McIntosh MA12000

[1KW]

Originally Posted by Stahle

I seriously doubt that I’ll do it but I have been considering selling my existing system to buy this integrated amp.

GO FOR IT

[knecht]

Originally Posted by Stahle

I seriously doubt that I’ll do it but I have been considering selling my existing system to buy this integrated amp.

I’ve been considering as well! It seems to check all the boxes.

[runnin17]

If I hadn’t fallen in love with Accuphase products I would have been all over this beast

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by runnin17

If I hadn’t fallen in love with Accuphase products I would have been all over this beast

two very hard choices there... I feel you.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by Stahle

I seriously doubt that I’ll do it but I have been considering selling my existing system to buy this integrated amp.

Interesting. That thought has not crossed my mind, but I have wondered how it would compare to my own C22/MC275. On the power amp--let's say there are plusses and minuses to tubes vs SS. Strictly a matter of taste. On the preamp--one thing that caught my eye is the the MA12000 has only 4 tubes compared to the C22's 6 tubes. I am not a technical person, and I do not know what the additional tubes would do differently/better, but I assume it is something.

Anyone with actual knowledge/expertise? (Please spare me the "it doesn't make a difference" theory, unless you're going to say you've compared yourself and can't hear a difference)

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

Interesting. That thought has not crossed my mind, but I have wondered how it would compare to my own C22/MC275. On the power amp--let's say there are plusses and minuses to tubes vs SS. Strictly a matter of taste. On the preamp--one thing that caught my eye is the the MA12000 has only 4 tubes compared to the C22's 6 tubes. I am not a technical person, and I do not know what the additional tubes would do differently/better, but I assume it is something.

Anyone with actual knowledge/expertise? (Please spare me the "it doesn't make a difference" theory, unless you're going to say you've compared yourself and can't hear a difference)

I'm guessing the C22 has a more elaborate tube MC/MM phono stage with 6 tubes total for all phono/input/output stages. That's just a guess and no conclusions can be derived from sheer quantity of tubes of one design vs the other.

The bigger question should always be: Will I be happier with tube or solid state with my speakers?

[Logan Nolag]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I'm guessing the C22 has a more elaborate tube MC/MM phono stage with 6 tubes total for all phono/input/output stages. That's just a guess and no conclusions can be derived from sheer quantity of tubes of one design vs the other.

The bigger question should always be: Will I be happier with tube or solid state with my speakers?

Personally I think the MA12000 preamp section is more similar to the new C8 than the C22/C2700 since like the Ma12000 the C8 has 4 tubes instead of 6. I talked to McIntosh when I was considering getting one of the new C8s and they told me that the phono section in the C8 is solid state and all 4 tubes are for high level preamp section which makes me think the MA12000 is the same.

If I had to guess the preamp/phono preamp in the MA12000 probably IS a C8 combined with the EQ section from the C53.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Logan Nolag

Personally I think the MA12000 preamp section is more similar to the new C8 than the C22/C2700 since like the Ma12000 the C8 has 4 tubes instead of 6. I talked to McIntosh when I was considering getting one of the new C8s and they told me that the phono section in the C8 is solid state and all 4 tubes are for high level preamp section which makes me think the MA12000 is the same.

If I had to guess the preamp/phono preamp in the MA12000 probably IS a C8 combined with the EQ section from the C53.

Sounds logical. It would be very time and resource consuming to reinvent the wheel each time. Some circuit designs/parts are incorporated into a new chassis, much like the automotive world, engines and other parts.

[knecht]

Well, I just pulled the trigger and ordered one! Sounds like a mid-December delivery!

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by knecht

Well, I just pulled the trigger and ordered one! Sounds like a mid-December delivery!

Congrats! It will be a very musical Xmas/Holiday season then.