McIntosh C12000 Preamplifier

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by Charles

Ciao, I think the handles are beautiful and functional, but as with any new restyled product there will be folks that don't like the looks. The 1.25KW with its "ashtray" is a perfect example. However, Mac is having no trouble selling them. I wouldn't exchange them for 1.2KW's which I traded in. I like the "ashtrays".

You are incorrect concerning the phono stage. The phono stage is a slightly simplified MP1100 standalone phono pre. It is lacking the capability to optimize for pre 1950 78 records but contains identical tube circuitry otherwise. The cost of a MP1100 is 8K.

Output 1 is switchable to either tube or SS. Output 2 is always tube. This is a cool feature that goes back to the old C1000 or C500 which require a separate box.

As far as the loss of being able to fully integrate the D1100 into the new pre, this required a control cable and significant additional circuitry that according to Mac was not used by most owners, so Mac eliminated it. It is not possible any longer to fully control a D1100 with the remote of the new C12000, not much of a sacrifice.

From all that I can tell, 16K for this new pre with its all new phono pre represents a tremendous value. If I had to choose between the new pre and the old pre, the C12000 would certainly be my choice.

Best

Charles

[Charles]

I have zero use for a C12000 but in talking with my source at Mac, if I were in the market for a pre, it would be the one I would purchase. It's like getting a MP1100 for free, a three box unit for the price of two, and saving valuable rack space. I find the 16K price ridiculous for this unit.

Best

Charles

[Ankkor]

I have one on order - I’m told they are ready to ship and I’ll have it the first week of December.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by Ankkor

I have one on order - I’m told they are ready to ship and I’ll have it the first week of December.

Let us know how it sounds!

[John Jordan]

Originally Posted by Ankkor

I have one on order - I’m told they are ready to ship and I’ll have it the first week of December.

Ankkor-

Well, congratulations on this purchase! It's great to know things might be loosening up a bit and you'll have it soon.

For me, i will continue to slum it with the C1100 and look forward to your thoughts.

Cheers to You!!

John

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by John Jordan

Ankkor-

For me, i will continue to slum it with the C1100 and look forward to your thoughts.

Life is tough!!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Ankkor

I have one on order - I’m told they are ready to ship and I’ll have it the first week of December.

Ankkor, absolute congrats! These new reference pieces Mac is revealing are amazing. First the MC 3500 MKII and now the C12000. I hope your new pre arrives soon. I paid for my granite slabs to set my new 3500's yesterday. I have no idea when the amps might arrive.

Best

Charles

[dentlfly]

i have an option to purchase my dealers c1100 demo with less than 200 hours on tubes for a great price or order a new c12000. i have a sutherland little loco phono stage. i auditioned c1100 with and without little loco in place. little loco sounded better than built in phono stage of c1100. any thoughts how the c12000 phono might compare to the little loco? thx.

ed

[Charles]

Originally Posted by dentlfly

i have an option to purchase my dealers c1100 demo with less than 200 hours on tubes for a great price or order a new c12000. i have a sutherland little loco phono stage. i auditioned c1100 with and without little loco in place. little loco sounded better than built in phono stage of c1100. any thoughts how the c12000 phono might compare to the little loco? thx.

ed

dentify, there are many advantages to a built-in phono pre of this quality. The sonics of the 12000 pre will be superb because it will match the MP1100, an 8.5K standalone unit. When I was on my walk, I considered a 12000 because at 16K it is a remarkable piece and the 3500 MKII that is on the way would be a perfect match. However, I'd need a Dragon power cord (10K) and Wel Signature balanced IC's (10K). Next Wilson Pedestals for at least 5K, if and it is a big if, I could make room in my rack and not need an additional Niagara 7000 ((9K). So, for the pre to work in my system it would be an additional minimum of 25K. All this for adding a new unit that I was not in the market for.

Eliminating a component with a better component frees up space. It's a no brainer for me. I'd want the newer updated pre that will not be updated again for many years. Keep your Sutherland phono pre in storage.

Best

Charles

[blacsno]

I had a chance to hear and view the new C12000 matched with the new MC901 mono block hybrid amps. My only comment is ............. flipping NICE!!! For me it was the MC901 mono hybrid amps that stole the show. McIntosh has the Dune the beast Rabban Harkonnen in them. To quote Baron Harkonnen : Rabban! I place you in charge of music reproduction. It's yours to squeeze, as I promised. I want you to squeeze and squeeze and squeeze! Give them much musical delights! Drive them. Drive them into utter submission in yielding their wallets! Do not show the slightest pity or mercy! Never stop. Go and design and manufacture. Go! Show no mercy! ROTFLMAO!

Ken