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.
1949 – 2024: MCINTOSH CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF AUDIO EXCELLENCE
Since our inception in 1949 under the visionary guidance of Frank McIntosh, we have been unwavering in our commitment to the art of sound reproduction. The year 2024 marks a historic milestone for McIntosh as we proudly celebrate our 75th Anniversary – a testament to our enduring passion for crafting audio experiences that transcend expectations.
THE C12000 75TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
In honor of this momentous occasion, we present the special C12000 75th Anniversary Edition. Each chassis boasts a distinctive dual anodized laser-engraved badge proudly displaying our 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.
A total of 12 analog inputs 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 includes our Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance. 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.
ELECTRONIC 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 ohms, 25K ohms
CONNECTIVITY
Balanced Input
6
Unbalanced Input
4
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)
Upgradeable Digital Audio Module
No
Digital Coaxial Input
0
Digital Optical Input
0
Digital MCT Input
0
Digital USB Input
0
HDMI (ARC) Input
0
Digital AES/EBU Input
0
Balanced Fixed Output
0
Balanced Variable Output
2 (1 for Solid State, 1 for Vacuum Tube)
Unbalanced Fixed Output
1
Unbalanced Variable Output
1
Headphone Output
1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
Selectable headphone impedances of: 16 ohms - 40 ohms, 40 - 150 ohms, 150 - 600 ohms
Input Level Match
Yes, +/- 6dB
Home Theater PassThru
Yes
Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
Premium gold-plated solid brass
Service Port
1
CONTROL
Tone Controls
No
Tone Bypass and Input Assign
No
RS232 Control Input
Yes
Power Control Output
1 Main, 2 Output, 4 Trigger
Rear Panel Data Port
8
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input
Yes
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Multi-Chassis or Single
Multi Chassis (C12000C plus C12000ST)
Output Meters
C12000C: No
C12000ST: Yes
Vacuum Tube or Solid State
Both (user selectable)
Power Consumption (On)
75 watts
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
Each module: 17.5" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.24cm) x 18" (45.7cm)
Unit Weight
C12000C: 27 lbs (12.3 kg)
C12000ST: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
Shipping Weight
C12000C: 42 lbs (19.5 kg)
C12000ST: 40 lbs (17.7 kg)
