McIntosh C12000 Stereo Preamplifier
New and spectacular decline of the renowned concept of preamplifier in two chassis from the legendary American brand McIntoshhe C12000 is an absolute reference stereo preamplifier formed by a completely separate control block and an audio block, in order to allow a level of absolute isolation between the functions they perform and thus achieve the purest sound reproduction possible. Specifically, the C12000 is made up of the module C12000 Controller and the module C12000 Preamplifier, the first housing all the control functions and external connectivity and the second the audio circuits and connections themselves. Each block incorporates separate power supplies for each channel, while two microprocessors provide sturdiness to the control system. Likewise, inside each block the circuits corresponding to each channel are isolated from each other both mechanically and electrically to allow true operation. double monophonic.
In turn, the two blocks are connected to each other through two custom-designed umbilical cables that have been completely shielded to prevent external noise from interfering with the audio signal. He C12000 Preamplifier houses a total of twelve analog inputs, specifically six balanced, four unbalanced and two unbalanced phono, the latter configurable as Moving Magnet (MM) or Moving Coil (MC) and complemented by adjustments of the load capacitance, load impedance and gain (in steps of 6 dB from 40 dB to 64 dB). Another unique element of the new McIntosh absolute reference preamplifier is that the module C12000 Preamplifier includes programmable outputs for connection of solid state or tube amplifiers so that the user can choose the one that best suits their equipment and musical tastes. Both outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers, incorporating the one corresponding to vacuum valves two 12AT7 and one 12AX7A for each channel and the one being dedicated to solid state electronics It consists of a balanced operational amplifier.
Regardless of the output chosen, the phono stage uses four 12AX7A valves – two per channel – in one 100% balanced configuration with built-in RIAA equalization. For those who enjoy listening to music in privacy, the C12000 includes a High Drive headphone outputwhile the exclusive system Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) by McIntosh adds depth and spatiality to the music. The C12000, which can also be conveniently integrated into a sHome Theater System Thanks to its dedicated signal routing, it is completed with a stainless steel construction and a polished black titanium finish that enhances the refinement of the two constituent blocks, both equipped with McIntosh’s iconic treated glass front panels.
