McIntosh MA12000
2-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
Includes our Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance
Vacuum tube preamplifier and solid state power amplifier
350 Watts x 2 channel
8-band tone control
17 inputs (10 analog + 7 digital)
Comes with DA2 Digital Audio Module installed
The fully loaded, hybrid MA12000 Integrated Amplifier is a product of uncompromising audio engineering and expert craftsmanship. Our most powerful integrated amplifier ever, the feature rich MA12000 offers 350 Watts per channel of clean, high performance power that produces a breathtaking home audio experience. You will think your favorite musicians are playing a live, in-person performance in your house.
The MA12000 includes our Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance. It gives you the warm nuances of a vacuum tube preamplifier (or valve preamplifier as some of our friends like to say) combined with the speed and raw power of a solid state amplifier, state-of-the-art digital audio capabilities, and enough analog audio connections for virtually any home music system.
The MA12000 is a hybrid design with the preamplifier section powered by (4) 12AX7A vacuum tubes (2 tubes per audio channel), while the 350 Watt power amplifier section employs a solid state design. Our Autoformer™ technology guarantees your speakers will always be capable of receiving that full 350 Watts whether they have 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance.
There are 10 analog inputs on the MA12000 consisting of 2 balanced and 6 unbalanced inputs, plus 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet input for connecting a turntable. Both phono inputs feature adjustable loading for fine tuning the MA12000 to your specific turntable configuration so your vinyl collection sounds just right. All the unbalanced analog connectors are constructed from premium gold-plated solid brass for superior signal handling and grounding. The MA12000 also has 1 balanced and 1 unbalanced output if you ever want to connect to an additional amplifier that's used in a different part of your residence.
For digital music, the MA12000 comes with our DA2 Digital Audio Module factory installed. Located in the DA2 are 7 digital audio inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT (for use with our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports), and 1 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 connection. The DA2 is powered by a next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). This audiophile-grade DAC features improved dynamic range and improved total harmonic distortion. The DA2 supports high resolution digital audio playback, as the USB input supports native playback of up to DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while the coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The HDMI (ARC) input allows TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output to be connected to the MA12000 and your home stereo system to bring a new level of audio performance to your TV and movie watching that TV speakers or soundbars just can't provide. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback. When CEC communication is enabled in both the MA12000 and your TV, your TV remote can control the power and volume of the MA12000. The DA2 can be replaced by future modules to keep your MA12000 up to date as new digital audio formats and technologies are developed.
The DA2 has received Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs, which can be especially useful if you have an extensive library of digital music. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh has provided equipment to Roon for testing with a variety of different operating systems and computers, and shared information about its design and capabilities.
The top of the MA12000 is highlighted by some updated industrial design elements. The Autoformers and power transformer are now contained in a new glass topped enclosure capped by a glass name plate encircled with a decorative trim ring. Key performance specifications and a detailed block diagram are printed on 5 glass panels.
Other MA12000 features include:
Power Guard® that monitors the output signal for over driving and makes real time micro adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh sounding clipping that could potentially damage your speakers
Our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit Sentry Monitor™ that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal
A pair of peak responding, trademarked "McIntosh Blue" Watt meters that indicate the real time power output of each audio channel
McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors that minimize thermal equilibrium lag (or warm-up) time and help keep the MA12000 running cool
Home Theater PassThru that allows for seamless integration into a home theater system
Our patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts that easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short; the binding posts are also gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables to your speakers
A discrete, eight-band tone control that allows for advanced manual analog adjustment of your favorite recordings
High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) which can bring an added dimension to headphone listening
Power Control to send power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown
Doubling of filter capacity compared to our other integrated amplifiers for even better low frequency performance
The latest audio-grade circuit components to deliver the best sound possible
Powerful control microprocessors to improve overall system operation
Easy operation via front panel controls or the included comprehensive remote control
The entire unit is wrapped in the classic McIntosh aesthetic with a pair of blue watt meters, a black glass front panel, rotary control knobs, illuminated logo, aluminum end caps with built-in handles and a beautiful stainless steel chassis polished to a mirror finish. The MA12000 can be paired with a variety of turntables, CD players, music streamers, and speakers.
Electronic Specifications
Power Output per Channel350 Watts
Number of Channels2
Speaker Impedance2, 4, or 8 Ohms
Rated Power Band20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic DistortionPreamplifier: 0.03% Amplifier: 0.005%
Dynamic Headroom1.5dB
Frequency Response +0,-0.5dB20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency Response, +0, -3dB10Hz to 100kHz
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)0.30mV
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)3.0mV
Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)600mV/300mV
Sensitivity (Power Amp input)1.7V
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)75dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)77dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)95dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Power Amp input)114dB
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)44K/22K
Damping Factor>40
Maximum Output (Balanced / Unbalanced)8V Unbalanced 16V Balanced
Connectivity
Balanced Input2
Unbalanced Input6
Phono Input Moving Coil1 (adjustable loading)
Phono Input Moving Magnet1 (adjustable loading)
Upgradeable Digital Audio ModuleYes: DA2
Digital Coaxial Input2
Digital Optical Input2
Digital MCT Input1
Digital USB Input1
HDMI (ARC) Input1
Balanced Variable Output1
Unbalanced Fixed Output1
Unbalanced Variable Output1
Headphone Output1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
Subwoofer Output0
AM/FM Tuner optionNo
Home Theater PassThruYes
Unbalanced Analog Connector TypePremium gold-plated solid brass
Speaker Binding Post TypePatented Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts
Service Port1
Digital Audio Specifications
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced
Digital Coaxial Input Sample Rate24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
Digital Optical Input Sample Rate24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
Digital MCT Input Sample Rate16-bit/44.1kHz (CD) DSD64 (SACD)
Digital USB Input Sample Rate32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM) DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512, DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz
Control
Tone Controls8-Band
Tone Bypass and Input AssignYes
RS232 Control InputYes
Power Control Output1 Main, 2 Trigger
Rear Panel Data Port4
Rear Panel IR Sensor InputYes
Input Level MatchYes
General Specifications
Vacuum Tube or Solid StatePreamplifier: Vacuum Tube Amplifier: Solid State
Output TypeAutoformer™
Output MetersYes
Dual Layer ChassisYes
Chassis FinishPolished stainless steel & black painted steel
McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™Yes
Power Requirement120V, 50/60Hz, 6.6A
Standby Power Requirement<0.25 Watts
Weights & Dimensions
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)17-1/2” (44.5cm) x 9-7/16” (24 cm) x 19-3/4” (50.2cm)
Unit Weight108 lbs (48.9kg)
Shipping Weight141 lbs (63.9kg)
