SOLD

McIntosh MA12000 2-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

Original price was: R360,000.00.Current price is: R206,000.00.

Haute Fidelite reference logoStereo Sound Grand Prix 2021 logoSoundStage Products of the Year Award 2022 logoStereoNET Applause AwardMcIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier Hi-Fi i Muzyka 2022 Product of the Year Award

This unit is NEW, not more than 100hours playtime.

Reason for selling? Seller only needs 2-4W for his 107dB speakers!

Absolute bargain. Balance of 5 year warranty left.

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.

McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier

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.

“Even-tempered, effortlessly powerful and very sweet… a striking looking, bang-up-to-date muscle amp with great sound… a one-stop shop for all your audio needs.” Winner of the prestigious Applause Award. – StereoNET UK

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.

McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier
The vacuum tubes for the preamplifier section are located between the Watt meters. Also shown are the knobs for the eight-band analog tone control.

“An excellent integrated, one with which you can end the search for your dream sound. The McIntosh MA12000 sounds perfect.” Winner of 2022 Integrated Amplifier Product of the Year – Hi-Fi i Muzyka

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.

McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier

“Across all styles of music, the MA12000 is capable of surprising, astonishing, impressing and moving, regardless of the medium used… The MA12000 reinvents the superlative, powerful, complete, beautiful and ultra-musical modern integrated.” Winner of Reference Award. – Haute Fidélité

1949 – 2024: MCINTOSH CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF AUDIO EXCELLENCE

Since our inception in 1949 under the visionary guidance of Frank McIntosh, we have been unwavering in our commitment to the art of sound reproduction. The year 2024 marks a historic milestone for McIntosh as we proudly celebrate our 75th Anniversary – a testament to our enduring passion for crafting audio experiences that transcend expectations.

THE MA12000 75TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

In honor of this momentous occasion, we present the special MA12000 75th Anniversary Edition. The Anniversary Edition boasts a distinctive dual anodized laser-engraved badge proudly displaying our 75th Anniversary logo on the top, while each handle is engraved with a graceful “75 years” inscription. This exclusive edition is a celebration of our relentless pursuit of excellence. All performance specifications, functionality, and dimensions of the anniversary edition are the same as the non-anniversary version.

When placing your order with your dealer in 2024, you must specify you want the MA12000 75th Anniversary Edition. Otherwise you will receive the stock version that does not include the commemorative anniversary markings.

COMPLETE 75TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCT FAMILY

Our 75th Anniversary product lineup extends beyond the MA12000 encompassing the MC2.1KW Monoblock Amplifier, MC1.25KW Monoblock Amplifier, C12000 Solid State and Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, and MCD12000 SACD/CD Player. These anniversary editions of these audio marvels stand as beacons of artistry and precision, embodying the very essence of McIntosh’s 75-year sonic odyssey.

With each, we invite you to join our passion for the profound impact of music, craftsmanship, and the transformative experience of listening. Let the MA12000 and its companions elevate your auditory senses, inspiring you to explore new realms of sonic bliss.

McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier

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 highs are always balanced, sweet and don’t draw attention to themselves while also presenting good levels of detail retrieval. Further, the midrange has a solidity and warmth which envelops and provides verisimilitude to male and female vocals without ever sounding sickly-syrupy. And then there’s that bass… a bouncy, nuanced and voluminously powerful statement to match the visual declaration the MA12000 so boldly makes. Yes, the McIntosh MA12000 will make a lasting impression on any audio enthusiast who treasures the integrity of the music. As it did me.” Winner of Product of the Year 2022 Award for Innovation in Design. – SoundStage! Australia

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 McIntosh MA12000 has become, in its own right, the new king of integrated amplifiers, somehow, they come to coexist in the same body: the strength, the toughness and the power of Arnold Schwarzenegger, with the finesse and beauty of Grace Kelly.” – Francisco del Pozo (see also his YouTube review)

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.

McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier

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.

“The McIntosh MA12000 integrated amplifier is a fabulous performer. As a preamplifier and amplifier, it offers superb power reserves with incredibly full and powerful bass combined with top-to-bottom natural warmth, tone and timbre… It brings together warmth, fullness, smoothness and forgiveness with a clarity, detail, and sufficient treble definition presence to satisfy both music lovers and audiophiles.” – NOVO Magazine

McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsink.

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
  • McIntosh Solid Cinch speaker binding posts.

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.

McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier

The MA12000 can be paired with a variety of turntables, CD players, music streamers, and speakers. Contact your local dealer to learn more.

McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier Review

Posted on 3rd July, 2021

McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier ReviewRafael Todes is moved by the seismic sound of this mammoth integrated amplifier…

McIntosh

MA12000 Integrated Amplifier

USD $14,000 MSRP

Founded in 1949, McIntosh is one of those iconic high-end hi-fi brands with a very distinctive proposition in terms of both look and sound. This illustrious US company made its name with classic tube amplifiers, then successfully switched to big, muscular solid-state designs – albeit with a special twist.

The massive MA12000 integrated does nothing to dilute the McIntosh legend. It combines a hybrid valve stage preamplifier with a 350W RMS per channel transistor power amp to produce the gutsiest amplifier ever fielded by the company. This unit retains the classic corporate look, with a pair of iconic ‘McIntosh Blue’ power meters, a shiny black glass front panel, rotary control knobs, with a proudly displayed illuminated logo.

Weighing in a 50kg – or nearly 64kg with packing – it’s a two-person lift, and even then, it would help if both were regular gym-goers. Still, when you’ve unboxed the beast, you’ll likely be satisfied with the fruits of your labour. Those two oversize meters glint menacingly from the front panel, either side of the four LED uplit 12AX7A preamp valves set just inside, behind the front fascia. They glow as red as a witch’s cauldron at switch-on, only turning green when the unit has warmed up and is ready to play.

Overall build quality is – as you might expect at this price – excellent. The unit has aluminium end caps with built-in handles and a beautiful stainless steel chassis, polished to a mirror finish. On top is a block diagram that shows the connections at the back. I found this to be somewhat of a stylistic eccentricity, but I have to admit that it’s mighty handy when trying to plug things in. After all, it’s not the sort of integrated that you can easily slide out of your equipment rack…

The proprietary technology associated with McIntosh amps is Autoformers, which guarantee in this case that the full 350 watts is always delivered, regardless of speaker impedance. Thermal Trak is used to minimise distortion and operating temperature. Using a solid-state power amp section, the MA12000 actually runs quite cool. Another patented technology called Power Guard prevents the amp from clipping; the preamp tubes change back to red when this is engaged.

IN DEPTH

This amplifier does an awful lot of things. There’s a phono stage with both moving coil and moving magnet inputs, for starters, with a good variety of adjustments possible – both resistance and capacitance. These are operated from the remote control, making instantaneous adjustment extremely straightforward. Then there’s an eight-band graphic equaliser, which goes from 25Hz to 10kHz, which is a feature I haven’t seen on an amplifier since the late nineteen seventies. I’m not a fan personally, but it can be bypassed and provides useful support if your listening room has wayward acoustics.

McIntosh’s DA2 Digital Audio Module includes seven digital audio inputs – two coaxial, two optical, one USB, one proprietary MCT (for McIntosh’s SACD/CD transports), plus one audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) for film and TV. The DA2 supports hi-res on the USB input, doing DSD 512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while the coaxial and optical inputs are capable of 24-bit, 192kHz, with Roon certification. The MA12000 doesn’t earn the soubriquet of ‘Swiss army knife’ in my book because it lacks a streaming module. Of course, you could easily add a network bridge, out-of-sight if required, but I can’t quite understand its omission on this otherwise “do-it-all” design. There are eight analogue inputs, of which two are balanced, with a balanced and unbalanced output to connect to an additional amplifier if needed, and also the now-obligatory headphone output.

I hooked up the McIntosh to my reference B&W 802D3 loudspeakers via Townshend F1 Fractal cable for this review. The MA12000 took the place of my VAC Phi 200 valve monoblocks, used with a passive preamplifier. For streaming, I used the dCS Bartok as a source with Qobuz in hi-res where possible, playing out to the amp via analogue balanced line-level cables.

THE LISTENING

Even-tempered, effortlessly powerful and very sweet is how I would describe this amplifier – although not strictly neutral. One of my current favourite recordings is the Soprano Regula Mühlemann singing Mozart Arias Volume 2. It is beautiful to hear and superbly captured. Listening to Idomineo showed this amp in all its glory. The soloist’s voice had the right combination of body and texture, as well as a superb portrayal of her emotion. The orchestra sounded precise and clean, the sort of sound you hear which has vanishingly low distortion and effortless dynamics.

However, if you take stereo soundstaging super seriously, then this may not be the amp for you. This is because it doesn’t do front-to-back layering quite as well as it does everything else. This will likely bother classical music fans more than it troubles others, as it’s most noticeable in acoustically recorded music. Move to electronic programme material such as the 2000 remaster of Kraftwerk’s Autobahn, for example, and this is soon forgotten – not least because of the expansive left-to-right stereo imaging. It sounded big, enveloping and generous – its soundstage large enough to intrigue my poor little cockerpoo dog, which in all fairness is easily confused. He became an unlikely but now devoted fan of this behemoth of an amplifier.

Bass was tighter and more immediate than my VAC Phi 200’s power amps, proving crisp and snappy. The MA12000 also showed up Autobahn’s tonality in technicolour and did a lovely job with the modern jazz of Kenny Burrell.Chitlins con Carne sounded strong and punchy.Sometimes I could hear the decay on the percussion sounding a little less organic than my VAC reference amps as if hi-hat cymbals were cut off just a little quickly. Yet this is a minor point and was hard to spot given that the McIntosh served up such an engaging sound overall.

Listening to a Philips vinyl pressing of Alfred Brendel playing Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto, with Haitink and the London Philharmonic surprised me, as I had not expected the MA12000’s phono stage to be so good. From this 1977 Philips recording, I am used to a mushy midrange, with a lot of the critical detail not being adequately resolved – yet here it was with complete clarity. My Inspire Monarch turntable, SME Series V tonearm and Lyra Etna moving coil cartridge were really cooking on gas together. I reckon it’s a skillfully designed and executed phono stage that’s far from being a last-minute addition – indeed, it’s one of the best I’ve ever heard in my system. The Beethoven came to life like the sorcerer’s apprentice!

Indeed, playing a Living Stereo vinyl release of Vienna Blood (1960) was nothing short of miraculous. The orchestra sounded huge and sweeping, the McIntosh eking out every ounce of charm from the record groove. Rhythm and timing were impeccable, with the infamous and oft misconstrued Viennese lilt as clear as a bell. It was amazing how the MA12000 energised this museum piece of a recording. The headphone stage proved equally good too, serving up a really open and mellifluous sound. My pair of Sennheiser HD800S cans had rarely felt happier, conveying all the joy of the music.

The bundled DAC module sounded highly respectable, but of course, couldn’t match the standards of my very expensive, standalone dCS Bartok streaming DAC. Listening to Simon Rattle conducting the Berlin Philharmonic via Qobuz yielded a well balanced and musical performance. It lacks the air and space of the dCS yet still came over as enjoyably dynamic. Solti’s reading of Mozart’s Magic Flute fed from an Esoteric K-05 CD player served up similarly impressive results. I heard a smooth, warmish sound that was alluringly spacious left-to-right with vast reserves of power and fast and expressive dynamics. Had the MA12000’s phono stage not been such a star, I’d have been well impressed with its DAC functionality!

THE VERDICT

It is hard to gauge products such as the McIntosh MA12000. After all, how can you rate it for value? I think the key to understanding it is the intended market. It’s unlikely to appeal to those wanting absolute performance at the price, with no frills. At the same time, it’s way too good to be dismissed as a ‘lifestyle’ product or as ‘eye candy’. Instead, it’s a striking looking, bang-up-to-date muscle amp with great sound.

Think of it as a one-stop shop for all your audio needs, if it helps. If you divide up all its constituent parts, then its value for money begins to look more sensible, as it comes with an excellent phono stage and very good DAC and headphone stage. Still, some will lament its lack of built-in streaming – and I can’t see its eventual replacement, whenever that comes, not having it. Whatever. This is a fascinating product that gives those with lots of money to spend yet another lovely thing to spend it on!

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Description

ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS

  • Power Output per Channel 350 Watts
  • Number of Channels 2
  • Speaker Impedance 2, 4, or 8 Ohms
  • Rated Power Band 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Total Harmonic Distortion
    Preamplifier: 0.03%
    Amplifier: 0.005%
  • Dynamic Headroom 1.5dB
  • Frequency Response +0,-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Frequency Response, +0, -3dB 10Hz 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 Input 2
  • Unbalanced Input 6
  • Phono Input Moving Coil 1 (adjustable loading)
  • Phono Input Moving Magnet 1 (adjustable loading)
  • Upgradeable Digital Audio Module Yes: DA2
  • Digital Coaxial Input 2
  • Digital Optical Input 2
  • Digital MCT Input 1
  • Digital USB Input 1
  • HDMI (ARC) Input 1
  • Balanced Variable Output 1
  • Unbalanced Fixed Output 1
  • Unbalanced Variable Output 1
  • Headphone Output 1/4″ High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
  • Subwoofer Output 0
  • AM/FM Tuner option No
  • Home Theater PassThru Yes
  • Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
    Premium gold-plated solid brass
  • Speaker Binding Post Type
    Patented Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts
  • Service Port 1

DIGITAL AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS

  • Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type
    8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced
  • Digital Coaxial Input Sample Rate
    24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
  • Digital Optical Input Sample Rate
    24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz
  • Digital MCT Input Sample Rate
    16-bit/44.1kHz (CD)
    DSD64 (SACD)
  • Digital USB Input Sample Rate
    32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM)
    DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512, DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz

CONTROL

  • Tone Controls 8-Band
  • Tone Bypass and Input Assign Yes
  • RS232 Control Input Yes
  • Power Control Output 1 Main, 2 Trigger
  • Rear Panel Data Port 4
  • Rear Panel IR Sensor Input Yes
  • Input Level Match Yes

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Vacuum Tube or Solid State
    Preamplifier: Vacuum Tube
    Amplifier: Solid State
  • Output Type
    Autoformer™
  • Output Meters Yes
  • Dual Layer Chassis Yes
  • Chassis Finish
    Polished stainless steel & black painted steel
  • McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ Yes
  • Power Requirement 120V, 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 Weight 108 lbs (48.9kg)
  • Shipping Weight 141 lbs (63.9kg)

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