MCINTOSH MA12000

On "National Preview"

The MA12000 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier is a product of uncompromising audio engineering and expert craftsmanship. It delivers 350 watts per channel of clean, high-performance power, producing a breathtaking home audio experience.

The MA12000 includes Hybrid Drive™ technology, which combines the best of valve and solid-state technology to provide optimal sound performance. It offers the warm nuances of a valve preamplifier along with the speed and raw power of a solid-state amplifier, cutting-edge digital audio capabilities, and a sufficient number of analog audio connections for virtually any home music system.

The MA12000 is a hybrid design, with the preamplifier section powered by (4) 12AX7A tubes (2 per audio channel), while the 350-watt power amplifier section employs a solid-state design. Autoformer™ technology ensures your speakers will always receive the full 350 watts, whether they have an impedance of 2, 4, or 8 ohms.

There are 10 analog inputs, including 2 balanced and 6 unbalanced, plus 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet input for connecting a turntable. Both phono inputs have adjustable loading to tune the MA12000 to your specific turntable configuration. All unbalanced analog connectors are made from gold-plated solid brass for superior signal handling and grounding. The MA12000 also features 1 balanced and 1 unbalanced output if you want to connect an additional amplifier elsewhere in your home.

For digital music, the MA12000 is equipped with our DA2 Digital Audio Module, which includes 7 digital audio inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT (for use with the MCT series SACD/CD Transports), and 1 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). The DA2 is powered by a next-generation Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), offering improved dynamic range and reduced total harmonic distortion. The DA2 supports high-resolution digital audio playback, as the USB input supports native playback up to DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while coaxial and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz.

The HDMI (ARC) input allows you to connect TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output to the MA12000 and your home stereo system, providing an audio performance level that TV speakers or soundbars simply cannot achieve. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and converted to two-channel audio for proper playback. When CEC communication is enabled in both the MA12000 and your TV, the TV remote can control the power and volume of the MA12000. The DA2 can be replaced by future modules to keep your MA12000 updated with new digital audio formats and technologies as they are developed.

The top of the MA12000 features updated design elements. The Autoformers and power transformer are now housed in a new glass-topped enclosure, topped with a glass nameplate surrounded by a decorative trim ring. Key performance specifications and a detailed block diagram are printed on 5 glass panels.

Technical features include:

• FTC Power Output: 350 W
• Power Output per Channel: 350 W into 2, 4, or 8 ohms
• Number of Channels: 2
• Rated Power Band: 20Hz to 20kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: Preamplifier: 0.03%, Amplifier: 0.005%
• Dynamic Headroom: 1.5 dB
• Frequency Response +0,-0.5 dB: 20Hz to 20kHz
• Frequency Response +0,-3 dB: 10Hz to 100kHz
• Phono Sensitivity (Moving Coil): 0.30mV
• Phono Sensitivity (Moving Magnet): 3.0mV
• High-Level Sensitivity (Balanced / Unbalanced): 600 mV/300mV
• Power Amp Input Sensitivity: 1.7V
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Moving Coil): 75dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet): 77dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (High Level): 95dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Power Amp Input): 114dB
• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced): 44K/22K
• Damping Factor: >40
• Maximum Output (Balanced / Unbalanced): 8V Unbalanced, 16V Balanced
• Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 17-1/2” (44.5 cm) x 9-7/16” (24 cm) x 19-3/4” (50.2 cm)
• Unit Weight: 108 lbs (48.9 kg)