The Stunning McIntosh C12000 Preamp - Tube AND Solid State - Have It Your Way

[@dondrewecki1909]

I could never afford McIntosh but i admire the excellence of the product and its dealers, including SkyFi.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thats nice of you to day Don. Cheers.

[@tonytschida]

Yes, please do a video on the MCD12000. It will probably be the next addition to my system and hoping it will interface well with my C2700/MC462 stack.

[@entiller]

The deep dives are fantastic, and unique.

[@SkyFiAudio]

glad you liked it. Gonna do the MCD12000 soon.

[@911dion]

Loved the video and the interview with Ken from McIntosh! Appreciate all of your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks for taking the time to write Dion. Ken is so much fun to interview.

[@DrZsokaMoka]

I am looking at this McIntosh piece. Thank you, thank you for doing such an involved video review.

[@ianringstead2420]

Hi, I live in the UK but really enjoy your indepth reviews of different high end brands. As an audiophile for 50 years I am classed a geek , but then any hifi nut is. Your level of detail and info are fine as not too technical but cover all areas. I love to see inside the units and have the technical stuff explained simply. Keep up the good work.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks Ian. I noticed the portion of the video that usually gets more views is the internals, which is my favorite part anyway. Fun to make.

[@robvandendolder3157]

Thank you for another great video. We own McIntosh and are very satisfied. We live in Australia but really enjoy channel. You give comprehensive insight into many audio products and your passion for this hobby is plainly obvious for all to see. Thank you and keep up the great work.👍😎

[@SkyFiAudio]

Wow nice to see Mc gear that far away. Glad the passion shows oh the videos thanks for the feedback Rob.

[@TPQ1235]

My system hasn’t changed much since I first acquired it in the late 70’s early 80’s. In defence I purchased solid brands that have stood the test of time (QUAD 34/405, Thorens TD-160) and now Totem Sttaf’s. I look forward to your videos, especially your deep dives like this one. Lately, even though I have subscribed, and Like each one, you do not show up in my feed. I have to search to find you and then I watch as I did this time. My feed is filled with videos that I do not like or want, yet channels like yours that I do want don’t appear.

[@joshualatendresse]

Just picked up the C2700 tube preamp but really appreciate your review and Ken's insight into what is (for now!) an extremely aspirational upgrade! Keep the faith -- youtube changes the algorithms often. You might find that you are getting lower overall engagement and views, but MUCH more focused followers that are much more likely to become customers!

[@calvinkan3449]

This pre-amp is amazing. Thank your for the explanation!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks for watching Calvin.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Crazy build quality !! Thanks skyfi

[@SkyFiAudio]

Right?

[@bobcorbin7545]

Thank you for this. I have had 2 McIntosh integrated amps, a CD/DVD player, an oscilloscope and tuner since the late 1960s. Love them all.

[@TheStudioDankster]

This was a very cool watch! I work on McIntosh gear in my day to day, this was a very insightful interview. Ken is the man!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Ken is awesome indeed. Was a privilege having him participate.

[@BlackwingTT]

Love getting to see all this amazing equipment up close! I used to drive down to Vestal NY to check out the Mac stuff, but dont get down that way much anymore. Cheers!✌

[@MDchaz]

This is really cool gear. Thanks for the in depth review. 👍

[@SkyFiAudio]

Hey nice logo.

[@robertsupercalifragilistic7404]

I’m a Balanced Audio Technology man myself, but that unit is absolutely gorgeous!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Nicely built stuff, have sold a few pieces over the years and was very impressed.

[@IndyJames511]

Another fine video Fernando. I watch them all. Keep up the great work!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks for watching James.

[@timkneer9880]

Wonderful Video's! Keep up all the hard work that goes into them.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Was a long one. Hope it wasn't too long.

[@jbenzola2]

A great and informative video, as usual with one of my favorite audio brands!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thank you Joseph!

[@jb.2986]

AWESOME vid Fernando.! To answer your question….We have a Mcintosh MA12000 350 WPC hybrid Solid State tube Integrated Amp used in pass thru mode to power our Carver Amazing loudspeakers. Also purchased a new MC350 350 WPC Tube AMP to power our center channel. The tube sound is so enjoyable. The rest of our 7.2.6 system is powered by 1 McIntosh MC162 (rear heights), 1 Carver Research Lightstar 2.0 to power front heights, 2 Carver A760x amps powering each rear bed layer 601 series III, and a Sunfire signature seven amp to power the remaining speakers. Also have a McIntosh MT10 paired with an MP100 phono preamp, a Mcintosh MR88 tuner, and a McIntosh MPC1500 power controller for sequencing. A McIntosh MX123 AV Processor is the brains behind the system. I use our system most for spatial audio listening (Auro3D multichannel up mixing is the bomb) and my kids use it for gaming (6 gaming systems connected). Wife uses it for exercising 😊. Our goal when designing this system was four fold. 1. Powerful 2. Easy to operate (one button to turn system on or off. 3. Technologies thru the ages-plays vinyl (both MC & MM TT’s), Akai reel to reel tape with a custom McIntosh look, digital CD’’s, Hi resolution SACD/ DVD audio/BluRay audio, up to the latest in hi resolution spatial audio via streaming using a Dell computer via Amazon or ITunes. And finally 4. Art….We LOVE the look of Mac gear. Art and sound in motion with beautiful meters, and glass plates custom made by hand in Binghamton NY. Keep up the great work with these interviews and deep depth dives.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Holly cow, you assembled an amazing system. Thanks for sharing. The one button thing is ofter overlooked. I hate when a system is too complicated to use and only one person in the house knows how.

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

I especially enjoyed the history of the two-piece preamps, as I purchased a C-100 from you. It is indeed very quiet. The C-100 I own is solid state, I have heard reports of tubed versions. It sounds as though the C-12000 solves an issue of having to choose between tube and solid state; and it may solve issue with recordings for audiophiles. In my youth, I heard rock music produced by tube amplification aka the likes of Jimi Hendrix and the Doors; it doesn’t sound the same at all when played back on a transistorized sound system. But on the other hand, after comparing the sound of tubes vs. solid state , I gotta say that solid state has much less distortion and more range, high and low. I just think they would be better off making one version solid state, and one version tube. Only a few people want both, it seems to me. Revamp the C-11000 with the improved phono stage as the C-13000 as a purist either/or/best-of-both, while marketing the current C-12000 as an economical ‘both.’ I bet they would sell more full C-13000 than the ‘bastard’ C-12000 can’t make up your mind ‘both.’ I have the same reaction to the C-910 (I think it is) can’t they make up their mind? Another way of putting it, I suppose, is that I would prefer to have two systems, one tubes and one for solid state, than to try to get one system to do two different things. But that’s just me. A final footnote about the C-100, the Macintosh fellow didn’t to mention one of my favorite features: it has a main output, always on; and two switchable outputs (1) and (2) that can be controlled from the remote, it allows for fascinating comparisons between amps and/or speakers. I do, however, feel that the later editions of dual mono would be a desirable improvement upon the original C-100.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Right on Jeremiah. All modern Mc preamps have that option you like where you can turn the outputs on and off. For sure the dual mono is a huge step up.

[@jeffreythurston1822]

What a great video as always. So much information. I had no idea you could use the meters to set the azimuth of a cartridge. I’ll have to look into that. The C12000 looks like a beautiful piece. I may need to consider replacing my C2200 with it to pair with my wonderful 452!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Great trade in promotion going on right now from McIntosh. Give your dealer a ring.

[@rickobel3462]

At about 36:30, Mr. Zelin confirms that to use balanced connections between the pre-amp and amp for both tube and ss, it is necessary to physically swap cables -- they can't both be connected at once with the pre-amp electronically switching between those modes. That is consistent with the labeling of the sockets on the back of the pre-amp: for each channel, one is labeled SS and one is labeled Tube (or abbreviations to that affect). However, in reviewing the owner's manual, it seems that either socket can switch (through control of the preamp) between out either tube or ss (although the manual does show those labels). I have just ordered a C12000 and a pair of MC901's (to drive B&W 801D4's, which I also just ordered). I really want to make sure I get this wired up to permit "on the fly" switching between tube and SS, if that is possible. Moreover, on the off chance that McIntosh recently revised the wiring of the pre-amp (I did note that your video is 6 months old), I want to make sure that I am getting the most current version of the C12000. I really hope you can respond to this. Thanks, Rick

[@paytongrimes9156]

It sounds to me that you can not switch on the fly via the XLR, only via the unbalanced connections. I am hoping you can confirm or deny this. BIg bummer as this would require powering down.

[@donhuebert9151]

I really enjoy your videos. I got into the electronics trade because of my fascination with high end audio. Life took me in another direction but I still love to hear about the best of the best. Keep up the good work. BTW I love when you open things up and have a look inside. Whenever I buy a new piece of equipment that is the first thing I do. You guys never talk about Adcom but when I started buying it in the early 1980s I was super impressed with the lack of ICs and the build quality. Anyways, keep it up!

[@SkyFiAudio]

I've been opening things up like you since I was young pup. Regretted opening a few watches that never worked the same :-).

[@ge4695]

I am working towards purchasing McIntosh Tube System. I am outside your district. You Channel I found to be more informative than others I have viewed. 👍

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you liked it Marshall. Be sure to support your local dealer.

[@1999zrx1100]

There are many alternatives out there. I was under the Blue Meter spell for 7 years but have moved on. Buy used and never loose a dime as you move around in the line. Loved the McIntosh for that. Doubt I’ll ever return. 😎

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you had a nice journey with Mc. They sure hold their value for someone looking to jump around

[@1999zrx1100]

Both units I had appreciated 20% over the few years I had them. Can’t beat that. 😎

[@jayk1534]

Always love your videos, even though I have a more modest system built around a Croft integrated amp. I even liked the shipping video where you showed your packing process!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks Jay. Stay tuned for more.

[@ronpi1293]

Typically excellent video/analysis, Fernando! I watch them all. They're very entertaining and informative.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you like dit Ron.

[@michaeloshaughnessy8760]

I LOVE that reel to reel

[@DreamingOfAlaska]

Love your videos

[@PBlaik]

Tons of detail - great video, will you review the MCD12000??

[@justinforrest1613]

Thanks for the deep dive! I hit all the buttons I could to help haha, love your channel

[@billstruth1128]

Thanks for this video. I have a Mc MX123 AV Proc feeding a MC205. They are the core for an integrated music and Video entertainment system -5.1 channels from two B&W 802 (first gen) mains, a B&W Nautilus HTM1 Center, two JBL3310 surrounds. I have admired McIntosh gear since childhood. I like your company's prior commitment to prior owned equipment - nice to see your new major commitment to being a premier McIn dealer - with their recent change to open some of their products to on-line purchase will grow to support admirers like me without access to a heart by dealer. Best Wishes!!!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks for your kind words Bill. It's fun to mix here both vintage and new stuff, keeps things interesting.

[@ThunderFootLevin]

Really like your videos. Mac is out of my reach but I still vividly remember being able to listen to one of their top systems at Bay Bloor Audio in Toronto (the speakers were taller than me). I am really enjoying using vintage gear: a Sansui SR 525 turntable, Marantz 2238b receiver, PSB sub, Sansui AU 2900 integrated amp, Advent sub and six pairs of not yet vintage Totem TAC 8 in ceiling speakers. I also am in the process of getting an Uher Royal DeLuxe four speed reel to reel player with integrated amp and speakers refurbished and am looking forward to building a PASS labs Amp Camp Amp and a preamp. I really enjoy the variety of videos and in depth dives into equipment. Also - loved the excellent sound quality and volume on this video!

[@northerns.o.m5676]

Love the channel. This sort of hifi is just a dream, but I love the content 👍

[@KeithSkronek]

I always enjoy your videos. Good job.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks for watching Keith. LMK if there is something in particular youd like to see next.

[@bigblueocean]

Yes! Please do the cd player. Also.. A close look at the the Mac turntable you have. Finally.... We would love to see your process to refurb Magneplanars before you offer them for sale.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Gonna wait for the MT10 to come in and then I will review all them side by side.

[@tomfrank2707]

Hi, Fernando! Love all the videos Skyfi puts out. Love all the vintage gear you guys get in and wish I had a place that could accommodate a speaker based, home audio system. Sadly, my current living situation is that I'm in a very small one bedroom apartment with very poor room acoustics and I need to also use my living room as a storage space. As a result, I have drifted more into iems, headphones and portable solutions. I still dream about the day when I can afford to buy a house of my own, and set up my own dedicated listening room. It's one of the reasons I subscribe to your channel. Only way I could ever buy my own house and afford a great sounding speaker based audio system; is if I won the lottery. For now, I'm having fun enjoying my personal audio journey😊

[@SkyFiAudio]

Hi Tom. Hoping you get the space to have a full system again some day. Good luck.

[@darrellsellers]

Great show as always, can you make some future shows covering other manufacturers and shows on different price points on components like what's the low/mid/high price points for amps/turntables/preamps etc.. Thanks

[@SkyFiAudio]

Good point. Will do.

[@cme5238]

Wow!! Thank you nobody else does this!!! Could you open up a C2700?

[@SkyFiAudio]

Sure thing, will put it on the list. The MCD12000 is next

[@jesshoward9016]

Great videos

[@bernardwilliams4310]

Please review mcintosh mcd-12000.

[@sheldonunrau8818]

Thank you!

[@keithgregson9573]

>Fantastic!

[@leeroyjenkins8417]

MCD12000 video? Yes please. This video was excellent by the way. Thank you.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Yes for sure.

[@MangoZen]

Great informative video as always

[@charlesf2804]

I have a C2300 preamp (tube) with MC501 monoblocks (solid state). I've heard that's a good combo, but didn't know it was a thing when I made my purchases.

[@billirby2541]

Always enjoy your videos. Cool store!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks Bill, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Samule-z5m]

Bob Carver explains that solid state amplification shorts out back wave speaker motion, while tube design provides full speaker back wave motion.

[@fishis14]

Mcintosh is my audio dream, if only the used market didn't hold its value so much, I could afford it.

[@bwr000]

How do you think the C120000 would pair with dual MC275 amps being run as monoblocks? Would it completely be overkill or would it sing?

[@scottvarricchio6017]

Love the channel

[@pramitmitra]

Loved the video. I was wondering whether you could share your thoughts on a hi-fi system that uses a tube preamp with a solid state amp. Do you still get the same harmonics with such a system as a pure tube setup? Cheers.

[@amosperrine1909]

Love your vids, am a vintage ARC guy, but I do have the Mac table and the MR67 tuner.

[@SkyFiAudio]

The early tube tuners are super sweet.

[@entiller]

Is that the 4k DJI camera you're using?

[@SkyFiAudio]

Yes it's an Osmo. Love it.

[@MotownAudio]

No sub outs ? What is the best way to connect subs on this unit I have 4

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Hook up any McIntosh to a pair of LaScalla Klipsch speakers and hook up your turntable or streaming music anything and it will Rock !

[@ErikWithaK63]

I see my NAD system racked in back shelf. Can you go through my amp and preamp? TY

[@johngutmanis3580]

Hello Fernando, what do you think about c2700 with the new MI502 replacing a c50 and mc352 combo? 15 years ago I overheard someone say they someday wanted to own a McIntosh receiver.I had never heard of the brand and was curious to find out why this guy wanted it so bad. I went to a local hifi shop and asked the owner if he knew anything about McIntosh gear. He smiled and took me into the McIntosh room. My mouth just about hit the floor when I saw all the green and blue glowing on the wall. I also gulped when I saw the price. I have owned the c41,c28, two mc2105, two mc2300, a couple of McIntosh tuners, all secondhand. I then purchased the showroom demo c50 and paired it with an mc352, and wow what a great combo. I have a VPI Prime with the 3D arm,Ortofon Quintet Black,I also have a Sony HAP-Z1ES server, Denefrips Ares12 DAC,Oppo UDP-203, and WiiM streamer. Listening to Klipsch La Scala’s, Heresy IV’s and sometimes Magnepan LRS. All I can say is I have never regretted spending more for quality gear like McIntosh. As I get older I want to simplify my life. What do you think about a c2700 with the MI502 amp replacing the c50,mc352, Deniefrips Ares12?

[@SkyFiAudio]

Not a fan of the digital amps specially with high efficiency speakers. I would stick with the MC352 but the C2700 is a nice upgrade over the C50. Cheers.

[@ulfstensland2540]

Great video. I did purchase the c12000 last year, and I love it. Question, or to make sure! My balanced xlr cables from the MC611´s goes into the c12000 outputs which says 1-SS (left and right) My understanding is that then I can switch on my remote between SETUP Output 1 (1-SS), which then plays Solid State or to SETUP output 2 (2-T), which then plays with Tube preamp. At least my ears give me the impression of the change. I hope I am right! Anybody, pls. confirm or not? Thanks!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Not quite. The only output that changes via the remote or front panel is the single ended RCA. The balanced outputs are dedicated SS solid state and T tubed.

[@ge4695]

Like to see 1 on that CD Transport

[@JoeL-ju4nc]

Can the phonostage in 12000 be configured to run a Grado with 1mv output needing a 47K load with about 60db of gain?

[@harrisedgar]

I would love to see an MCD12000 video...!!!

[@careymartin7330]

Wish you could have told us about the difference in the actual sound. Other than 5hat I loved this presentation. Great video.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Sorry, just what you would expect. Super quiet, dynamic and controlled.

[@alanbain1651]

Where do you find the schematics?

[@paytongrimes9156]

So let me get this straight. If I run an unbalanced connection out of the c12000 to the amps I can then toggle b/w SS or Tube via the remote. If I use the balance connections I would have to physically switch the cables on the back of the c12000 to toggle? If this is accurate would I have to power both the preamp and amps down? Could you run both an unbalanced and balanced connection to a Mac amp and toggle the input switch on the back panel instead? Why wouldn't they make it where the balanced connection is able to toggle. I assume most people running this would be using the balanced outs. I don't get this design decision and would love to hear more on this.

[@michaelparker3912]

Very informative videos. I would love to see the review of the MCD12000 to complement this video.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Coming next.

[@dscott6915]

I recently acquired a C12000, I can not discern any difference in sound between the SS and Tubes on the unbalanced main output, where there is a distinguishable difference between SS and Tubes on the fixed balance outputs. Around the 1:01:10 point of your review you mention you hear relays clicking when you switch between SS & tubes on main output. I wonder if there is a defect in my C12000. 11:18

[@paytongrimes9156]

question for you, when you use balanced out are you physically having to connect different cables to the amps and power everyting down? Did you find out what was going on with the unbalanced - this isn't the first time I have heard this issue.

[@dscott6915]

Back about a year ago I had a lengthy email exchange with the technical staff responsible for the C12000. With their explanation the balanced outputs are superior sound quality due to less conversions from balanced to unbalanced on the preamp side from unbalanced to balanced on the amp side(I have MC1.25KW mono block amps) I did not and still do not understand why McIntosh made the product design decision to make the 5:32 switch on the fly output on the unbalanced output and have balanced outputs on fixed outputs as when I want to change from tubes to SS I would prefer to use the higher SQ balanced outputs, which forces me to physically move the balanced output cables from SS Output 1 to Tube Output 2, since switch on the fly only works on the unbalanced outputs. It seems like the customer using the unbalanced outputs should need to be changing cables to switch between SS and Tubes, not the customer using the balanced outputs, since the SQ performance is better on the balanced.

[@dscott6915]

Other than that I think the C12000 is a wonderful product!

[@willofomphalosgroomslll]

I own a McIntosh MAC 7200 n it works beautifully and I also own a Empire 698 turntable that I’m having a problem with. On delivery the thrust bearings somehow were detached from under the turntable and I tried putting them back in place but wasn’t able to and haven’t been able to find anyone to help fix it. Any thoughts…? Would appreciate your help…

[@SkyFiAudio]

Yikes thats a tough one. Youd have to find a local repair shop.

[@charliewagner5180]

MCD12000 review please!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Ok, I'll put it on the queue. Should be a fun one.

[@iampuzzleman282]

Would be nice if they did a tube to preamp without the phonostage, ie. A line stage preamp

[@SkyFiAudio]

I guess that would lead to more separate DAC sales.

[@SkyFiAudio]

and phono stage sales

[@dacatman2518]

Yes please review the MCD12000. Why does it have amplification (tubes etc.) if is it not a preamp? Does it make a difference?

[@SkyFiAudio]

I gather the tubes are in the DAC analogue stage. There needs to be a bit of amplification there to get the signal up to a few millivolts.

[@dacatman2518]

@@SkyFiAudio thanks!

[@christkallimanis4621]

Hi Fernando, love your videos. Very informative. I have some overflow of equipment I purchased a couple years ago and just don’t have the time to enjoy. I’ll be contacting you through email to see if your interested in any of it. Have a blessed day!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Look forward to hearing from you Christ.

[@louisperlman8030]

This idea sounds cool, but seems to be very impractical in operation. It seems like a good idea for the solid state output stage to be used for non-critical listening, or during warmer weather. But to avoid multiple cables, that means using the lower performance unbalanced output. The other option is to switch cables on either the preamp or amp, or run balanced and unbalanced cables and go switch between them on the amp as well. I do understand not wanting to have the signal run thru an additional switch 100% of the time.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Good point Louis. I would use the RCA for analyzing which input sound better and then do the hard wired connection using XLR.

[@dean6816]

Did McIntosh ever do a home cassette deck?? (I know they done a car deck)

[@SkyFiAudio]

Not that I know of. No reel to reel either unfortunately.

[@dean6816]

@@SkyFiAudio strange why they never?

[@Albert-jt4mf]

Nice vid but you forgot the chapters!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Rats, I put them in but they are not working. Let me see.

[@keithgregson9573]

11x 3500uF potentialy

[@TheMrgonzalo05]

I need that new dual chassis headphone amp

[@SkyFiAudio]

haha, we have one.

[@TheMrgonzalo05]

@@SkyFiAudio what? Is it a prototype?

[@davidnguyen5028]

My system C2300 + MC402 + B&W802N

[@SkyFiAudio]

Killer system David. Well balanced and properly powered.

[@davidnguyen5028]

@@SkyFiAudio I love your channel Fernando. You keep it real. Keep on producing your contents. Thank you for what you do. I learn a lot.

[@sainaveenbali]

this video made me jealous, i wish i can hire beagle boys from duck tales :D

[@SkyFiAudio]

hahaha. Thanks for contributing sir.

[@rocketbrothers540]

Support your local dealer.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Spot on!

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

are those russian or chinese tubes?

[@SkyFiAudio]

not sure. McIntosh rebrands the tubes with their name. Not sure I could hear the difference as long as they are within spec.

[@rosssmith9455]

Hi Fernando, You mentioned that the viewer numbers for the channel have fallen, could it be due to the overload of McIntosh and Klipsch in the past months? I am an enthusiastic subscriber, but have become bored with so much McIntosh, please go back to the old formula with more balance on the brands.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Not sure about that. The Klipsch reviews (just before the channel tank) were the best performing ever.

[@davidnguyen5028]

Not a good sign, how come Ken doesn’t use Macintosh gear?

[@SkyFiAudio]

hahaha, good point David. Ill ask him.

[@johnshaw359]

I've long suspected that this channel is very painful for audiophiles around the world, and you're lucky I don't live nearby.

[@SkyFiAudio]

haha, thanks for watching John.

[@syhi7971]

So its a reed relay.

[@SkyFiAudio]

not quite sure.

[@666goats]

bump

[@Foxtrot1967]

Sorry to hear you're a victim of YT"s nefarious practices.

[@TascamTascam]

Simply the worst purchase I ever made

[@johnvincent4048]

Mcintosh or Skyfi?