{"id":138395,"date":"2021-11-18T15:00:33","date_gmt":"2021-11-18T15:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techweekmag.com\/?p=138395"},"modified":"2023-09-15T17:50:38","modified_gmt":"2023-09-15T16:50:38","slug":"mcintosh-c12000-next-gen-two-box-preamplifier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/hi-fi\/mcintosh-c12000-next-gen-two-box-preamplifier\/","title":{"rendered":"McIntosh C12000: Next-gen two-box Preamplifier"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The new McIntosh C12000 Preamplifier benefits from a unique two-chassis design that isolates the audio section from the control and power sections for ultimate sound quality. In addition to 12 analogue inputs, six balanced, four unbalanced and two phono inputs, the C12000 Preamplifier<b>\u00a0<\/b>offers\u00a0<i>both\u00a0<\/i>valve and solid-state output for maximum flexibility with partnering equipment.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The preamp comprises the McIntosh <strong>C12000 Controller Module<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>C12000 Preamplifier Module.<\/strong>\u00a0All power control, data ports and external control connections reside in the C12000 Controller, where dual isolated power supplies drive the left and right channels, while a dual microprocessor governs the control system.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-138400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-1080x721.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-909x607.jpg 909w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-432x288.jpg 432w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-1539x1027.jpg 1539w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-560x374.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-750x501.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Angle-Right2-Close-Up-Balanced-background-hi-res-1140x761.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The McIntosh C12000 Preamplifier Module houses the audio connections and circuitry. Inside, the left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated to allow true dual-mono operation, for uncompromising stereo separation and signal purity. The controller and preamplifier units are connected via high-performance umbilical cables which are specifically designed to prevent outside noise from leaking into the audio signal.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-138398\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"McIntosh C12000\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-1080x721.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-909x607.jpg 909w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-432x288.jpg 432w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-1539x1027.jpg 1539w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-560x374.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-750x501.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Back-background-hi-res-1140x761.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">User adjustment options have increased over previous McIntosh preamps, reflecting a new level of personal customisation. The C12000 benefits from programmable phono inputs with adjustable capacitance and resistance-loading for greater compatibility with turntables. The phono stage utilises four 12AX7A valves (two per channel), in a fully balanced configuration with RIAA equalization.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The C12000 employs fully balanced circuitry to match the performance in any of McIntosh&#8217;s Quad Balanced amplifiers. The preamp benefits from classic features, including black glass front panels, iconic blue meters and custom-machined brushed-aluminium handles. Both units feature a stainless steel chassis, polished to a mirror finish, plus hairline brushed black titanium stainless steel.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">McIntosh\u2019s high-output, high-drive headphone jack with user-selectable Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD\u00ae) technology is also included for late night and personal listening.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-138399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-800x246.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-1080x332.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-909x280.jpg 909w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-1536x473.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-2048x630.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-432x133.jpg 432w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-1539x474.jpg 1539w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-560x172.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-750x231.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/C12000C-and-ST-Front-Top-Phono-1-hi-res-1140x351.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Pricing and availability<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orders for the C12000 can now be placed with authorised McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in early 2022. The price is \u00a38,495 per unit and\u00a0<strong>\u00a316,990\u00a0<\/strong>for the complete preamplifier.<\/p>\n<p>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/mcintoshlabs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mcintoshlabs.com <\/a>for more information.<\/p>\n<p>[ratemypost]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The new McIntosh C12000 Preamplifier benefits from a unique two-chassis design that isolates the audio section from the control and power sections for ultimate sound quality. In addition to 12 analogue inputs, six balanced, four unbalanced and two phono inputs, the C12000 Preamplifier\u00a0offers\u00a0both\u00a0valve and solid-state output for maximum flexibility with partnering equipment. The preamp comprises [&hellip;] <a class=\"g1-link g1-link-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/hi-fi\/mcintosh-c12000-next-gen-two-box-preamplifier\/\">More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10404,"featured_media":169122,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[642],"tags":[779],"class_list":{"0":"post-138395","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hi-fi","8":"tag-news"},"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=138395"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138395\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/169122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=138395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=138395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=138395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}