McIntosh C12000 2-Channel Preamplifier

Two-chassis preamplifier with selectable vacuum tube and solid-state outputs, fully balanced circuitry, and configurable phono stages

The McIntosh C12000 is a two-chassis preamplifier that separates its audio circuitry from its control and power functions. The C12000 Controller houses power control, data ports, external control connections, and dual isolated power supplies, while the C12000 Preamplifier contains the signal circuitry and all analog audio connections. The two units are linked by specially designed shielded umbilical cables and operate together as a single component.

Inside both chassis, the left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated for true dual-mono operation. The audio circuitry is fully balanced, while McIntosh Hybrid Drive technology gives the user a choice of vacuum tube or solid-state output. The tube output stage uses six tubes—two 12AT7s and one 12AX7A per channel—while the solid-state output uses a discrete balanced op-amp.

The C12000 provides 12 analog inputs: six balanced, four unbalanced, and two phono. Both phono inputs can be independently configured for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges, with adjustable resistance and capacitance loading as well as gain settings from 40 dB to 64 dB. The phonostage itself uses four 12AX7A tubes in a fully balanced configuration with RIAA equalization.

Four analog outputs provide considerable system flexibility. Separate balanced outputs are provided for the vacuum tube and solid-state signal paths, while a fixed unbalanced output and programmable unbalanced output are also included. A High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director and Home Theater PassThru round out a preamplifier designed to accommodate both simple and highly elaborate two-channel systems.

Features

Two-Chassis Architecture

The C12000 separates its audio circuitry from its control and power functions. The C12000 Controller handles system control, power, and external connections, while the C12000 Preamplifier chassis is dedicated to the audio signal path.

Hybrid Drive

McIntosh Hybrid Drive provides both vacuum tube and solid-state output stages. The user can select either signal path to suit the rest of the system or personal listening preferences.

Vacuum Tube Output Stage

Six tubes are used for the high-level vacuum tube preamplifier section, with two 12AT7 tubes and one 12AX7A assigned to each channel.

Fully Balanced Dual-Mono Design

The left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated within both chassis, while fully balanced circuitry helps maximize channel separation and reject common-mode noise.

Two Configurable Phono Inputs

Both phono inputs can be independently configured for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges. Resistance loading, capacitance loading, and gain are adjustable to accommodate a wide range of cartridges.

Vacuum Tube Phonostage

Four 12AX7A tubes—two per channel—are used in the fully balanced phono section, which incorporates RIAA equalization for both Moving Coil and Moving Magnet cartridges.

Separate Tube and Solid-State Outputs

Dedicated balanced outputs are provided for the vacuum tube and solid-state signal paths, allowing either output stage to be selected without changing the rest of the system configuration.

High Drive Headphone Amplifier

The front-panel 1/4" headphone output incorporates McIntosh High Drive circuitry and Headphone Crossfeed Director technology, with selectable settings for headphones from 16 to 600 ohms.

Home Theater PassThru

Home Theater PassThru allows the C12000 to be incorporated into a multichannel system while retaining its role as a dedicated two-channel preamplifier.

System Control

RS232, Power Control, Data Ports, and IR sensor connections provide integration with other McIntosh components and external control systems.

What’s Included

• McIntosh C12000C Controller
• McIntosh C12000ST Preamplifier
• Remote control
• Shielded interconnect cables for the two chassis
• AC power cord

Specifications

Type: Hybrid vacuum tube and solid-state stereo preamplifier

Channels: 2

Configuration: Two chassis, C12000C Controller and C12000ST Preamplifier

High-Level Vacuum Tubes: 2 × 12AX7A, 4 × 12AT7

Phono Vacuum Tubes: 4 × 12AX7A

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% high level; 0.05% phono

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/–0.5 dB; 10 Hz–100 kHz (+0/–3 dB)

Rated Output: 5 V balanced; 2.5 V unbalanced

Maximum Output: 20 V RMS balanced; 10 V RMS unbalanced

High-Level Input Sensitivity: 900 mV balanced; 450 mV unbalanced

Moving Coil Input Sensitivity: 0.25–2.5 mV

Moving Magnet Input Sensitivity: 5–10 mV

High-Level Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 107 dB

Moving Coil Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 79 dB

Moving Magnet Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 83 dB

High-Level Voltage Gain: 15 dB

Moving Coil Gain: 58–64 dB

Moving Magnet Gain: 40–46 dB

Input Impedance: 50 kΩ balanced; 25 kΩ unbalanced

Output Impedance: 200 ohms balanced; 100 ohms unbalanced

Balanced Inputs: 6

Unbalanced Inputs: 4

Phono Inputs: 2, each configurable for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet

Balanced Variable Outputs: 2, one solid state and one vacuum tube

Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 1

Unbalanced Fixed Outputs: 1

Headphone Output: 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director

Headphone Load Impedance: Selectable 16–40, 40–150, or 150–600 ohms

Input Level Matching: ±6 dB

Home Theater PassThru: Yes

RS232 Control: Yes

Power Control Outputs: 1 Main, 2 Output, 4 Trigger

Data Ports: 8

IR Sensor Input: Yes

Service Port: 1

Output Meters: C12000ST only

Power Consumption: 75 W

Dimensions, Each Module (H × W × D): 6" × 17-1/2" × 18" (152.4 × 444.5 × 457 mm)

Controller Weight: 27 lb. (12.3 kg)

Preamplifier Weight: 25 lb. (11.3 kg)