McIntosh MA12000

The MA12000 Integrated Amplifier stands as a pinnacle of advanced audio engineering and meticulous craftsmanship. As McIntosh’s most powerful integrated amplifier to date, this hybrid masterpiece delivers 350 Watts per channel of pristine, high-performance power, creating an exceptional home audio experience that makes you feel as if your favorite musicians are performing live in your home.

The MA12000 combines the best attributes of different audio technologies, offering the warm, rich tones of a vacuum tube preamplifier seamlessly blended with the sheer power and precision of a solid-state amplifier. It also features cutting-edge digital audio capabilities and ample analog audio connections, making it compatible with nearly any home audio system.

The preamplifier section of the MA12000 is driven by four 12AX7A vacuum tubes (two per audio channel), while its solid-state power amplifier section ensures 350 Watts of continuous output, thanks to McIntosh’s renowned Autoformer™ technology. This guarantees that your speakers will always receive the full 350 Watts regardless of whether they have 2, 4, or 8 Ohm impedance.

With 10 analog inputs (2 balanced, 6 unbalanced, plus 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet input), the MA12000 offers flexible connectivity. Both phono inputs include adjustable loading for optimizing the sound quality based on your turntable’s setup, ensuring perfect vinyl playback. The gold-plated, solid brass unbalanced connectors are designed for superior signal integrity and grounding. Additionally, the MA12000 features 1 balanced and 1 unbalanced output for connecting an external amplifier to power different areas of your home.

On the digital side, the MA12000 comes equipped with the DA2 Digital Audio Module pre-installed. This module features seven digital inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT (for McIntosh’s MCT series SACD/CD Transports), and an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). The DA2 utilizes a next-gen, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) for superior audio fidelity, enhancing both dynamic range and reducing total harmonic distortion. The USB input supports native playback up to DSD512 and DXD at 384kHz, while the coaxial and optical inputs handle up to 24-bit/192kHz.

The HDMI ARC input allows the MA12000 to connect with ARC-compatible TVs, elevating TV and movie audio quality far beyond what soundbars or built-in TV speakers can achieve. The DA2 module is also replaceable, ensuring the MA12000 remains adaptable to future digital formats and technologies. Furthermore, the DA2 has earned Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs, offering seamless integration for those with extensive digital music libraries.

The design of the MA12000 features refined touches such as glass-topped enclosures for the Autoformers and power transformer, accented by a glass nameplate framed with decorative trim. The top surface showcases five glass panels printed with key performance specifications and a detailed block diagram, embodying the classic and sophisticated McIntosh aesthetic.