MCINTOSH C12000C

Two-Chassis Control and Power Electronics Preamplifier

The two-chassis design allows complete separation of the audio section from the control and power sections. The absolute isolation of the two main functions of a preamplifier (control and sound) is achieved through this unusual but effective design. By splitting these primary functions of the preamplifier into separate chassis, the purest sound reproduction possible is delivered.
The C12000 consists 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. Isolated power supplies drive the left and right channels, while a dual microprocessor ensures robustness in the control system. The C12000 Preamplifier houses the audio connections and circuitry. Inside each module, the left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated from each other to allow true dual-mono operation, achieving maximum stereo separation and sonic purity. The two modules are connected via a pair of high-performance umbilical cables, shielded to prevent external noise from leaking into the audio signal. Although they are separate units, when connected they act as one and are easy to control via the included remote or the C12000 Controller front panel.

The C12000 Preamplifier module offers a total of 12 analog inputs: six balanced, four unbalanced, and two unbalanced phono inputs. The phono inputs are no longer dedicated exclusively to Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges; instead, both can now be configured as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet, with adjustable capacitance and resistance loading and adjustable gain in 6dB steps from 40dB to 64dB. This offers maximum flexibility for configuring the C12000 to suit your turntable(s), cartridge(s), and vinyl collection.

The C12000 Preamplifier module offers both vacuum tube and solid-state outputs, allowing you to choose which to use based on the music being played, the audio components in the rest of your system, and your sound preferences. All outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers. For vacuum tube output, six tubes power the high-level preamplifier section, with two 12AT7 tubes and one 12AX7A tube assigned to each of the left and right channels. Solid-state output is via a discrete balanced op-amp.

Regardless of the choice of vacuum tube or solid-state output, the phono stage uses four 12AX7A vacuum tubes, with two tubes per channel in a fully balanced configuration incorporating RIAA equalization.

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

With classic McIntosh black glass front panels, blue meters, knobs, stainless steel chassis, illuminated logos, and custom-machined brushed aluminum handles, the C12000 makes a visual statement in addition to its audio prowess. It can be paired with a variety of McIntosh amplifiers, speakers, room correction devices, CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers, and other source components to create a complete home audio system.

• Separate audio and control sections
• 12 analog inputs, including 2 configurable phono inputs
• Offers both solid-state and vacuum tube output
• Fully balanced circuitry

Technical Specifications:

• Number of Channels: 2
• Total Harmonic Distortion: High Level: 0.005%; Phono: 0.05%
• Frequency Response: +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz; +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100kHz
• Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced): 20V RMS / 10V RMS
• Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced): 900mV / 450mV
• Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil): 0.25 – 2.5mV
• Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet): 5 – 10mV
• Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level): 107dB
• Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil): 79dB
• Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet): 83dB
• Voltage Gain (High Level): 15dB
• Voltage Gain (Moving Coil): 58 – 64dB
• Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet): 40 – 46dB
• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced): 50K ohm, 25K ohm
• Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): Each module: 17.5" (44.45 cm) x 6" (15.24 cm) x 18" (45.7 cm)
• Unit Weight: C12000C: 27 lbs (12.3 kg); C12000ST: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)