McIntosh MA12000 Anniversary Edition

McIntosh MA12000 Anniversary Edition

ON SHOW IN THE HELSINKI STORE!

• Integrated 2x350W stereo amplifier
• Hybrid: tube amplifier and transistor terminal
• 350 watts x 2 channels
• 8-band tone control
• 17 inputs (10 analog + 7 digital)
• Pre-installed modular DA2 digital module

McIntosh 75 years - 1949 - 2024

MA12000 can be ordered until 2024 also with Anniversary Edition 75th anniversary markings for €19,490. In this case, there is a handsome anniversary logo ring on the top of the device and "75 years" engravings on the handles.

The hybrid-integrated MA12000 stereo amplifier loaded to a weight of 49 kilograms is a style example of uncompromising design and construction skills. As McIntosh's most powerful integrated amplifier ever, the versatile MA12000 delivers 350 watts per channel of pure, high-output power for a breathtaking musical experience. You can really believe that your favorite musician's live performance feels like it's happening in your listening room.

The MA12000 gives you the best of both worlds. The warm nuances of a tube amplifier are combined with the speed and raw power of a transistor power amplifier. The ultra-modern and modular digital card, on the other hand, complements a huge number of analog audio connections, with which you ensure connectivity to connect practically any imaginable device.

The vacuum tubes of the preamp section are located between the characteristic wattmeters. The picture also shows the eight-band analog tone control knobs.

The MA12000 is a hybrid, where the preamp section is implemented with four 12AX7A tubes (2 tubes per audio channel), while the 350 watt power amplifier section uses McIntosh's convincing, extremely long-life Thermaltrak transistors, which also keep the operating temperature stable. Our Autoformer™ technology ensures that your speakers will use all 350 watts per channel in all situations, regardless of whether their impedance is 2, 4 or 8 ohms.

The amplifier has 10 analog inputs, consisting of two balanced and six RCA inputs, as well as one MC and one MM input for connecting a turntable. Both phono inputs have adjustable loading to make your vinyl collection sound as authentic as possible. All analog RCA connectors are made from high-quality gold-plated solid brass to ensure excellent signal handling and grounding. The MA12000 also has a balanced preamplifier input and a front-end RCA separation, if you want to connect, for example, an amplifier or subwoofer in another room.

A DA2 Digital Audio Module card is pre-installed in the amplifier for digital music and TV connection. DA2 has 7 digital audio inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT (for use with MCT series SACD / CD players) and 1 HDMI input (TV ARC connection). The heart of DA2 beats a new generation 32-bit and Quad balanced architecture. This audiophile-quality DAC has a wider dynamic range and even lower harmonic distortion. DA2 supports high-resolution digital audio playback. The USB input supports studio-quality formats even in DSD512 and DXD formats up to 384 kHz sample rate, while the coaxial and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.

The HDMI ARC input allows you to connect a TV with a compatible output. In this way, TV and movies get a sound world that TV speakers or soundbars cannot offer in the first place. The DA2 also supports multi-channel Dolby® and DTS® audio formats, which are converted to stereo with piete. When CEC communication is enabled on both the amplifier and the TV, the TV remote control can control the power and volume of the MA12000. The DA2 can be replaced with future modules to keep the MA12000 up to date as new digital audio formats and technologies evolve.

The DA2 has received the Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs, which can be especially useful if you have a large digital music library. Both Roon and McIntosh have profiled and tested the device to ensure perfect compatibility. Roon automatically detects the device and automatically sets sound settings optimized for its features. No scrolling through checkboxes or extra clicking; Roon Tested devices are automatically detected and configured for the best listening experience.

The top of the MA12000 is highlighted by a few updated industrial design elements. The autoformers and transformers are installed in a new glass-coated housing, above which there is a glass nameplate surrounded by a decorative ring. Key performance specs and a detailed block diagram are marked on five glass panels.

Features of the MA12000:

• Power Guard® monitors the output signal for overdrive and makes real-time micro-adjustments to the input signal to prevent unexpected signal clipping that could damage the speakers
• The Sentry Monitor™ fuseless short-circuit protection circuit turns off the output level before the current supply exceeds a safe level, then automatically recovers when operating conditions return to normal
• A pair of trademarked "McIntosh Blue" peak signal wattmeters indicate the real-time output power of each audio channel
• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ heatsinks are connected to advanced high-current output transistors that minimize thermal equalization delay (and warm-up time) and help keep the MA12000 cool during real-time use
• The home theater's PassThru connection enables seamless integration into the home theater system
• Patented Solid Cinch™ connector terminals connect speaker cables easily but firmly to prevent them from becoming loose and potentially shorting; the terminals are also gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure that the signal remains clean over the years
• The eight-band fully analog tone control enables a very versatile sound balance adjustment to suit your favorite recordings or the acoustics of the room without reducing the sound quality.
• The High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) can bring more of the familiar soundscape from speaker listening to headphone listening
• Power management sends power on/off commands to connected McIntosh components to easily power on and off the system
• Doubling the filter capacity compared to our other integrated amplifiers improves low frequency performance
• The latest reference class circuit components produce the best possible sound
• Powerful microprocessors to improve overall system performance
• Easy to use with high-quality switches on the front panel and the included comprehensive remote control

The entire unit is wrapped in a classic McIntosh aesthetic with a pair of blue wattmeters, a black glass front panel, precise adjustment knobs, an illuminated logo, aluminum end fins with built-in handles, and a beautiful stainless steel body with a mirror polished finish.

• Amplifier power: 8/4/2 Ohm / 350W per channel
• Harmonic Distortion: 0.03%
• Frequency response: 10 Hz to 100 kHz +0 dB, -3 dB
• Power consumption in standby mode: 0.5 W
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 44.5 x 24 x 55.88 cm
• Weight: 48.9 kg

Founded in 1949, McIntosh can easily be said to be the world's most legendary hi-fi equipment manufacturer. All McIntosh products offer the ultimate experience in music and movies. Our iconic blue Watt power meter is recognized worldwide as a symbol of quality sound. With the help of a McIntosh home stereo system or home theater, listeners can experience their own luxurious sound experience, the rooting of which bites into the body and mind is unparalleled.

Almost all McIntosh products and components are designed and handcrafted in our Binghamton, New York factory by a team of dedicated and long-time employees with a burning passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. Since its inception, McIntosh has played a part in some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture. From President Lyndon Johnson's commencement speech at Woodstock to the Grateful Dead's famous "Wall of Sound," McIntosh hasn't just seen history, we've shaped it.