We are closing over the Christmas holidays from the 20th of December and return on the 3rd of January. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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.
Finance example
£4,198.00 initial 20% deposit then £559.73 per month for 30 months. Other finance terms available. Finance subject to statusC12000 75th Anniversary
£20,990
1949 – 2024: MCINTOSH CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF AUDIO EXCELLENCE
Since their inception in 1949 under the visionary guidance of Frank McIntosh, they have been unwavering in our commitment to the art of sound reproduction. The year 2024 marks a historic milestone for McIntosh as they proudly celebrate our 75th Anniversary – a testament to their enduring passion for crafting audio experiences that transcend expectations.
THE C12000 75TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
In honor of this momentous occasion, McIntosh present the special C12000 75th Anniversary Edition. Each chassis boasts a distinctive dual anodized laser-engraved badge proudly displaying their 75th Anniversary logo on the top, while each handle is engraved with a graceful "75 years" inscription. This exclusive edition is a celebration of our relentless pursuit of excellence. All performance specifications, functionality, and dimensions of the anniversary edition are the same as the non-anniversary version.
When placing your order with your dealer in 2024, you must specify you want the C12000 75th Anniversary Edition. Otherwise you will receive the stock version that does not include the commemorative anniversary markings. Please note that the C12000 75th Anniversary Edition is limited to 75 units in the UK.
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 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.
Regardless if you choose the vacuum tube or solid-state output, the phono stage utilizes four 12AX7A vacuum tubes, with two tubes used per channel in a fully balanced configuration that incorporates RIAA equalization.
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.
The C12000 preamplifier employs fully balanced circuitry to match the level of performance achieved in any of our Quad Balanced amplifiers. Both the C12000 Controller and C12000 Preamplifier chassis are made from stainless steel polished to a mirror finish plus hairline brushed black Titanium stainless steel, offering an enhanced degree of richness and refinement.
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 make a complete home audio system.
Tech spec
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 Phono (Moving Coil)
0.25 – 2.5mV
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)
5 – 10mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
107dB
Inputs
6 Balanced Input
4 Unbalanced Input
Phono Input Moving Coil:
Up to 2 (unit has 2 Phono inputs; each is user configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet)
Phono Input Moving Magnet
Up to 2 (unit has 2 Phono inputs; each is user configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet)
Outputs
1 Unbalanced Fixed Output
1 Unbalanced Variable Output
2 Balanced Variable Output
Headphone Output
Dimensions W x H x D
Each module: 17.5" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.24cm) x 18" (45.7cm)
Weight
C12000C: 27 lbs (12.3 kg)
C12000ST: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)