McIntosh MA12000 2-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

Meet the McIntosh MA12000 - a reference-grade, hybrid integrated amplifier that blends the warmth of a vacuum-tube preamp with the grip and headroom of a 350-watt-per-channel solid-state power stage. With Hybrid Drive™ (four 12AX7A tubes in the preamp), Autoformers™ to deliver full rated power into 2, 4 or 8-ohm speakers, and the factory-installed DA2 digital module, it’s engineered to be the heart of a no-compromise 2-channel system. You get 17 total inputs (10 analog including MM/MC phono with adjustable loading, plus 7 digital), HDMI (ARC) for TV audio, USB with DSD512/DXD support, and an 8-band analog EQ for precise tonal shaping - wrapped in the iconic McIntosh aesthetic with blue watt meters and Monogrammed Heatsinks™. It’s also Roon Tested, features Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor™, Solid Cinch™ binding posts, and a high-drive headphone amp with HXD® crossfeed for immersive private listening.

McIntosh MA12000 Full Specifications:

• Type: Hybrid Drive™ (Vacuum Tube Preamplifier + Solid State Power Amplifier)
• Tubes: (4) 12AX7A in preamplifier
• Power Output: 350 W x 2 channels (2/4/8 Ω via Autoformer™)
• Total Inputs: 17 (10 analog, 7 digital)
• Equalizer: 8-band analog

Electronic Specifications

• FTC Power Output Rating: 350 W
• Power Output per Channel: 350 W into 2, 4, or 8 Ω
• Number of Channels: 2
• Rated Power Band: 20 Hz–20 kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: Preamplifier 0.03%; Amplifier 0.005%
• Dynamic Headroom: 1.5 dB
• Frequency Response (+0/-0.5 dB): 20 Hz–20 kHz
• Frequency Response (+0/-3 dB): 10 Hz–100 kHz
• Sensitivity (Phono MC): 0.30 mV
• Sensitivity (Phono MM): 3.0 mV
• Sensitivity (High Level, Bal/Unbal): 600 mV / 300 mV
• Sensitivity (Power Amp In): 1.7 V
• Signal-to-Noise (MC/MM/High Level/Power Amp In): 75 dB / 77 dB / 95 dB / 114 dB
• Input Impedance (Bal/Unbal): 44 kΩ / 22 kΩ
• Damping Factor: > 40
• Maximum Output (Unbal/Bal): 8 V / 16 V

Connectivity

• Balanced Inputs: 2
• Unbalanced Inputs: 6
• Phono Inputs: 1 × Moving Coil (adjustable loading), 1 × Moving Magnet (adjustable loading)
• Upgradeable Digital Module: DA2 (installed)
• Digital Inputs: 2 × Coaxial, 2 × Optical, 1 × MCT, 1 × USB, 1 × HDMI (ARC)
• Outputs: 1 × Balanced Variable; 1 × Unbalanced Fixed; 1 × Unbalanced Variable
• Headphone Output: 1/4" High Drive with HXD®
• Subwoofer Output: None
• AM/FM Tuner Option: No
• Home Theater PassThru: Yes
• Unbalanced Analog Connector Type: Premium gold-plated solid brass
• Speaker Binding Posts: Patented Solid Cinch™
• Service Port: 1

Digital Audio Specifications

• DAC: Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit/384 kHz PCM/DSD
• Coaxial/Optical Rates: 24-bit, 44.1–192 kHz
• MCT Input: 16-bit/44.1 kHz (CD), DSD64 (SACD)
• USB Rates: PCM 32-bit/44.1–384 kHz; DSD64/128/256/512; DXD 352.8/384 kHz

Control

• Tone Controls: 8-band
• Tone Bypass & Input Assign: Yes
• RS232: Yes
• Power Control: 1 Main, 2 Trigger
• Rear Panel Data Ports: 4
• Rear Panel IR Sensor Input: Yes
• Input Level Match: Yes

General

• Topology: Preamplifier—Vacuum Tube; Amplifier—Solid State
• Output Type: Autoformer™
• Output Meters: Yes (McIntosh Blue)
• Dual-Layer Chassis: Yes
• Chassis Finish: Polished stainless steel & black painted steel
• Monogrammed Heatsinks™: Yes
• Power Requirement: 120 V, 50/60 Hz, 6.6 A
• Standby Power: < 0.25 W

Weights & Dimensions

• Unit (W × H × D): 17-1/2" (44.5 cm) × 9-7/16" (24 cm) × 19-3/4" (50.2 cm)
• Unit Weight: 108 lb (48.9 kg)
• Shipping Weight: 141 lb (63.9 kg)

McIntosh MA12000 Q&A:

What makes the MA12000 a hybrid integrated amplifier?

It combines a vacuum-tube preamplifier using four 12AX7A tubes with a 350 W-per-channel solid-state power amplifier and Autoformers™ that deliver full rated power into 2, 4, or 8-ohm speakers.

How many inputs does the MA12000 have, and which types?

There are 17 total inputs: 10 analog (2 balanced, 6 unbalanced, 1 MM phono, 1 MC phono) and 7 digital (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, 1 HDMI ARC).

Does the HDMI (ARC) input pass video?

No. ARC is audio-only from a compatible TV; popular Dolby/DTS multichannel formats are converted to 2-channel, and CEC can allow your TV remote to control power and volume.

What high-resolution digital formats are supported?

USB supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD64/128/256/512, and DXD 352.8/384 kHz. Coaxial/optical support 24-bit/44.1–192 kHz. The MCT input supports 44.1 kHz CD and DSD64 from SACD.

Is the MA12000 compatible with Roon?

Yes. It is a Roon Tested device for verified interoperability with Roon-equipped systems.

Can I connect a turntable directly?

Yes. It includes dedicated Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono inputs with adjustable loading to optimize cartridge performance.

How do I add a subwoofer?

Use the variable preamp outputs (balanced or unbalanced) to feed powered subwoofers. The MA12000 does not have a dedicated “Sub Out,” but its variable outputs are designed to drive external amps/subs.

What are the dimensions and weight?

The chassis measures 17-1/2" W × 9-7/16" H × 19-3/4" D. Net weight is 108 lb (48.9 kg); shipping weight is 141 lb (63.9 kg).

McIntosh MA12000 Downloads:

McIntosh MA12000 Brochure
McIntosh MA12000 Manual
McIntosh MA12000 Connection Diagrams

Partner with ListenUp to tailor a McIntosh MA12000 solution to your specific needs and receive expert setup assistance, guaranteeing that your audio system reaches new heights of excellence in your home.