The C12000 is an absolute reference stereo preamplifier consisting of a completely separate control block and audio block, in order to allow an absolute level of isolation between the functions they perform and thus achieve the purest possible sound reproduction. Specifically, the C12000 consists of the C12000 Controller module and the C12000 Preamplifier module, the former housing all the control and external connectivity functions and the latter the actual audio circuitry and connections. Each block incorporates separate power supplies for each channel, while two microprocessors provide robustness to the control system. Also, within each block, the circuits corresponding to each channel are isolated from each other both mechanically and electrically to allow true dual mono operation. In turn, the two blocks are connected to each other via two custom-designed umbilical cables that have been fully shielded to prevent external noise from interfering with the audio signal. The C212000 Preamplifier houses a total of twelve analogue inputs, namely six balanced, four unbalanced and two unbalanced phono inputs, the latter configurable as either Moving Magnet (MM) or Moving Coil (MC). Another unique element of McIntosh 's new absolute reference preamplifier is that the C12000 Preamplifier module includes programmable outputs for connection to solid-state or tube amplifiers, allowing the user to choose the one that best suits their equipment and musical tastes. Both outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers, with the vacuum tube output incorporating two 12AT7s and one 12AX7A for each channel and the solid state electronics output consisting of a balanced operational amplifier.
Characteristics:
- Absolute reference hybrid stereo preamplifier.
- Formed by two blocks: C12000 Controller and C12000 Preamplifier.
- Circuit topology 100% analogue and balanced.
- Equipped with 12AX7A and 12AT7 vacuum tubes.
- Dedicated outputs for connection of solid state and tube electronics.
- Executed with the highest quality components.
- Programmable phono inputs for turntables with MM and MC capsules.
- Phono section with load impedance/capacitance and gain adjustment.
- Phono section equipped with four 12AX7A tubes.
- Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analogue inputs and outputs.
- High-precision, high-speed response analogue indicators.
- Dedicated headphone amplifier exclusive to McIntosh.
- Frequency response from 10-100,000 Hz, +0 dB, -3 dB.
- XLR Line inputs sensitivity/impedance: 900 mV/50 kOhm.
- Sensitivity/impedance of RCA Line inputs: 450 mV/25 kOhm.
- Sensitivity of the phono inputs: 5 mV on MM and 0.25 mV on MC.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 107 dB Line, 83 dB/phono MM and 79 dB/phono MC.
- Dimensions: 444.5 x 152.4 x 457 mm (W x H x D) each block.
- Weight: 12.3 kg for the C12000 Controller and 11.3 kg for the C12000 Preamplifier.
