McIntosh MA12000 Flagship Hybrid Tube and Solid State Integrated Amplifier - Pre-Loved

Price listed is MSRP. Please call to order and discuss pricing.

This is the first pre-loved McIntosh MA12000 we've offered for sale. It will come with a full set of new tubes, the original manual, original remote control (not pictured), and a brand new official McIntosh shipping carton.

This is a pre-owned unit that will come with a SkyFi 1-year warranty (no McIntosh warranty). 

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SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
A light scratch is present on the top of the front-right handle as well as some scratching on the right rear chassis that's not visible from the front. Overall it is in very good condition.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
We installed a full and correct replacement set (QTY 4) of new McIntosh silkscreened 12AX7 model tubes that we sourced directly from McIntosh.

Standout Features:
• Includes McIntosh Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance
• Vacuum tube preamplifier and solid state power amplifier
• 350 Watts x 2 channel
• 8-band tone control
• 17 inputs (10 analog + 7 digital)
• Comes with DA2 Digital Audio Module installed

General:
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.

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. 

"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.

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.

"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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Brand Background:
McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, XLR, Digital Coax, Optical Coaxial, 5 way Binding Posts, USB

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Warranty:
SkyFi 1-Year Warranty - Click Here for Details (No McIntosh Warranty)

Included:
Everything like when it originally arrived new - a full set of new tubes, the original manual, original remote control, and a brand new official McIntosh shipping carton.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
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
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

Dimensions:
17-1/2" W x 9-7/16" H x 19-3/4" D (44.5cm x 24cm x 50.2cm) for the unit itself, or 17-1/2" W x 9-7/16" H x 22" D (44.5cm x 24cm x 55.88cm)

Weight:
108 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best

Kimber Summit Series BiFocal XL Bi-Wire Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best If Applicable

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Digital AES/EBU Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Select Series Reference USB Cable

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the device has the ability to decouple the preamplifier from the power amplifier, we remove the jumpers and independently test each section. If the device cannot be decoupled, we assess the electronic condition of the piece by analyzing the speaker level output only.

We start by connecting the "Pre-Out" jacks of the integrated to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources.

If the preamp section is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve.

Next we test the power amplifier section by connecting the integrated amplifier speaker outputs to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the "Main In” jacks and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.

At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics.

This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

If the preamp and power amp both pass these tests, we reconnect the sections and verify that the preamp section can drive the power amp to rated power with a 1KHz tone on one of the line level inputs.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it moves to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.