Canadian cities in 5-7 business days.
  • Items not in stock will either ship from one of our manufacturer partners' warehouses or in rare cases first must be sent to Vancouver and then to you.  
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