5
Introduction
The McIntosh C12000 Preamplifier is one of the
finest ever created. The Outputs have the ability to
drive multiple Power Amplifiers with the versatility of
choosing between any combination of Solid State and
Tube amplification. The C12000 Audio Reproduction
is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The
McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the Music Itself.”
Performance Features
Dual Chassis with Dual Mono Design -
The Dual
Chassis design completely separates all power supply,
microprocessor and control circuits from the pure
audio circuits for total noise isolation. To further aid
in channel isolation, the circuitry for both channels is
totally separate, physically isolated and shielded; and
incorporates two identical power supplies one for each
channel, to help assure total channel isolation.
Vacuum Tube Phono Amplification -
The C12000
utilizes Vacuum Tube Amplification Circuitry for
the Phono Inputs. The circuits use the latest designs
providing the lowest possible noise and distortion.
Selectable High-Level Amplification -
The C12000
has the Output 1 and Output 2 ports dedicated to Solid
State Amplification and Tube Amplification respec-
tively. Combined with the ability to assign the Main
Output to either use Solid State or Tube via the Trim
Menu (refer to Page 29), the C12000 is equipped to
deliver high perfromance in any environment for any
preference.
Fully Balanced Circuitry -
The C12000 utilizes the
very latest in Fully Balanced Circuitry from the Input
Connectors all the way to the Output Connectors for
the lowest possible noise and distortion.
Phono Inputs -
The C12000 has two precision
Phono Preamplifier Circuits. They have the ability
to be configured for Moving Coil or Moving
Magnet Cartridges. The close tolerance resistors and
capacitors used in the RIAA Correction Equalization
Circuitry provide an extremely flat frequency
response.
Selectable Phono Cartridge Loading -
Adjustable
Capacitance and Resistance Loading are available
for both Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono
Cartridges. Resistance Loading is selectable from
values of 25 ohms to 47,000 ohms. Capacitance
Loading is selectable from values of 50 picofarads to
400 picofarads.
Adjustable Gain for Phono Inputs -
The C12000’s
Phono Inputs have a wide range of gain settings to
accommodate a variety of Phono Cartridges.
Illuminated Output Meters -
The Illuminated
Output Meters are peak responding, and indicate the
output of the C12000 Phono Preamplifier.
Electromagnetic Input Switching with Level Trim
Adjustment -
Digital Logic integrated circuits drive
Electromagnetic Switches on all Inputs and operating
functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switch-
ing. All the Inputs on the C12000 can be matched in
level, so there are no abrupt changes in volume levels
between the different Inputs.
Balanced Inputs -
The Balanced Inputs allow the
connection of a source component using long cable
lengths without a loss in sound quality.
Precision Tracking Volume Control -
Volume levels
are controlled by a Precision Balanced Digitally
Controlled Attenuator System with an Optical
Encoder Rotary Control. This assures a 0.1dB tracking
accuracy between channels. There are 214 individual
0.5dB volume level steps with no noise as the volume
level is changed.
Variable Rate Volume and Balance Controls -
The
C12000’s Volume and Balance Control Circuitry
provides an ideal rate of change with control rotation.
HXD
®
for Headphones -
The C12000 Headphone
Crossfeed Director Circuitry (HXD
®
)
improves the
sound localization for Headphone Listening. HXD
®
restores the directionality component of the spatial
sound stage normally heard with Loudspeaker listen-
ing. HXD
®
is a registered trademark of McIntosh
Laboratory, Inc.
Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display -
The Front
Panel Information Display indicates the Source
Selection, Volume/Balance Levels and Setup Mode
Selections. The display intensity is adjustable.
PASSTHRU Mode -
The Automatic PASSTHRU
Mode allows the C12000 to become part of a Home
Theater Multichannel Sound System.
Remote Control with External Sensor Input -
The
Remote Control provides control of the C12000
operating functions and McIntosh Source Components
connected to it. Enjoy your McIntosh System from
another room in your home by connecting an external
sensor.
Power Control Output and Trigger Assignment -
A
Power Control connection for convenient Turn-On of
McIntosh Power Amplifiers, Source Components and
Accessories is included. The Power Control Trigger
Ouputs may be assigned to activate when a given
Input/Output is selected.
Dual Special Power Supply -
Two fully separate and
regulated Power Supplies with special R-Core Power
Transformers ensure stable noise free operation even
though the power line varies.
LED Front Panel Illumination -
The even
Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by
multiple extra long life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
arranged with a special orientation.
Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis
Finish -
The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass
Front Panel and the Lower Chassis are Stainless Steel
with a Mirror Finish. The Upper Chassis and Top
Cover is hairline brushed black Titanium Stainless
Steel Finish. This will ensure the pristine beauty of
the C12000 will be retained for many years to come.
