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McIntosh C12000 Solid State and Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

  • Includes our Hybrid Drive technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance
  • Separate audio & control sections
  • 12 analog inputs including 2 configurable phono inputs
  • Offers both solid state and vacuum tube output
  • Fully balanced circuitry
  • pre-order
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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. 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.

The home audio stereo system comprised of the C12000 and MC3500 Mk II “simply sounds natural. Listen to it and you’ll discover that you are listening to music — pure, simple, unadulterated music. It’s not ‘bright’ or ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ or ‘warm’ or ‘euphonic’… it’s just as you’d expect music to sound: natural.” Named Stereo Preamplifier and Power Amplifier of the Year 2023. – Australian Hi-Fi Magazine

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.

  • 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)
Weight 12.3 kg
Dimensions 45.7 × 44.45 × 15.24 cm
Warranty

3 years

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