I’m an original owner of an MR78 tuner, C27 preamp and MC2205 amp, purchased in 1978. All are in their original walnut cabinets in pristine condition. I had them tuned up 6 years ago. McIntosh is simply awesome!
Our family owns this beast to push our power hungry Carver AL ribbon speakers. They sing with this amp especially with brass and piano playing. The tubes just bring out that musicality of any source as the ribbons play while the Solid state pushes the six 12" woofers. She's art and sound in motion. Thanks for the review.
Cap’n Jack. No, I just remembered someone I knew had a C R carmenta valve preamp, musical fidelity A3cr power amp hooked up to some apogee ribbon speakers. The interconnects were silver wire as well. The cd player was just a rotel. The sound from what I remember was so clear and musical on all types of music, without sounding harsh or compressed at high volumes. I could only imagine what a full tube setup would sound like on those speakers.
This presentation just swayed me from purchasing the MHA150. Im primary a headphone person but from time to time I love to fill the room with music too. This beast will give me tons of listening options! Thank you for making me want to spend $10K more.....
I had this confused with the English audio magazine , and was hyped about an impartial review until I realized this video represented seller of products. I like the product , ws hoping of objectivity.
Last month I demo'd both the MA12000 and Accuphase E5000 on the same day. I was told that Accuphase is a better integrated amp. But wow the MA12000 sounded so much better! The MA12000 was more dynamic, musical and very engaging. I found myself tapping my foot and totally emersed in the music. The Accuphase was great don't get me wrong, but the MA12000 was a lot better. If the MA12000 was built on the MC462 and C2700 I can only imagine what these 2 separates sound like.
Demoed this against Gryphon Diablo with Dac option. The Mac is one of the best looking amps I’ve seen in the flesh, but I took the Diablo home and traded in my Chord gear,mscaler,dave’x2 etudes in mono and AQ Niagara 7000 for it brand new. Mac you get more air but thinner sound, the Diablo has a lovely house sound which is dynamic with grip/texture on the speakers-has to be heard.
I also demoed the 12000 but didn’t love it. Didn’t think it sounded “special”. The problem with demos though is that you’re not in your listening space and (more importantly) you have no idea if the amp/preamp are thoroughly broken in.
The two best integrated amps I heard were the 40k Pilum Leonidus and 56k Audionet Humboldt. They have 4 transformers...2 for the pre and 2 for the amp itself. I also heard the Dartzeal integrated is a older solid choice as well. Dan Dagastino also has a good integrated called the Momentum but it breaks. It would be cool to compare this to the bigger more audiophile brands to see if it can hold it's own.
i was a hater of frequency equaliser, because i like everything untouched and original. But now i think after the correction, wouldn't it be even better for a flater respond curve???
beside it's GREAT look. i love the fact that it has everything i need in ONE unit , which eliminates the purchasing of multiple units and their connector Cables . do you think this Amp works well with HARBETH M40.3XD ???. thanks great review.
Agreed Bentley, this is one of McIntosh's most popular products because it's got such a well thought out preamp, in addition to plenty of power. It should match well with your Harbeths. The 8 band EQ can come in very handy for overcoming room issues, too
Yes, it does have a record out feature. It’s called fixed out and is RCA only. I use it to connect to the input of my reel to reel and it works as expected.
Hello Bailey, the MC 12000 sells for $15,000 USD, and clearly is not for everybody. But when compared to other high-end separates, one can make the case that it's actually a pretty good value, which makes it one of McIntosh's best selling products. Please feel free to reach out to us and discuss more affordable options: ask@gramophone.com
Mac makes some lower power hybrid integrated amps that would be a lot less expensive, but provide all the power you need for those speakers. However, it wont hurt to use MA12000 with them, unless someone (like a child) turns the volume up too high. But that would cause problems even on lower power amps.
I'm confused about the HDMI. I read somewhere, "from the TV only", which makes no sense. Will it or will it transfer sound from a computer card or even a receiver? Please don't think "why would you do this?", I just want to know, please. thanks
No, it is an ARC port (audio return channel) only. Which means it is picking up sound from the TV. Anything you plug into the other HDMI ports of the TV can then be passed to the MA12000.
ok not gonna lie if someone gave me one i probably never give it away but just the cost and the shear weight and size its impressive but way out of my price range my dad recently gave me a ma352 and its a beast but very tranquil when you need it hard but not harsh thats the best way i can explain it
love your review.. many thanks. would really like to know if there's a big difference between the MA12000 and the integrated hybrid amp MA352 ? (that cost 1/2 the price of the 12000).
Hi There, yes, both a sonic difference, and the features / connection flexibility. If you can, take a visit to a displaying dealer like ourselves and see what you think.
It's a little more involved than that and I'd really not recommend cracking open a brand new mac and risk blowing your warranty. Use authorized service stations like us.
@@GramophoneMD Only if you make house calls! I currently own an MA7000 and when it stopped working, it's a 100lbs. Needed help to get it into my car. This IA is even heavier I believe. Pulling all your cables out is not easy either.
@@davedesmond1713 The difference between 350 watts and 450 watts in terms of decibel increase is a lot less than you think (essentially the same difference as 35 and 45 watts). 350 watts is plenty with those speakers.
well i bought an ma 12000 ,and the amp humming itself, dont know does it come from the transformer, or from the tubes or another electronic device inside the amp, this buzzing is just inside the amp it is not going to my xr100 speakers, i mail to mcintosh never got an awnser,,this is how alleged great mcintosh is??
Hello Elsa, we're sorry that you have this issue with hum - rare with a McIntosh amp, but anything can happen! We've discussed this with McIntosh service, and they would like for you to please re-submit your service request to them as they want you to be happy. www.mcintoshlabs.com/brand/contactus. Thank you Elsa
I do not have any in our showrooms or currently on order however I did recently hear them on the new B&W 801 D4 at a show and being fed by a C1100 Preamp and they were EXCELLENT!
The MA12000 is a hybrid design (tube pre-amp and solid state amp). Since the tubes are for the pre-amp section only, they will last a lot longer than tubes used the amplifier section (or all tube integrated amp).
My point is that if you have old LPs or 78s and you want to listen to them properly, and even to transfer them, you need a mono switch in order to cancel out the vertical and lateral noise components, before using the EQ to equalize the original sound.
Yes, the general consensus is that separates handle their duties better but there are many other factors that come into play in making that decision…budget, rack space, listening room. And is a separate without the power supply in a different chassis really a separate?
@@racecannon372 but we are talking McIntosh integrated here which would blow the budget anyhow. Personally I think a lot of the cost for McIntosh is “appearance” which is fine for some. The VU meters and lighting do look nice but for me it doesn’t matter. Mine are built into a tinted glass case and I have two separate power amps plus a separate pre-amp. A proper remote control is important also. I don’t even have controls on my pre amp. I just need to control the subwoofer level via remote control and I’m all set. But this is just me. I’m not into vinyls because it’s a pain to get up and switch records. I like tubes but not enough to where I can stand the heat. I wouldn’t enjoy the system in the summer time.
I think that when one is using a tube pre-amp and solid state amp, an integrated design is an exception to that rule, as both sections are carefully designed to work together.
@@Sloimer what are you talking about. Why are you assuming this is about “sound quality”. It isn’t. Give me a break. 😂🤣 A lot goes into building a sound system. Many start off with a receiver. Then move to an integrated amp then finally separates. Why waste the time and money. Technology changes also and it’s easier just upgrading the pre-amp and still use the existing power amplifiers. There are plenty of good reasons to go separates outside of even sound quality. There is high volume listening/power or ease of adding on power, heat, longevity, ease of placement and replacement, ease of use, expansion, etc. Or how is this. What if the remote control stopped working and you have an integrated amp. The irony also is that you mention the blind AB test but that would actually be my point to you. This MA12000 runs for line 14k USD? That’s insane for an integrated amp. It’s a hybrid too and why have high heat generating tubes so close or built in with the amplifier. There are plenty of options where one could easily go separate pre-amp and amp for less money and even get more power with less heat.
It could run them, using the pre-amp out, since the Linn's are powered and have their own amplifiers. But that would be a waste and all you need is a good pre-amp, not an integrated amp.
Haven’t heard a single modern McIntosh I like. All sound like caramel syrup. Overly smooth, lacking detail and micro dynamics. The EQ will only degrade the sound. Looks great but not worth the money.
The MA12000 is more neutral sounding than most of their other amps, but still may not be neutral enough for you. Probably works very well with very detailed speakers like Wilson.
Lol 20-20kz flat response is nothing special for an amplifier. Talking about THD distortion less than 1% is meaningless, as I know of no human who can tell the difference between 0.005% and 1% THD.
If only I was rich enough to afford to purchase this amazing product...💯
This thing gives me goosebumps. I could never afford the kind of system that would call for this but I can appreciate it.
Those greeeeeen glowing tubes are mesmerizing!
i HOPE you'll be able to afford this beautiful toy someday soon. and so can i.
I’m an original owner of an MR78 tuner, C27 preamp and MC2205 amp, purchased in 1978. All are in their original walnut cabinets in pristine condition. I had them tuned up 6 years ago. McIntosh is simply awesome!
Our family owns this beast to push our power hungry Carver AL ribbon speakers. They sing with this amp especially with brass and piano playing. The tubes just bring out that musicality of any source as the ribbons play while the Solid state pushes the six 12" woofers. She's art and sound in motion. Thanks for the review.
You lucky person.
I always say tube electronics on ribbon speakers are a killer combination 👍
@@peterc3143 so true Peter c. Are you doing the same?
Cap’n Jack.
No, I just remembered someone I knew had a C R carmenta valve preamp, musical fidelity A3cr power amp hooked up to some apogee ribbon speakers. The interconnects were silver wire as well.
The cd player was just a rotel.
The sound from what I remember was so clear and musical on all types of music, without sounding harsh or compressed at high volumes.
I could only imagine what a full tube setup would sound like on those speakers.
I love that those units have Al the colours , dials and gauges. That my inner child loves .
One of the reasons that McIntosh is so popular is that the look is iconic. The blue meters are really cool :-).
I love the sound of MA12000! My definitive amplifier!
One of the most in depth reviews on this product that I've seen to date. Thank you!
This presentation just swayed me from purchasing the MHA150. Im primary a headphone person but from time to time I love to fill the room with music too. This beast will give me tons of listening options! Thank you for making me want to spend $10K more.....
Haha. Glad to be of service.
I had this confused with the English audio magazine , and was hyped about an impartial review until I realized this video represented seller of products. I like the product , ws hoping of objectivity.
Hi Richard, we're sorry to disappoint you, but we're glad you watched the video. We hope you at least got some good information about the amp
Wow ! Beautiful, to Dream the impossible Dream ! I’ll keep dreaming until my dreams come true ! Just Wow !
A very knowledgeable presentation, you have done your homework and are well versed
in this industry !
Last month I demo'd both the MA12000 and Accuphase E5000 on the same day. I was told that Accuphase is a better integrated amp. But wow the MA12000 sounded so much better!
The MA12000 was more dynamic, musical and very engaging. I found myself tapping my foot and totally emersed in the music. The Accuphase was great don't get me wrong, but the MA12000 was a lot better.
If the MA12000 was built on the MC462 and C2700 I can only imagine what these 2 separates sound like.
The C2700 and MC462 are possibly the best value in the whole line. Such a fantastic pairing.
I made arrangements to demo these separates. But I'm also going to look at the Gryphon integrated which I only discovered 2 days ago.
Demoed this against Gryphon Diablo with Dac option. The Mac is one of the best looking amps I’ve seen in the flesh, but I took the Diablo home and traded in my Chord gear,mscaler,dave’x2 etudes in mono and AQ Niagara 7000 for it brand new. Mac you get more air but thinner sound, the Diablo has a lovely house sound which is dynamic with grip/texture on the speakers-has to be heard.
I also demoed the 12000 but didn’t love it. Didn’t think it sounded “special”. The problem with demos though is that you’re not in your listening space and (more importantly) you have no idea if the amp/preamp are thoroughly broken in.
Nice presentation. I am picking up my MA12000 in April.
That's great! We appreciate your comment!
Great point about tv audio!
Thank you for saying so!
Wish I could afford one. Always watch these mac amp vidz .
Very powerful Presentation. I was thinking about the product for some time now.
Very professional and articulate, congrats
what a design, what a beauty
One word….. BEAUTIFUL! Dream gear! Enjoyed this vid, thx 😎🤟🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊
Great job describing a great product.
As usual fantastic comprehensive review Luke.
What a beautiful amp😍
The two best integrated amps I heard were the 40k Pilum Leonidus and 56k Audionet Humboldt. They have 4 transformers...2 for the pre and 2 for the amp itself. I also heard the Dartzeal integrated is a older solid choice as well. Dan Dagastino also has a good integrated called the Momentum but it breaks. It would be cool to compare this to the bigger more audiophile brands to see if it can hold it's own.
Blind AB test and you won’t be able to tell the difference.
@@Sloimer every amplifier sounds different you donkey
I had so many Firmware issues with my McIntosh, glad I moved it along. 🙏
That's one sexy piece of gear i wish i could buy one day.
This one is on my shopping list. Need to find the perfect speakers first.
Try it with a pair of Sonus Faber Maxima Amators.
i was a hater of frequency equaliser, because i like everything untouched and original. But now i think after the correction, wouldn't it be even better for a flater respond curve???
beside it's GREAT look. i love the fact that it has everything i need in ONE unit , which eliminates the purchasing of multiple units and their connector Cables . do you think this Amp works well with HARBETH M40.3XD ???. thanks great review.
Agreed Bentley, this is one of McIntosh's most popular products because it's got such a well thought out preamp, in addition to plenty of power. It should match well with your Harbeths. The 8 band EQ can come in very handy for overcoming room issues, too
Awesome presentation of an awesome product!
Looks like a great amp i am thinking about purchasing does it have record out? Could you use the RCA pre out to record out?
Yes, it does have a record out feature. It’s called fixed out and is RCA only. I use it to connect to the input of my reel to reel and it works as expected.
What are the speakers directly behind you? They look beautiful.
The Sonus faber Olympica Nova III, and right next to those are a pair of Sonus faber Homage Tradition Amati.
At over $300k, this is the one for billionaires.
Hello Bailey, the MC 12000 sells for $15,000 USD, and clearly is not for everybody. But when compared to other high-end separates, one can make the case that it's actually a pretty good value, which makes it one of McIntosh's best selling products. Please feel free to reach out to us and discuss more affordable options: ask@gramophone.com
Would it be advisable to pair this up with high efficiency speakers like Klipsch or Tannoy?
It wouldn't be inadvisable... 😉
I agree. Paying for what u wouldn't use
Mac makes some lower power hybrid integrated amps that would be a lot less expensive, but provide all the power you need for those speakers. However, it wont hurt to use MA12000 with them, unless someone (like a child) turns the volume up too high. But that would cause problems even on lower power amps.
マークレビンソンのML20Lが好き💞
I'm confused about the HDMI. I read somewhere, "from the TV only", which makes no sense. Will it or will it transfer sound from a computer card or even a receiver?
Please don't think "why would you do this?", I just want to know, please.
thanks
No, it is an ARC port (audio return channel) only. Which means it is picking up sound from the TV. Anything you plug into the other HDMI ports of the TV can then be passed to the MA12000.
is the 801 d4 overkill for this? if yes what's the best 800 series for this...
It could do it, but for those I really do recommend separates, especially monoblock amps. I'd say this pairs best with the 803 imo.
IS IT EASY TO FIND VALVES AND WHAT IS THE PRICE OF EACH VALVE? I LIVE IN BRAZIL AND HERE I CAN'T FIND A VALVE FOR THE MA 12000. THANKS
ok not gonna lie if someone gave me one i probably never give it away but just the cost and the shear weight and size its impressive but way out of my price range my dad recently gave me a ma352 and its a beast but very tranquil when you need it hard but not harsh thats the best way i can explain it
Thanks Cordel - and yes, we hope someone gives you one!
Looks nice.
love your review.. many thanks.
would really like to know if there's a big difference between the MA12000 and the integrated hybrid amp MA352 ? (that cost 1/2 the price of the 12000).
Hi There, yes, both a sonic difference, and the features / connection flexibility. If you can, take a visit to a displaying dealer like ourselves and see what you think.
@@GramophoneMD thanks for your reply.
Can you access the tubes to replace them directly by removing the 4 screws on the top plate?
It's a little more involved than that and I'd really not recommend cracking open a brand new mac and risk blowing your warranty. Use authorized service stations like us.
It is relatively easy to open it and replace the tubes. Replacing tubes does not void the warranty.
@@GramophoneMD Only if you make house calls! I currently own an MA7000 and when it stopped working, it's a 100lbs. Needed help to get it into my car. This IA is even heavier I believe. Pulling all your cables out is not easy either.
XA XA XA.....stopped worked? @@scottrosenthal3437
How would the MA12000 [350 watts] power the B&W 802d3 [50-500watts] speakers? Thanks!
For sure. The 802s arguably do continue to improve with even more, but I really do think that the MA12000 is enough.
@@GramophoneMD Thanks for your comments!
Then even better with separates MC 462 [450 W] and a C2700?
@@davedesmond1713 Yes
@@davedesmond1713 The difference between 350 watts and 450 watts in terms of decibel increase is a lot less than you think (essentially the same difference as 35 and 45 watts). 350 watts is plenty with those speakers.
well i bought an ma 12000 ,and the amp humming itself, dont know does it come from the transformer, or from the tubes or another electronic device inside the amp, this buzzing is just inside the amp it is not going to my xr100 speakers, i mail to mcintosh never got an awnser,,this is how alleged great mcintosh is??
Hello Elsa, we're sorry that you have this issue with hum - rare with a McIntosh amp, but anything can happen! We've discussed this with McIntosh service, and they would like for you to please re-submit your service request to them as they want you to be happy. www.mcintoshlabs.com/brand/contactus. Thank you Elsa
can these tubes be changed to other types?
Infinity IRS V Speakers
Thanks Mike, a classic speaker - one of the first "push the boundaries" speakers ever made! Are you using the MA 12000 amp with yours?
weight of ma 1200 ? thanks
Hello! The McIntosh MA12000 weights 108 lbs (48.9kg)!
can those tubes be upgraded
Theoretically, but I can promise you it isn't necessary, this thing already sounds like good separates.
Can you review mcintosh mc901 I want to hear your thoughts regarding this. I'm going to order in a couple of weeks thanks
I do not have any in our showrooms or currently on order however I did recently hear them on the new B&W 801 D4 at a show and being fed by a C1100 Preamp and they were EXCELLENT!
@@GramophoneMD I am getting 801d4 as well lol. I appreciate it I feel much better now
How long do those gorgeous tubes last on the pre-amp section? So beautiful I could just keep looking 👁 at it instead of listening 👂
Depends on how hard they’re run, but I probably around 3-4k hours.
i got mine now for 7 month. see my videos and i think up to 5000 hrs,
@@mcintoshkid Realistically less than 5000 hrs. But depends on how hard you run your amp.
@@JohnLee-db9zt hmm what is mcintosh saying? ,maybe your right i do not know
The MA12000 is a hybrid design (tube pre-amp and solid state amp). Since the tubes are for the pre-amp section only, they will last a lot longer than tubes used the amplifier section (or all tube integrated amp).
Would I be able to change out the tubes myself when it becomes necessary?
I wouldn't recommend it myself. However these are low bias preamp tubes. They will last a while.
Yes, you can replace them yourself.
Do the EQ controls affect the record outputs, to transfer old recordings?
yes you can i got mine 7 month ago, yes you can record from any source to a tape deck ,see my videos
No, the fixed out bypasses the EQ controls.
Is there a stereo/mono switch that also affects the tape outputs?
yes they do but you do not here a big difference
My point is that if you have old LPs or 78s and you want to listen to them properly, and even to transfer them, you need a mono switch in order to cancel out the vertical and lateral noise components, before using the EQ to equalize the original sound.
Yes, the fixed out jacks are affected by the stereo/mono mode
Did you think MC 901 better sounding than strumento #8?
Haven't heard the Strumento #8.
@@GramophoneMD thanks for the reply
Price ?
U$15,000.00! Let us know if you need any assistance or if you have any further questions!
but its 2.0 not 2.1 :( so you cant use for xbox or PS5. Its already outdated. I would love full modern AV ability for the cost.
It's just ARC, it doesn't much matter for just stereo use which this is.
Mcintosh 1200 qunanta custa?
This beauty costs $15,000.00
Never believed in the “integrated” concept.
Separate pre-amp and amp is the better way to go.
Yes, the general consensus is that separates handle their duties better but there are many other factors that come into play in making that decision…budget, rack space, listening room. And is a separate without the power supply in a different chassis really a separate?
@@racecannon372 but we are talking McIntosh integrated here which would blow the budget anyhow.
Personally I think a lot of the cost for McIntosh is “appearance” which is fine for some. The VU meters and lighting do look nice but for me it doesn’t matter.
Mine are built into a tinted glass case and I have two separate power amps plus a separate pre-amp.
A proper remote control is important also. I don’t even have controls on my pre amp.
I just need to control the subwoofer level via remote control and I’m all set.
But this is just me. I’m not into vinyls because it’s a pain to get up and switch records.
I like tubes but not enough to where I can stand the heat. I wouldn’t enjoy the system in the summer time.
I think that when one is using a tube pre-amp and solid state amp, an integrated design is an exception to that rule, as both sections are carefully designed to work together.
Give me a break lol. Blind AB test and you can’t tell the difference.
@@Sloimer what are you talking about. Why are you assuming this is about “sound quality”. It isn’t. Give me a break. 😂🤣
A lot goes into building a sound system. Many start off with a receiver. Then move to an integrated amp then finally separates. Why waste the time and money.
Technology changes also and it’s easier just upgrading the pre-amp and still use the existing power amplifiers. There are plenty of good reasons to go separates outside of even sound quality. There is high volume listening/power or ease of adding on power, heat, longevity, ease of placement and replacement, ease of use, expansion, etc.
Or how is this. What if the remote control stopped working and you have an integrated amp.
The irony also is that you mention the blind AB test but that would actually be my point to you.
This MA12000 runs for line 14k USD? That’s insane for an integrated amp. It’s a hybrid too and why have high heat generating tubes so close or built in with the amplifier.
There are plenty of options where one could easily go separate pre-amp and amp for less money and even get more power with less heat.
I said two. Of them
One upstairs, one downstairs
Class A or AB ?
does not maters it is the best amp you can buy fro money, see my videos
@@mcintoshkid I just want to know
A/B
Can this run Linn Klimax 350 passive speakers?
It could run them, using the pre-amp out, since the Linn's are powered and have their own amplifiers. But that would be a waste and all you need is a good pre-amp, not an integrated amp.
Well... nobody needs two kidneys, right?
Nah, no one needs that second kidney, what they need is Hi-Fi.
I have 2 of then. 28 k. Tax
Very nice Chris
Need streamer
Grab a Bluesound Node, great fit.
Beautiful! Just not a fan the handles.
If try and lift one (even with help), you will appreciate the handles.
Its also very cheap.ONLY Twenty Thousends dollars. 20000 Dollars
It is a monstrosity in all the best ways? Fuck me...
i'm going to buy this, and run a streamer into it, just to piss of the Mcintosh fanboys
I mean, that is precisely what we are doing. It's DA2 DAC card is actually pretty decent!
GREAT AMP. but for the money they want.. I'll stick to my PIONEER amp. at 100 watts... Waste of money for the increase in fidelity...
sorry the supid video cut effects sucks...bad
Shut up
I listened to two of these in two different stores and I was not impressed. The pass labs does a much better job.
Haven’t heard a single modern McIntosh I like. All sound like caramel syrup. Overly smooth, lacking detail and micro dynamics. The EQ will only degrade the sound. Looks great but not worth the money.
The MA12000 is more neutral sounding than most of their other amps, but still may not be neutral enough for you. Probably works very well with very detailed speakers like Wilson.
Lol 20-20kz flat response is nothing special for an amplifier. Talking about THD distortion less than 1% is meaningless, as I know of no human who can tell the difference between 0.005% and 1% THD.
Mac is over hyped and overrated…Gryphon and Constellation literally blow the doors off Mac.
Is that really a fair comparison? Those are two extremely bespoke, limited, arguably obscure, and astronomically expensive marques.