McIntosh Labs launch the new integrated hybrid MA12000 monster amplifier

McIntosh’s most powerful integrated amplifier in 70 years!

The new 350-watt hybrid MA12000 makes history as McIntosh’s most powerful integrated to date (£16,500)

October 9th, 2020, Binghamton, NY, USA:

McIntosh Laboratory has launched the most powerful integrated amplifier in its 71-year history, the MA12000. The new 350-watt powerhouse is a next-generation amplifier, benefitting from uncompromising engineering, expert craftsmanship and enough power to drive any loudspeaker. It also packs all the features a modern music lover could ever need.

A real best of both worlds proposition, the MA12000 is a hybrid design, with a luxurious valve preamp section (powered by four 12AX7A valves, two per audio channel), combined with a high-performance 350-watt solid-state power amplifier employing McIntosh's Autoformer™ technology, which guarantees the full 350 watts is always delivered, regardless of speaker.

Feature-rich, the MA12000 boasts state-of-the-art digital capabilities with enough connectivity for virtually any home audio system. It comes with McIntosh's DA2 Digital Audio Module factory-installed, which includes seven digital audio inputs: two coaxial; two optical; one USB; one proprietary MCT (for McIntosh’s SACD/CD transports); plus, one audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) for the ultimate movie and TV sound with compatible HDMI screens.

The DA2 features an advanced, Quad Balanced, eight-channel, 32-bit DAC. This audiophile-grade device, which can be replaced as digital technologies progress, features improved dynamic range and improved total harmonic distortion. The DA2 supports Hi-Res Audio, too: its USB input supports DSD 512 and DXD up to 384 kHz, while the coaxial and optical inputs rise to 24 bit/192 kHz; the DA2 has also received Roon Tested designation.

Turntables can be directly connected thanks to the MA12000’s Moving Coil and Moving Magnet inputs, both of which feature adjustable loading for fine-tuning. In total there are ten analogue inputs: two balanced and six unbalanced, plus the MM and MC connections. The MA120000 also has a balanced and unbalanced output to connect to an additional amplifier if needed.

The MA120000 benefits from some key industrial design elements: the autoformers and power transformer are contained in a new glass-topped enclosure, capped by a glass nameplate encircled with a decorative trim ring. Key performance specifications and a detailed block diagram are printed on five glass panels.

The entire unit is wrapped in the classic McIntosh aesthetic, with a pair of ‘McIntosh Blue’ watt meters, a black glass front panel, rotary control knobs, illuminated logo, aluminium end-caps with built-in handles and a beautiful stainless steel chassis, polished to a mirror finish.

MA12000 key features

· The most powerful McIntosh integrated amplifier ever (70+ years) at 350 watts

· Uncompromising engineering, expert craftsmanship, legendary McIntosh sound quality

· Next-generation design: replaceable McIntosh DA2 digital module moves with tech

· Hybrid configuration: valve preamp warmth combined with effortless solid-state power

· Turntable-ready: direct connection for both types of cartridge (MM and MC)

· Unrivalled connectivity: ten analogue and seven digital inputs!

· Several proprietary McIntosh technologies for unrivalled performance

· Handmade in the New York factory

· £16,500 available in November (UK), October (US)

Additional McIntosh proprietary technologies in the MA12000

Power Guard®: monitors the output signal for over driving and makes real-time micro adjustments to the input signal to prevent harsh-sounding clipping

McIntosh's fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit Sentry Monitor™, disengages the output stage

A pair of peak-responding, trademarked ‘McIntosh Blue’ watt meters indicate the real time power output of each audio channel

McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™: connected to advanced high-current output transistors that minimise thermal equilibrium lag (or warm-up) time and help with cool running

Home Theater PassThru: allows for seamless integration into a home theatre system

McIntosh's patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts: 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 good-quality signal output

A discrete, eight-band tone control allows for advanced manual analogue adjustment

High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) brings an added dimension to headphone listening

Power Control: sends power on/off signals to connected McIntosh components

Doubling of filter capacity compared to McIntosh's other integrated amplifiers for even better low frequency performance

Powerful control microprocessors to improve overall system operation

Easy operation via front panel controls or the included comprehensive remote control