The McIntosh C12000 is a flagship 2-channel preamplifier distinguished by its two-chassis design, separating the control/digital from the analog audio for ultimate purity. Uniquely, it offers selectable solid-state or vacuum tube (4x 12AX7A) output stages, allowing sonic tailoring.

Connectivity is vast, with 6 balanced XLR and 6 unbalanced RCA analog inputs, including five fully configurable phono inputs (3x MC, 2x MM) with adjustable loading. The integrated DA2 Digital Audio Module provides 7 digital inputs, including HDMI ARC, and supports up to DSD512 and 32-bit/384kHz PCM. A High Drive Headphone Amplifier with HXD® is also included. Boasting ultra-low distortion (0.005% SS, 0.08% Tube) and classic McIntosh black glass aesthetics, the C12000 delivers unparalleled versatility and sonic refinement for any high-end system.

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)

Orders ship Sunday through Friday from our offices in Dubai, UAE.

In-stock products typically ship within 48 hours and should be expected to arrive in 3-4 business days. Orders outside of the UAE should be expected to arrive in 5-7 business days.

Pre-order and backorder products will state the approximate delivery timeline beside the Add To Cart button.

If you would like to place a custom order, chat with our specialists for a guided shopping experience. Once your order has been placed, a timeline will be provided depending on your order details.

- Free delivery within the UAE
- Shipping charges will be calculated upon checkout for orders outside of the UAE (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia & Qatar).
- Taxes and duties are calculated according to the applicable laws of the state or country an item is shipped to and are the customer's responsibility.

For additional information on shipping and our exchange & return policy visit our help center.

Installation charges are applicable and can be paid upon delivery for our clients based in Dubai.

- Installation Charges: AED 450 Per Hour
- Speaker Cables: AED 32 Per Meter
- Trunking: AED 10 Per Meter

For clients based outside of the UAE, please contact our specialists and we will share an estimate based on your requirements.