The C12000 preamplifier is the next generation of the acclaimed two-chassis preamplifier design. This unusual but effective design allows for complete isolation of the audio section from the control and power sections, offering the purest sound reproduction.

Within each C12000C Controller and C12000ST Preamplifier unit, the left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated from each other, allowing for proper dual mono operation.

Includes 12 analog inputs: six balanced, four unbalanced, and two unbalanced phono inputs. The phono inputs can be configured for either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet, with adjustable Capacitance and Resistance, as well as adjustable Gain.

Offers both vacuum tube and solid-state outputs. Six vacuum tubes power the high-level preamplifier section with two 12AT7 tubes and one 12AX7A tube per channel. The solid-state output is via a discrete balanced op-amp. The phono section uses four 12AX7A vacuum tubes, with two tubes per channel in a fully balanced configuration that includes RIAA equalization.

Four total outputs: one balanced vacuum tube, one balanced solid-state, one unbalanced fixed, and one unbalanced variable (can be either vacuum tube or solid-state).

Other features: High-power headphone amplifier with great strength and flexibility to drive a wide range of headphones. The Power Control Line can automatically turn other connected McIntosh components on and off. Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected sources.

Specifications

• Frequency Response: +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: High Level: 0.005%; Phono: 0.05%
• Maximum Output Voltage: Balanced: 20 Vrms; Unbalanced: 10 Vrms
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: High Level: 107dB, Phono (Moving Coil): 79dB, Phono (Moving Magnet): 83dB
• Inputs: 6 Balanced, 4 Unbalanced, 2 Phono (configurable as Moving Coil or Moving Magnet)
• Outputs: 1 Balanced (Solid-State), 1 Balanced (Vacuum Tube), 1 Unbalanced (Fixed), 1 Unbalanced (variable as solid-state or vacuum tube)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): Each unit: 44.45cm x 15.24cm x 45.7cm
• Weight: C12000C: 12.3kg, C12000ST: 11.3kg