MA12000 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

The McIntosh MA12000 is a hybrid integrated amplifier delivering 350 watts per channel. It combines a vacuum tube preamplifier with a solid state power amplifier, alongside extensive analogue connectivity and the factory-installed DA2 Digital Audio Module.

The preamplifier section uses 4 12AX7A vacuum tubes, with 2 tubes per audio channel. Its 350 watt power amplifier section is solid state. McIntosh Autoformer™ technology ensures that speakers with 2, 4 or 8 ohm impedance can receive the full 350 watts.

There are 10 analogue inputs, comprising 2 balanced inputs, 6 unbalanced inputs, 1 Moving Coil input and 1 Moving Magnet input. Both phono inputs have adjustable loading, allowing the MA12000 to be configured for a specific turntable. The unbalanced analogue connectors are made from gold-plated solid brass for signal handling and grounding. A balanced output and an unbalanced output are provided for connecting an additional amplifier elsewhere in the house.

The Autoformers and power transformer are housed in a glass-topped enclosure on the amplifier’s upper surface. This is finished with a glass name plate and decorative trim ring. Key performance specifications and a detailed block diagram are printed on 5 glass panels.

The installed DA2 Digital Audio Module provides 7 digital audio inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT for use with McIntosh MCT series SACD/CD Transports, and 1 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection. It uses a Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC) with improved dynamic range and improved total harmonic distortion.

The USB input supports native playback up to DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz. The coaxial and optical inputs decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz. The HDMI (ARC) input connects a compatible television to the MA12000 and a home stereo system, supporting Dolby^® and DTS^® multi-channel audio formats and converting them to 2-channel audio for playback.

When CEC communication is enabled on both the MA12000 and the television, the television remote can control the amplifier’s power and volume. The DA2 can be replaced by future modules as new digital audio formats and technologies are developed.

The DA2 has Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. It has been profiled and tested by Roon and McIntosh for compatibility, and Roon will recognise the module and send audio configured for its capabilities. Roon Tested devices are automatically identified and configured without manual checkbox or dropdown selection.