McIntosh C12000 Controller & 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

C12000 controller and 2-channel vacuum tube preamp

Maximum control and configurability.

The C12000 preamp is the next generation of our acclaimed two-cabinet preamp design. The two-chassis design allows the audio section to be completely separated from the control and power section. Absolute isolation of the two main functions of a preamp - control and tone - is achieved through this unusual but effective design. Separating these two main functions of a preamp into separate chassis delivers the purest sound reproduction possible.

The C12000 consists of the C12000 Controller Module and the C12000 Preamplifier Module. All power, data and external control connections are located in the C12000 controller. Two isolated power supplies drive the left and right channels, while a dual microprocessor adds robustness to the control system. The C12000 preamplifier houses the audio connections and circuitry. Inside, the left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated from each other, allowing true dual mono operation - the result is the ultimate in stereo separation and sonic purity. The two devices are connected via a pair of specially designed, high-performance cables that are shielded to prevent outside noise from penetrating the audio signal. Despite being two separate devices, when linked together they behave as one and are easily controlled and operated via the supplied remote control or the front panel of the C12000 controller.

A total of 12 analogue inputs1 are found in the C12000 preamplifier module: six balanced, four unbalanced and two unbalanced phono inputs. The phono inputs are no longer specifically set up for moving coil or moving magnet cartridges; instead both are configurable as moving coil or moving magnet cartridges with adjustable capacitance and resistive loading, along with adjustable gain in 6dB increments from 40dB to 64dB. This gives you maximum flexibility to configure the C12000 to best suit your turntables, cartridges and vinyl collection.

The C12000's preamp module offers both tube and solid state outputs, so you can decide which output to use depending on the music you're playing, the other audio components in your home audio system, and your tonal preferences. All outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers. For tube output, six tubes or tubes drive the high-level preamp section, with two 12AT7 tubes and one 12AX7A tube dedicated to the left and right channels, respectively. The solid state output is via a discrete balanced operational amplifier.

Whether you choose the tube or solid-state output, the phono stage uses four 12AX7A tubes, employing two tubes per channel in a fully balanced configuration with RIAA equalization.

A total of four outputs are available for connecting the C12000 to your amplifier(s) and the rest of your home music system: a balanced tube output, a balanced solid-state output, a fixed unbalanced output and a programmable unbalanced output (either tube or solid-state). The many adjustment options on the two phono inputs and all outputs represent a new level of customization in the design of McIntosh preamplifiers and allow you maximum flexibility in configuring your audio system.

The amplifier circuit has high common mode rejection, so any noise generated by connecting cables is significantly reduced. For personal listening pleasure, our high-drive, high-output headphone jack is present, while the user-selectable Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) adds extra depth and spaciousness 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 preamp features fully balanced circuitry to match the performance of our quad balanced amplifiers. Both the C12000 Controller and C12000 Preamp cabinets are constructed of highly polished stainless steel and black brushed titanium stainless steel, offering an even higher level of richness and refinement.

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 (DIN) 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 Triggers
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: 42lbs (19.5kg)
C12000ST: 40lbs (17.7kg)