McIntosh C12000 2-Channel Preamplifier User Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.com

C12000

Controller

C12000

Preampliﬁer

Owner’s Manual

déconnecter le cordon d’alimentation de l’adaptateur AC/

DC de la prise murale.

18. WA R N I NG: Do not expose batteries or battery pack to

excessive heat such as sunshine, re or the like.

AVERTISSEMENT: Les batteries ou bloc de batter-

ies ne doivent pas etre exposees a une chaleur excessive

telle que celle du soleil, feu ou autre source de chaleur

similaire.

19. CAUTION: danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly

replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

ATTENTION: danger d’explosion si la pile n’est pas

remplacée correctement. Ne remplacer que par le même

type ou un type équivalent.

20. Connect mains power supply cord only to a mains socket

outlet with a protective earthing connection.

21. WA R NING: The Ethernet connector of this equipment

must not be directly connected to a public network. Con-

nection is to be made only by way of a modem or router

approved for this purpose.

14.

Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing

is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any

way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid

has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,

the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does

not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and

ensure that no objects lled with liquids, such as vases,

are placed on the equipment.

Ne pas exposer cet appareil à des éclaboussures ou

gouttelettes d’un liquide. Aucun objet remplie de liq-

uide comme par exemple un vase ne doit être placé sur

l’appareil.

16. If this equipment is supplied with a power supply cord

only, the mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain

readily operable. To completely disconnect this equipment

from the a.c. mains remove the plug from the a.c. recep-

tacle.

Si l’équipement est uniquement alimenté par un cordon

d’alimentation, la che du cordon d’alimentation doit de-

meurer aisément accessible. Pour déconnecter complète-

ment l’équipement du réseau d’alimentation, déconnecter

la che du cordon d’alimentation de la prise murale.

17. If this equipment is supplied with AC /DC Adapter with

separate power supply cord or the AC/DC Adapter plug-

ging directly into an a.c. receptacle, they shall remain

readily operable. To completely disconnect this equipment

from the a.c. mains remove the AC /DC Adapter mains

power supply cord from the a.c. receptacle or remove the

AC /DC Adapter when it is directly plugged into the a.c.

receptacle.

Si l’équipement est alimenté par un adaptateur AC/DC

munis d’un cordon d’alimentation ou un adaptateur AC/

DC qui est alimenté directement à la prise murale, ils

doivent demeurer aisément accessibles. Pour déconnecter

complètement l’équipement du réseau d’alimentation,

déconnecter l’adaptateur AC/DC de la prise murale ou

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance

with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat

registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliers)

that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or ground-

ing-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one

wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two

blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the

third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided

plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for

replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched

particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the

point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manu-

facturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,

or table specied by the manufacturer, or sold

with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use

caution when moving the cart/apparatus com-

bination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when

unused for long periods of time.

The lightning ash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle,

is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dan-

gerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of suf-

cient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to

alert the user to the presence of important operating and mainte-

nance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the

appliance.

ATTENTION:

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR

WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR

ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING

TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

To prevent the risk of electric shock,

do not remove cover or back. No

user-serviceable parts inside.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS!

PLEASE READ THEM

BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

WARNING

The McIntosh C12000 is a two chassis design,

with separate Preamplifier and Controller chassis.

ere are custom interconnecting cables

and custom chassis sockets used

to connect the two chassis together.

e ONLY the custom interconnect cables supplied

with the C12000 to connect the chassis together.

Do NOT connect the C12000 Left and Right

25-Pin Chassis Sockets to any other component.

ilure to observe this warning

will result in damage to the components connected.

Thank You from all of us at McIntosh

You have invested in a precision instrument that will

provide you with many years of enjoyment. Please

take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the

features and instructions to get the maximum perfor-

mance from your equipment.

If you need further technical assistance, please contact

your dealer who may be more familiar with your

particular setup including other brands. You can also

contact McIntosh with additional questions or in the

unlikely event of needing service.

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street

Binghamton, New York 13903

Technical Assistance (607) 723-3512

Fax (607) 724-0549

Customer Service (607) 723-3515

Fax (607) 723-1917

Email support@mcintoshlabs.com

Website www.mcintoshlabs.com

Please Take A Moment

For future reference, you can write down your serial

number and purchase information here. We can iden-

tify your purchase from this information if the occa-

sion should arise:

Serial Number: ______________________________

Purchase Date: ______________________________

Dealer Name: ______________________________

Table of Contents

Introduction .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4

General Information .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4

Connector and Cable Information .. .. .. .. .. .. 4

XLR Connectors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4

Power Control and Trigger Connectors . .. .. .. .. 4

Data Port Connectors. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4

IR IN Port Connectors

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4

RS232 Port Connector

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4

Performance Features. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5

Dimensions - C12000 Controller .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6

Installation - C12000 Controller .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7

Dimensions - C12000 Preamplifier .. .. .. .. .. .. 8

Installation - C12000 Preamplifier .. .. .. .. .. .. 9

Navigating the Rear Panel (Controller) .. .. .. ..10

Navigating the Rear Panel (Preamp). .. .. .. .. ..11

Connecting Components. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..12

Power Control Connections: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..12

Data Control Connections: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..12

Sensor Connection: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..12

Audio Connections: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..12

Optional PASSTHRU Connections: .. .. .. .. .. ..13

Ground Connections:. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..13

C12000 Controller and Preamplifier

Inner Connections:

. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..13

AC Power Cord Connections: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..13

Input Assignment Chart. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..13

Navigating the Remote Control . .. .. .. .. .. .. ..14

Front Panel (Controller) . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..15

Front Panel (Preamp) . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..15

Controller Connection Diagram .. .. .. .. .. .. ..16

Preamp Connection Diagram - Output. .. .. .. ..18

Preamp Connection Diagram - Passthru.. .. .. ..19

Setup Mode .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 20

Firmware Version .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 20

Input Settings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 20

Output Settings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..22

Headphone Settings .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..22

Power Control Triggers .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..22

Data Ports .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 23

Passthru .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 23

Comm Port Baud Rate .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 24

Remote Control Codes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 24

IR Sensor . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 24

Power Mode . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 24

Factory Reset .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 25

How to Operate the C12000 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 25

Power On and Off .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..25

Source Selection .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..25

Volume Control.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..25

Trim Functions .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..25

Balance .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..25

Trim Level . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..26

Output 1 (Solid State) and Output 2 (Tube) .. .. ..26

Meter Illumination. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..26

Information Display Brightness. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..27

Headphone HXD Selection .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..27

Headphone Gain Selection. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..27

Mute .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..27

Trim .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..27

Adjust. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..28

HXD .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..28

Output Meters .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..28

Passthru . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..28

Headphone Jack . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..28

How To Make a Recording .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..28

Reset of Microprocessors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..28

Specifications .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 30

Packing Instructions .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..31

Part List .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..31

POWER CONTROL AND TRIGGER CONNECTORS

The C12000 Power Control Out, Trigger and

PASSTHRU Output Jacks send Power On/Off Signals

(+12 volt/0 volt) when connected to other McIntosh

Components. An additional connection is for control-

ling the illumination of the Power

Output Meters on McIntosh Power

Amplifiers. A 3.5mm stereo mini

phone plug is used for connection

to the Power Control, Trigger and

PASSTHRU Outputs on the C12000.

Note: The Power Control, Trigger, PASSTHRU, and Data

Connecting Cables are available from the McIntosh

Parts Department: Part No. 170202 - Six foot,

shielded 2 conductor, with 3.5mm stereo mini phone

plugs on each end.

DATA PORT CONNECTORS

The C12000 Data Out Ports send

Remote Control Signals to Source

Components. A 3.5mm stereo mini

phone plug is used for connection.

IR IN PORT CONNECTORS

The IR IN Port also uses a 3.5mm

stereo mini phone plug and allows

the connection of other brand IR

Receivers to the C12000.

RS232 PORT CONNECTOR

The RS232 Port uses a 3.5mm stereo mini phone plug

to connect to external third-party controllers.

Data

Signal

N/C

Data

Ground

PIN 2 PIN 1

PIN 3

PIN 1

PIN 2

PIN 3

Introduction

The McIntosh C12000 Preamplifier is one of the

finest ever created. The Outputs have the ability to

drive multiple Power Amplifiers with the versatility of

choosing between any combination of Solid State and

Tube amplification. The C12000 Audio Reproduction

is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The

McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the Music Itself.”

General Information

1. The C12000 System consists of two separate chassis;

a “Controller” and a “Preamplifier”. When specific

clarification is necessary for instruction, the separate

chassis will be referenced individually with their

corresponding names. Otherwise, “C12000” will be

used to reference the unit as a whole.

2. For additional connection information, refer to the

owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected

to the C12000 Audio Preamplifier.

3. The Main AC Power going to the C12000 and

any other McIntosh Component(s) should not

be applied until all the system components are

connected together. Failure to do so could result

in malfunctioning of some or all of the system’s

normal operations. When the C12000 and other

McIntosh Components are in their Standby Power

Off Mode, the Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside

each component is active and communication is

occurring between them.

4. Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can

be mixed. For example, you may connect signal

sources to Unbalanced Inputs and send signals

from the Balanced Outputs. You can also use Bal-

anced and Unbalanced Outputs simultaneously,

connected to different Power Amplifiers.

5. Sound Intensity is measured in units called Deci-

bels and “dB” is the abbreviation.

6. The McIntosh C12000 is factory configured

for immediate use. It can also be customized to

complement the components making up your sys-

tem. Refer to the C12000 “Setup Mode” starting

on page 20 for additional information.

7. The Remote Control Supplied with the C12000 is

capable of operating other components. For addi-

tional information go to www.mcintoshlabs.com.

8. The IR Input, with a 3.5mm mini phone jack, is

configured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as

a Xantech Model HL85BK Kit. Use a Connection

Block such as a Xantech Model ZC21 when two

or more IR sensors need to be connected to the

C12000. The signal from a connected External IR

Sensor will have priority over the signal from the

Front Panel IR Sensor.

9. Controller to Preamplifier Cable Part No. 171872

is three foot, shielded 23 conductor, male-to-fe-

male custom cable. Two cables are required

between Controller and Preamplifier.

Do not use any other cable when connecting the

C12000 Controller to the C12000 Preamplifier.

10. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules

regulations. Batteries should never be

thrown away

or incinerated but disposed

of in accordance with the local regula-

tions concerning battery disposal.

11. For additional information on the C12000 and

other McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh

website at www.mcintoshlabs.com.

Connector and Cable Information

XLR CONNECTORS

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced

Input and Output Connectors on the C12000. Refer to

the diagrams for connections:

PIN 1: Shield/Ground

PIN 2: + Output

PIN 3: - Output

IR Data

Control

Ground

N/C

Tip: C12000 TXD Out

Data Being Transmitted

Ring: C12000 RXD In

Data Being Received Ground

Power

Control

Meter

Illumination

Control

Ground

Main, Triggers 1-4

and PASSTHRU

Dual Chassis with Dual Mono Design - The Dual

Chassis design completely separates all power supply,

microprocessor and control circuits from the pure

audio circuits for total noise isolation. To further aid

in channel isolation, the circuitry for both channels is

totally separate, physically isolated and shielded; and

incorporates two identical power supplies one for each

channel, to help assure total channel isolation.

Vacuum Tube Phono Amplification - The C12000

utilizes Vacuum Tube Amplification Circuitry for

the Phono Inputs. The circuits use the latest designs

providing the lowest possible noise and distortion.

Selectable High-Level Amplification - The C12000

has the Output 1 and Output 2 ports dedicated to Solid

State Amplification and Tube Amplification respec-

tively. Combined with the ability to assign the Main

Output to either use Solid State or Tube via the Trim

Menu (refer to page 29), the C12000 is equipped to

deliver high performance in any environment for any

preference.

Fully Balanced Circuitry - The C12000 utilizes the

very latest in Fully Balanced Circuitry from the Input

Connectors all the way to the Output Connectors for

the lowest possible noise and distortion.

Phono Inputs - The C12000 has two precision

Phono Preamplifier Circuits. They have the ability

to be configured for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet

Cartridges. The close tolerance resistors and capacitors

used in the RIAA Correction Equalization Circuitry

provide an extremely flat frequency response.

Selectable Phono Cartridge Loading - Adjustable

Capacitance and Resistance Loading are available

for both Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono

Cartridges. Resistance Loading is selectable from

values of 25 ohms to 47,000 ohms. Capacitance

Loading is selectable from values of 50 picofarads to

400 picofarads.

Adjustable Gain for Phono Inputs - The C12000’s

Phono Inputs have a wide range of gain settings to

accommodate a variety of Phono Cartridges.

Illuminated Output Meters - The Illuminated

Output Meters are peak responding, and indicate the

output of the C12000 Phono Preamplifier.

Electromagnetic Input Switching with Level Trim

Adjustment - Digital Logic integrated circuits drive

Electromagnetic Switches on all Inputs and operating

functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switch-

ing. All the Inputs on the C12000 can be matched in

level, so there are no abrupt changes in volume levels

between the different Inputs.

Balanced Inputs - The Balanced Inputs allow the

connection of a source component using long cable

lengths without a loss in sound quality.

Precision Tracking Volume Control - Volume levels

are controlled by a Precision Balanced Digitally

Controlled Attenuator System with an Optical

Encoder Rotary Control. This assures a 0.1dB tracking

accuracy between channels. There are 214 individual

0.5dB volume level steps with no noise as the volume

level is changed.

Variable Rate Volume and Balance Controls - The

C12000’s Volume and Balance Control Circuitry

provides an ideal rate of change with control rotation.

HXD

for Headphones - The C12000 Headphone

Crossfeed Director Circuitry (HXD

) improves the

sound localization for Headphone Listening. HXD

restores the directionality component of the spatial

sound stage normally heard with Loudspeaker listen-

ing. HXD

is a registered trademark of McIntosh

Laboratory, Inc.

Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display - The Front

Panel Information Display indicates the Source

Selection, Volume/Balance Levels and Setup Mode

Selections. The display intensity is adjustable.

PASST H RU Mode - The Automatic PASSTHRU

Mode allows the C12000 to become part of a Home

Theater Multichannel Sound System.

Remote Control with External Sensor Input - The

Remote Control provides control of the C12000

operating functions and McIntosh Source Components

connected to it. Enjoy your McIntosh System from

another room in your home by connecting an external

sensor.

Power Control Output and Trigger Assignment - A

Power Control connection for convenient Turn-On of

McIntosh Power Amplifiers, Source Components and

Accessories is included. The Power Control Trigger

Outputs may be assigned to activate when a given

Input/Output is selected.

Dual Special Power Supply - Two fully separate and

regulated Power Supplies with special R-Core Power

Transformers ensure stable noise free operation even

though the power line varies.

LED Front Panel Illumination - The even

Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by

multiple extra long life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

arranged with a special orientation.

Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis

Finish - The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass

Front Panel and the Lower Chassis are Stainless Steel

with a Mirror Finish. The Upper Chassis and Top

Cover is hairline brushed black Titanium Stainless

Steel Finish. This will ensure the pristine beauty of

the C12000 will be retained for many years to come.

Performance Features

Dimensions - C12000 Controller

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your C12000 Controller.

There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the C12000 Controller into cabinets.

McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC. BINGHAMTON, NY 13903

HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS

C120 0 0 C O N T R O L LER

LEFT OUTPUT

TO C12000 PREAMPLIFIER

LEFT INPUT

RIGHT OUTPUT

TO C12000 PREAMPLIFIER

RIGHT INPUT

120V 50/60Hz

75 WATTS

POWER CONTROL

MAIN

OUT 1

TRIG 3TRIG 1

PASSTHRU

OUT 2

TRIG 4TRIG 2 RS232

DATA PORTSEXTERNAL CONTROL

7IR IN

UPDATE

USB

SERIAL

NUMBER

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

C 1 2 0 0 0 C O N T R O L L ER

SETUP

MUTE

RESET

ADJU ST

VOLUME

TRI M

INPUT

STANDBY / ON

Balanced 1

70%

17-1/2”

44.5cm

5-3/8”

13.7cm

6”

15.2cm

17”

43.2cm

4-5/8”

11.8cm

13-1/4”

33.7cm

15-1/8”

38.4cm

3/16”

0.5cm

4-7/8”

12.4cm

2”

5.1cm

2-1/4”

5.7cm

10-9/16”

26.8cm

17-3/8”

44.1cm

2-9/16”

6.5cm

Front View of the C12000 Controller

Rear View of the C12000 Controller

Side View of the C12000 Controller

C12000 Controller

Front Panel

Custom Cabinet Cutout

Cutout

Opening

for

Ventilation

Cutout Opening

for Ventilation

Support

Shelf

Chassis

Spacers

C12000 Controller

Side View

in Custom Cabinet

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally

on the unit. For purposes of clarity,

the above illustration is not drawn to scale.

C12000 Controller

Bottom View

in Custom Cabinet

7/8"

7.3cm

17-3/16"

43.66cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cabinet Front Panel

10-3/4"

27.3cm

Opening for Ventilation

Cabinet

Front

Panel

15.2cm

Opening

for Ventilation

15-1/16"

38.3cm

9-1/8"

23.2cm

13-1/8"

33.3cm

12-5/16"

31.3cm

1-1/8"

2.9cm

15-1/16"

38.3cm

Balanced 1

70%

C 1 2 0 0 0 CO N T RO L LE R

SETUP

MUTE

RESET

ADJUS T

VOLUME

TRIM

INPUT

STANDBY / ON

Installation - C12000 Controller

The C12000 Controller can be placed upright on

a table or shelf, standing on its four feet. It also can

be custom installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet

of your choice. The four feet may be removed from

the bottom of the unit when it is custom installed as

outlined below. The four feet together with the mount-

ing screws should be retained for possible future use

if the C12000 Controller is removed from the custom

installation and used free standing. The required panel

cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are

shown.

Always provide adequate ventilation for your

C12000 Controller. Cool operation ensures the longest

possible operating life for any electronic instrument.

Do not install the Controller directly above a heat

generating component such as a high powered ampli-

fier. Also do not stack the C12000 Preamplifier on top

of the C12000 Controller. If all the components are

installed in a single cabinet, a quiet running ventila-

tion fan can be a definite asset in maintaining all the

system components at the coolest possible operating

temperature.

A custom cabinet installation should provide the

following minimum spacing dimensions for cool

operation:

Allow at least 6 inches (15.2cm) above the top,

2 inches (5.1cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.5cm)

on each side of the Controller, so that airflow is not

obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the

front panel. Allow 1-7/16 inch (3.7cm) in front of the

mounting panel for knob clearance. Be sure to cut out

a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to

the dimensions in the drawing.

C 1 2 0 0 0 P R E A M P L I F I E R

PU SH PUS H

PU SH

PU S

PU SH

SERIAL

NUMBER

RIGHT OUTPUTS

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR

RIGHT INPUT

TO C12000 CONTROLLER

RIGHT OUTPUT

RIGHT BALANCED INPUTS RIGHT UNBALANCED INPUTS

GND GND

LEFT UNBALANCED INPUTS

LEFT INPUT

TO C12000 CONTROLLER

LEFT OUTPUT

LEFT BALANCED INPUTS LEFT OUTPUTS

McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC. BINGHAMTON, NY 13903

HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS

C12000 PREA M P L IF I E R

1-SS

PH1

MAIN

REC/FIXED

2 4 PH2

2-T

PH1

24PH2

1-SS

MAIN

REC/FIXED

2-T

17-1/2”

44.5cm

5-3/8”

13.7cm

6”

15.2cm

17”

43.2cm

4-5/8”

11.8cm

13-1/4”

33.7cm

15-1/8”

38.4cm

3/16”

0.5cm

4-7/8”

12.4cm

2”

5.1cm

2-1/4”

5.7cm

10-9/16”

26.8cm

17-3/8”

44.1cm

2-9/16”

6.5cm

Front View of the C12000 Preamplifier

Rear View of the C12000 Preamplifier

Side View of the C12000 Preamplifier

Dimensions - C12000 Preamplier

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your C12000 Preamplifier.

There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the C12000 Preamplifier into cabinets.

Installation - C12000 Preamplier

The C12000 Preamplifier can be placed upright on

a table or shelf, standing on its four feet. It also can

be custom installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet

of your choice. The four feet may be removed from

the bottom of the unit when it is custom installed as

outlined below. The four feet together with the mount-

ing screws should be retained for possible future use if

the C12000 Preamplifier is removed from the custom

installation and used free standing. The required panel

cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are

shown.

Always provide adequate ventilation for your

C12000 Preamplifier. Cool operation ensures the

longest possible operating life for any electronic

instrument. Do not install the C12000 Preamplifier

directly above a heat generating component such as a

high powered amplifier. Also do not stack the C12000

Controller on top of the C12000 Preamplifier. If all

the components are installed in a single cabinet, a

quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite asset in

maintaining all the system components at the coolest

possible operating temperature.

A custom cabinet installation should provide the

following minimum spacing dimensions for cool

operation.

Allow at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) above the top,

2 inches (5.1cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.5cm)

on each side of the Preamplifier, so that airflow is not

obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the

front panel. Allow 1-7/16 inch (3.7cm) in front of the

mounting panel for knob clearance. Be sure to cut out

a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to

the dimensions in the drawing.

C12000 Preamplifier

Front Panel

Custom Cabinet Cutout

Cutout

Opening

for

Ventilation

Cutout Opening

for Ventilation

Support

Shelf

Chassis

Spacers

C12000 Preamplifier

Side View

in Custom Cabinet

C12000 Preamplifier

Bottom View

in Custom Cabinet

17-3/16"

43.66cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cabinet Front Panel

10-3/4"

27.3cm

Opening for Ventilation

Cabinet

Front

Panel

15.2cm

Opening

for Ventilation

15-5/8"

38.3cm

15-1/16"

38.3cm

2-7/8"

7.3cm

9-1/8"

23.2cm

13-1/8"

33.3cm

12-5/16"

31.3cm

1-1/8"

2.9cm

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally

on the unit. For purposes of clarity,

the above illustration is not drawn to scale.

C 12 0 0 0 P R E A M P LI F IE R

Navigating the Rear Panel (Controller)

1CR 2CR 3CR 4CR 5CR 6CR

7CR

8CR 9CR 10CR 11CR

1CR POWER CONTROL TRIGger outputs 1 thru

4 are assignable to send turn On/Off signals to

components

2CR POWER CONTROL OUT 1 and 2 send turn

On/Off signals to a McIntosh Component when

Output 1 and 2 are activated

3CR POWER CONTROL MAIN Output sends turn

On/Off signals to a McIntosh Component when

the C12000 Controller is switched On/Off

4CR IR INput for signals from a compatible IR

Sensor for Remote Control use

5CR DATA PORTS are assignable to send signals to

Source Components to allow control with the

C12000 Controller Remote Control

6CR For Service Use Only

7CR Connect the C12000 Controller power cord to a

live AC outlet. Refer to information on the back

panel of your C12000 Controller to determine

the correct voltage for your unit

8CR RIGHT OUTPUT Connector accepts the

custom McIntosh 23-Conductor Cable. This

cable connects to the C12000 Controller RIGHT

TUBE PREAMPLIFIER INPUT. It supplies the

control signals and power supply voltages for the

Right Channel Circuitry in the Preamplifier

9CR PASSTHRU Power Control Input receives turn

On/Off signals from an Audio/Video Processor

10CR RS232 connector for connection to a computer

or other control device

11CR LEFT OUTPUT Connector accepts the custom

McIntosh 23-Conductor Cable. This cable

connects to the C12000 Controller LEFT TUBE

PREAMPLIFIER INPUT. It supplies the control

signals and power supply voltages for the Left

Channel Circuitry in the Preamplifier

Navigating the Rear Panel (Preamp)

2PR 3PR

1PR RIGHT OUTPUT MAIN (Unbalanced) sends

signals to a Power Amplifier - Can be configured to

use Solid State or Tube amplification (see page 29)

2PR RIGHT OUTPUT Balanced send signals to Power

Amplifier(s) and are switched On/Off using a trim

setting with the Front Panel Controls or Remote

Control Push-Buttons - Output 1 (1-SS) uses Solid

State amplification, Output 2 (2-T) uses Tube

Amplification

3PR RIGHT BALANCED INPUTS 1 thru 6 accept

high level program source signals

4PR RIGHT UNBALANCED INPUTS 1 thru 4 accept

high level program source signals

5PR PH1 (Right and Left channels) accept signals from

a Phono Cartridge

6PR LEFT UNBALANCED INPUTS 1 thru 4 accept

high level program source signals

7PR LEFT BALANCED INPUTS 1 thru 6 accept high

level program source signals

8PR LEFT OUTPUT Balanced send signals to Power

Amplifier(s) and are switched On/Off using a trim

setting with the Front Panel Controls or Remote

Control Push-Buttons - Output 1 (1-SS) uses Solid

State amplification, Output 2 (2-T) uses Tube

Amplification

9PR LEFT OUTPUT MAIN (Unbalanced) sends

signals to a Power Amplifier - Can be configured

to use Solid State or Tube amplification (see page

29)

10PR RIGHT OUTPUT REC/FIXED sends signals to

the input of a recording device

11PR RIGHT INPUT Connector accepts the custom

McIntosh 23-Conductor Cable. This cable

connects to the C12000 CONTROLLER

OUTPUT. It supplies the control signals and power

supply voltages for the Right Channel Circuitry in

the Preamplifier

12PR GND terminals accept a ground wire from a

turntable

13PR PH2 (Right and Left channels) accepts signals

from a Phono Cartridge

14PR LEFT INPUT Connector accepts the custom

McIntosh 23-Conductor Cable. This cable

connects to the C12000 CONTROLLER

OUTPUT. It supplies the control signals and power

supply voltages for the Left Channel Circuitry in

the Preamplifier

15PR LEFT OUTPUT REC/FIXED sends signals to the

input of a recording device

1PR

10PR

9PR

15PR

4PR 5PR 6PR

11PR 12PR 13PR 14PR

7PR 8PR

The C12000 has the ability to automatically switch

power On/Off to Source Components via the Power

Control connections. The Data Port Connections allow

for the remote operation of basic functions using the

included HR085 Remote Control. With an external

sensor connected to the C12000, remote control opera-

tion of the system is possible from another room and/

or when the C12000 is located in a cabinet with the

doors closed.

The Connection Diagrams (pages 16-19) are examples

of a typical audio system. Your system may vary from

this, however the actual components would be con-

nected in a similar manner. For additional information

refer to “Connector and Cable Information” on page 4.

Note: The C12000 Controller allows re-naming of the

Audio Input Names as indicated on the Front Panel

Information Display. Example, “UNBAL 1” may be

changed to “TUNER” or your own personal prefer-

ence. Refer to Input Settings on page 20.

POWER CONTROL CONNECTIONS:

1. Connect a Control Cable from the C12000 Con-

troller POWER CONTROL MAIN Jack to the

Power Control In on the Turntable.

2. Connect a Control Cable from the Turntable Pow-

er Control Out Jack to the Digital Audio Player

Trigger In Jack.

3. Connect a Control Cable from the Digital Audio

Player Trigger Out Jack to the SACD/CD Player

Power Control In Jack.

4. Connect a Control Cable from the SACD/CD

Player Power Control Out Jack to the AM/FM

Tuner In Jack.

5. Connect a Control Cable from the AM/FM Tuner

Power Control Out Jack to the Media Bridge Pwr

Ctrl (Power Control) In Jack.

6. Connect a Control Cable from the C12000 Con-

troller POWER CONTROL OUT 1 Jack to the

Power Amplifier Power Control In Jack.

Notes: 1. If two separate Power Amplifiers are used (Left

and Right Channels), connect the Power Control

Output of the first Amplifier to the Power Control

Input on the second Amplifier.

2. By the default settings, POWER CONTROL OUT 1

and 2 are active by default. They can be switched

On/Off by using the C12000 Controller TRIM

Function.

7. Optionally, connect a Control Cable from the

C12000 Controller POWER CONTROL OUT 2

Jack to the Power Amplifier (Secondary Room)

Power Control In Jack.

8. Connect any additional Components in a similar

manner, as outlined in steps 1 thru 5.

DATA CONTROL CONNECTIONS:

9. Connect a Control Cable from the C12000 Con-

troller DATA PORTS 2 Jack to the TUNER Data

In Jack.

Note: To have source components (e.g. Tuner) respond only

to their specific “Function Commands” issued by the

Remote Control, it is first necessary change the Data

Ports Default settings for the “Tuner” Input. Refer to

Data Ports on page 23.

10. Connect a Control Cable from the C12000 Con-

troller CD DATA PORT 3 Jack to the SACD/CD

Player Data In Jack.

11. Connect a Control Cable from the C12000 Con-

troller DATA PORT 1 Jack to the Media Bridge

Data In Jack.

12. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in

a similar manner, as outlined in steps 9 thru 11.

SENSOR CONNECTION:

13. Connect a Control Cable from the C12000 Con-

troller IR INput Connector to the external Sen-

sor. For additional information, refer to “General

Information” note 8 on page 4.

AUDIO CONNECTIONS:

14. Connect an Audio Cable from the C12000 Pream-

plifier UNBALANCED INPUT 1 (Left and Right

Channels) Jacks to the Tuner Unbalanced Output

Jacks.

15. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the C12000 Pre-

amplifier BALANCED INPUT 1 (Left and Right

Channels) connectors to the SACD/CD Player

Balanced output connectors.

16. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the C12000

Preamplifier BALANCED INPUT 3 (Left and

Right Channels) connectors to the Media Bridge

Balanced output connectors.

17. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the C12000 Pre-

amplifier BALANCED INPUT 2 (Left and Right

Channels) connectors to the Digital Audio Player

Balanced output connectors.

18. Connect the Audio Cables coming from the

Turntable to the C12000 Preamplifier PH1 or PH2

PHONO INPUT (Left and Right Channels) Jacks.

19. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the C12000

Preamplifier OUTPUT 1 connectors (Left and

Right Channels) to the Power Amplifiers (Primary

Room) Balanced (Left and Right) Inputs.

20. Optionally, connect XLR Audio Cables from the

C12000 Preamplifier OUTPUT 2 connectors (Left

and Right Channels) to the Power Amplifier (Sec-

ondary Room) Balanced (Left and Right) Inputs.

21. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in

a similar manner, as outlined in steps 14 thru 19.

Connecting Components

Connecting Components (continued)

OPTIONAL PASSTHRU CONNECTIONS:

22. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the A/V Pro-

cessor, Front Channels (Left and Right) Balanced

Output connectors to the C12000 Preamplifier

BALANCED INPUT 6 connectors (Left and

Right Channels).

Note: Refer to Passthru on page 23 to activate the

BALANCED 6 Input.

23. Connect a Control Cable from the C12000 Con-

troller PASSTHRU Jack to A/V Processor Power

Control Zone ZA Jack.

GROUND CONNECTIONS:

24. Connect the Ground Cable coming from the Turn-

table to the C12000 Preamplifier PHONO INPUT

GND Binding Post.

C12000 CONTROLLER AND PREAMPLIFIER

INNER CONNECTIONS:

25. Connect one of the supplied custom cables from

the C12000 Controller RIGHT OUTPUT Socket

to the C12000 Preamplifier RIGHT INPUT

Socket. In a similar manner, connect the second

cable from the C12000 Controller LEFT OUTPUT

Socket to the C12000 Preamplifier LEFT INPUT

Socket.

AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS:

26. Connect the C12000 Controller to a live AC Outlet

using the supplied Power Supply Cord.

Input Assignment Chart

C12000 DEFAULT SETTINGS CONNECTION EXAMPLE SETTINGS

Input

Type

Input

Number

Input

Name

Data

Port

Power

Control

Input

Number

Input

Name

Data

Port

Power

Control

Unbalanced

1 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

BAL 1 All (1 thru 8) Main 1 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

Tuner 2 Main

Unbalanced

2 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

BAL 2 All (1 thru 8) Main 2 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

Unbalanced

3 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

BAL 3 All (1 thru 8) Main 3 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

Unbalanced

4 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

BAL 4 All (1 thru 8) Main 4 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

Balanced

1 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

L 1 All (1 thru 8) Main 1 BALANCED

(L & R)

SACD/CD 3 Main

Balanced

2 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

L 2 All (1 thru 8) Main 2 BALANCED

(L & R)

Digital Audio Player ----- Main

Balanced

3 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

L 3 All (1 thru 8) Main 3 BALANCED

(L & R)

Media Bridge 1 Main

Balanced

4 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

L 4 All (1 thru 8) Main 4 BALANCED

(L & R)

Balanced

5 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

L 5 All (1 thru 8) Main 5 BALANCED

(L & R)

Balanced

6 UNBALANCED

(L & R)

L 6 All (1 thru 8) Main 6 BALANCED

(L & R)

Phono

PH1

(L & R)

ONO 1 ----- Main PH1

(L & R)

Phono

PH2

(L & R)

ONO 2 ----- Main PH2

(L & R)

Turntable ----- Main

13 14

Navigating the Remote Control

1. Switch Device: Select different devices for remote

operation. Selected device is indicated by the LED

light when buttons are pressed.

2. Numbers: You can select tuner presets and manu-

ally enter disc tracks and radio stations – among

other numerical functions – using these buttons.

3. Setup: The Setup Button gives you access to the

additional functions for the buttons represented

in blue text. It’s like using the “Shift” key on a

keyboard to access special characters above the

number keys.

Note: Cannot be used to enter Setup Mode.

4. AM Tuner/Output 1: Access AM Tuner or press

Setup followed by this button to toggle Output 1.

5. Level Up/Menu: Adjusts trim functions settings.

Accesses menu on compatible devices.

6. Trim/Guide: Enters Trim Functions Menu. Opens

guide on compatible devices.

7. Info/Level Down: Adjusts trim functions settings.

Accesses info on compatible devices.

8. Mute: Mutes audio playback.

9. Input: Changes and selects different inputs.

10. Play/Pause: Pressing this button will halt play-

back of active media, and it will resume from

where it left off if you press the button again.

11. Stop: Cancels media playback and resets progress

through it.

12. Previous/Previous Preset: You can go back to

your previous media selection by pressing this

button. Also allows you to navigate to a previous

tuner preset.

13. Fast Reverse/Seek Down: Navigate backwards

through the current active media using this button.

This is also used to adjust the tuner downwards.

14. Fast Forward/Seek Up: Navigate forward

through the current active media using this button.

This is also used to adjust the tuner upwards.

15. Next/Next Preset: You can go forward to your

next media selection by pressing this button. Also

allows you to navigate to a later tuner preset.

16. Record: On devices with a record function, this

will begin recording the actively playing media.

17. Volume: Adjust the volume with these buttons.

18. Band: You will have the option to change the

band on your connected tuner or select certain op-

tions on a variety of McIntosh models.

19. Mode/Exit: This will exit the Trim Functions

Menu. It will also display information or certain

options.

20. Select: Where applicable, you can press this but-

ton to select any highlighted option.

21. FM Tuner/Output 2: Access FM Tuner or press

Setup followed by this button to toggle Output 2.

22. Preset: Press this button followed by a number (0-

9) to immediately select that stored preset.

23. Power Off: Whichever device you have selected

on the remote control will turn off when you press

this button.

24. Power On: Whichever device you have selected

on the remote control will turn on when you press

this button.

Note: The included McIntosh HR085 Remote Control

has buttons used to control multiple devices. While

operating the C12000 Controller and Preamplifier

with the remote, nothing will happen when pressing

buttons that activate features not present on the these

units. Refer to HR085 Owner's Manual on www.

mcintoshlabs.com.

Front Panel (Controller)

1C INPUT Control - used to select a source for

listening and recording. The control is also

used in the SETUP Modes

2C TRIM Control - allows selection of Trim

settings and is also used in the SETUP Mode

3C VOLUME Control - allows adjustment of the

listening level for both channels

4C INFORMATION DISPLAY - indicates

the Sources, Volume, other Audio Settings,

Operational Functions and Setup Mode

Settings

5C ADJUST Control - used for Trim Mode

Adjustments and also various SETUP

Functions

6C IR Sensor - receives commands from a

Remote Control

7C SETUP Push-button with indicator - activates

the Setup Mode allowing changes to the

default settings

8C HXD Push-button with indicator - activates

the Crossfeed Director Circuitry for

Headphones

9C MUTE Push-button - mutes the audio from

the Loudspeakers and Headphones

10C STANDBY/ON Push-button with indicator

- switches the C12000 ON or OFF (Standby)

and resets the microprocessors

Front Panel (Preamp)

1P Connection for low impedance dynamic

headphones, for private listening

2P Meter indicates the Left Channel Output of

the Preamplifier

3P Meter indicates the Right Channel Output of

the Preamplifier

INPUT: MC PHONO

VOLUME: 70%

C 1 2 0 0 0 C O N T R O L L E R

SETUP

MUTE

RESET

ADJUST

VOLUME

TRIM

INPUT

MEN U

STANDBY / ON

+ 3

-10

-60

O U T P U T L E V E L

-50

-40

-30

-20

d B

+ 3

-10

-60

O U T P U T L E V E L

-50

-40

-30

-20

d B

HEA DPHON ES

C 1 2 0 0 0 P R E A M P L I F I E R

6C 7C 8C 9C 10C

1P 2P 3P

Controller Connection Diagram - Input and Control

McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC.,

BINGHAMTON, NY

MCD550

SACD/CD PLAYER

HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS

WLAN ANT 1

WLAN ANT 2

Digital Audio Player

Turntable with Moving Coil Cartridge

AM/ FM Tu ner

Media Bridge

SACD/CD Player

IR Sensor

To C12000 Preamplifier

Left Input

To C

12000 Preamplifier

Right Input

Connection Legend:

Data Cable* Digital Signal Cable

Sensor/Keypad Cable Ground Wire

Power Control Cable* Audio Signal Cable

Loudspeaker Cable

* 2 conductor shielded with 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug on each end.

WLAN ANT 1

WLAN ANT 2

McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC.,

BINGHAMTON, NY

MCD550

SACD/CD PLAYER

HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS

Digital Audio Player

Turntable with Moving Coil Cartridge

AM/ FM Tu ner

Media Bridge

SACD/CD Player

From C12000 Controller

Left Output

From C12000 Controller

Right Output

Connection Legend:

Data Cable* Digital Signal Cable

Sensor/Keypad Cable Ground Wire

Power Control Cable* Audio Signal Cable

Loudspeaker Cable

* 2 conductor shielded with 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug on each end.

Preamplier Connection Diagram - Output Connections

6.6

Power Amplifier - Secondary Room

Right Loudspeak-

er System

Lef

t Loudspeaker

System

Right

Loudspeaker

System

Left

Loudspeaker

System

Power Amplifier - Primary Room

Connection Legend:

Data Cable* Digital Signal Cable

Sensor/Keypad Cable Ground Wire

Power Control Cable* Audio Signal Cable

Loudspeaker Cable RS232 Cable

* 2 conductor shielded with 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug on each end.

Preamplier Connection Diagram - Passthru Connections

A/V Processor

Power Amplifier (Left Front Channel) - Main Room

(Partial View)

Power Amplifier (Right Front Channel) - Main Room

(Partial View)

Connection Legend:

Data Cable* Digital Signal Cable

Sensor/Keypad Cable Ground Wire

Power Control Cable* Audio Signal Cable

Loudspeaker Cable

* 2 conductor shielded with 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug on each end.

Note: When an INPUT is switched Off, its name will

no longer appear on the Front Panel Information

Display when using the INPUT Control (Front Panel

or Remote Control).

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2.

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until “SETUP: _____,

On/Name (Hold SETUP)” appears on the Infor-

mation Display. Refer to figure 3.

3. Then rotate the INPUT Control to select the

Unbalanced 4 Input. Refer to figure 4.

Figure 4

4. To switch the Unbalanced 4 Input Off, rotate the

ADJUST Control until the display indicates

“SETUP: Unbalanced 4, Off”. Refer to figure 5.

Figure 5

5. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

In the following example, the Unbalanced 4 Input will

be switched On.

Note: When an INPUT is switched ON, its name will

appear on the Front Panel Information Display when

using the INPUT Control (Front Panel or Remote

Control).

6. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2.

7. Rotate the TRIM Control until “SETUP: _____,

On/Name (Hold SETUP)” appears on the Infor-

mation Display. Refer to figure 3.

8. Rotate the INPUT Control to select the

Unbalanced 4 Input. Refer to figure 5.

3. Rotate the TRIM Control to select the next Setup

Mode Menu item, “SETUP: Balanced 1, On/

Name (Hold SETUP)”. Refer to figure 3. Continue

to rotate the INPUT CONTROL to view the other

SETUP Mode Options

4. To exit from the SETUP Mode, press the SETUP

Push-button and the Front Panel Display will

revert back to its normal display. Refer to figure 1.

Firmware Version

The C12000 functionality is controlled by internal

software that is known as Firmware. The Version of

the Firmware in the C12000 can be identified at any

time by utilizing the Setup Mode.

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter Setup

Mode.

2. Referring to the Front Panel Information Display

the number after the character “V” is the Firm-

ware number. Refer to figure 2.

3. To exit the Setup Mode, press the SETUP Push-

button.

Input Settings

The C12000 provides the ability to switch unused

INPUTS Off (or back On if they have been previously

switched Off). The default INPUT Names can be

changed to match the name of the component con-

nected to it or any other custom name desired (within

10 characters).

INPUT SWITCHED ON/OFF

In the following example, the Unbalanced 4 Input will

be switched Off.

Setup Mode

Your McIntosh C12000 has been factory configured

for default operating settings that will allow immedi-

ate enjoyment of superb audio without the need for

further adjustments. If you wish to make changes to

the factory default settings, a Setup Feature is pro-

vided to customize the operating settings using the

Front Panel Information Display. Refer to the C12000

Front Panel Illustration on page 15 while performing

the following steps.

Note: If the C12000 is currently On, proceed to step 2.

1. Press the STANDBY/ON Push-button on the Front

Panel or press the

(Power ON) Push-button on

the Remote Control to switch On the C12000. The

C12000 will go through a TUBE WARMUP (15

seconds) with the Tubes in the C12000 glowing an

amber color and a brief startup initialization with

the Front Panel Information Display indicating the

last used source and volume setting. The illumina-

tion of the Tubes will now glow a green color; this

is followed by the volume setting indication start-

ing at zero, then increasing to the last used volume

setting. Refer to figure 1.

Figure 1

2. Press the SETUP Push-button, rotate TRIM

(MENU) Control until the Front Panel Informa-

tion Display indicates “C12000, V_.__ - S/N:

AEE____” (or higher Firmware version). Refer to

figure 2.

Figure 2

C12000 V1.00

S/N: AEE____

SETUP: Unbalanced 4

On/Name (Hold SETUP)

SETUP: Unbalanced 4

Off

Balanced 1

15%

Figure 3

SETUP: Balanced 1

On/Name (Hold SETUP)

RENAME: Balanced 1

>MEDIA BRDG <

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

9. To save the new name, press and hold in the

SETUP Push-Button until

“SETUP: MEDIA BRDG , ON/Name (Hold

SETUP)” appears on the Front Panel Information

Display. Refer to figure 19.

Figure 19

10. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

4. Rotate the ADJUST Control to change the charac-

ter “B” to “M”. Refer to figure 8.

Figure 8

5. Rotate the TRIM Control until the character “a”

is flashing, then rotate the ADJUST Control to

change the character “a” to “E”. Refer to figure 9.

Figure 9

6. Rotate the TRIM Control until the character “l”

is flashing, then rotate the ADJUST Control to

change the character “l” to “D”. Refer to figure 10.

Figure 10

7. Rotate the TRIM Control until the character “a”

is flashing, then rotate the ADJUST Control to

change the “a” character to “I”. Refer to figure 11.

Figure 11

8. Repeat steps 14 thru 17 until the new name of “

RENAME: Balanced 1, >MEDIA BRDG <” is

indicated on the Front Panel Display. Refer to

figures 12 thru 18.

Figure 12

9. To switch the Unbalanced 4 Input On, rotate the

ADJUST Control until the display indicates SET-

UP: Unbalanced 4, On/Name (Hold SETUP)”.

Refer to figure 4 on page 20.

10. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

R ENAM E IN PUT:

In the following example, the Balanced 1 Input will be

renamed to match up with the component connected.

The C12000 Default Input Names as indicated on the

Front Panel Display can be customized to a different

name up to 12 characters long (TUNER, CD PLAY-

ER, etc.). The available characters for renaming the

input include the following: ! < > * , / - _ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V

W X Y Z .

In the following example, the Balanced 1 Input will be

renamed to “MEDIA BRDG”.

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2, on page 20.

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until “SETUP: _____,

On/Name (Hold SETUP)” appears on the Infor-

mation Display. Then rotate the INPUT Control to

select the “Balanced 1” Input. Refer to figure 6.

Figure 6

3. Press and hold in the SETUP Push-button until

“RENAME: Balanced 1, >Balanced 1 < ” ap-

pears on the Display. The character “B” is flash-

ing to indicate it is ready to be changed. Refer to

f ig u re 7.

Figure 7

SETUP: Balanced 1

On/Name (Hold SETUP)

RENAME: Balanced 1

>Malanced 1 <

RENAME: Balanced 1

>MElanced 1 <

RENAME: Balanced 1

>MEDanced 1 <

RENAME: Balanced 1

>MEDInced 1 <

RENAME: Balanced 1

>MEDIAced 1 <

RENAME: Balanced 1

>MEDIA ed 1 <

RENAME: Balanced 1

>MEDIA Bd 1 <

RENAME: Balanced 1

>MEDIA BR 1 <

RENAME: Balanced 1

>MEDIA BRDG <

Figure 18

SETUP: MEDIA BRDG

On/Name (Hold SETUP)

RENAME: Balanced 1

>MEDIA BRD1 <

RENAME: Balanced 1

>Balanced 1 <

Figure 23

SETUP: OUTPUT 2

Unswitched

5. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

Headphone Settings

The C12000 has the ability to automatically mute the

Output Jacks and/or Connectors when a Headphone

Cable Plug is inserted into the C12000 Front Panel

HEADPHONES Jack. The Output Default Settings

are: MAIN - Unmuted

OUTPUT 1 - Muted

OUTPUT 2 - Muted

In the following examples the MAIN Output Jacks

will Mute and the OUTPUT 1 Connectors will not

Mute when Headphones are connected:

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2.

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until “SETUP: MUTE

WITH HDPH, Main = Unmuted ” appears on the

Information Display. Refer to figure 24.

Figure 24

SETUP:MUTE WITH HDPH

Main = Unmuted

3. Rotate the ADJUST Control to change the current

setting to “SETUP: MUTE WITH HDPH, Main

= Muted”. Refer to figure 25.

Figure 25

SETUP:MUTE WITH HDPH

Main = Muted

4. Rotate the INPUT Control to change the current

Output Settings

Note: Output 1 (1-SS) uses Solid State amplification,

Output 2 (2-T) uses Tube amplification.

The Output Settings provide the ability to change how

the C12000 Output 1 and Output 2 function.

OUTPUT 1 AND 2:

By default OUTPUT 1 and 2 are set to go On/Off by

using the Front Panel TRIM and ADJUST Controls

or the OUTPUT 1 and 2 Push-buttons on the Remote

Control. If you want to have OUTPUT 1 and/or 2

always On regardless of the TRIM setting, perform

the following:

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2..

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until “SETUP: OUT-

PUT 1, Switched” appears on the Information

Display. Refer to figure 20.

Figure 20

SETUP: OUTPUT 1

Switched

3. Rotate the ADJUST Control until “SETUP:

OUTPUT 1, Unswitched” appears on the Informa-

tion Display. Refer to figure 21.

Figure 21

SETUP: OUTPUT 1

Unswitched

4. In a similar manner, perform steps 2 and 3 to

change the OUTPUT 2 setting. Refer to figures 22

and 23.

Figure 22

SETUP: OUTPUT 2

Switched

setting to “SETUP: MUTE WITH HDPH, Output

1 = Muted”. Refer to figure 26.

SETUP:MUTE WITH HDPH

Output 1 = Muted

Figure 26

5. Rotate the ADJUST Control to change the current

setting to “SETUP: MUTE WITH HDPH, Output

1 = Unmuted”. Refer to figure 27.

Figure 27

SETUP:MUTE WITH HDPH

Output 1 = Unmuted

6. In a similar manner, perform steps 4 and 5 to

change the OUTPUT 2 setting. Refer to figures 28

and 29.

Figure 28

SETUP:MUTE WITH HDPH

Output 2 = Muted

SETUP:MUTE WITH HDPH

Output 2 = Unmuted

Figure 29

7. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

Power Control Triggers

In the first example, the Power Control Triggers 1 and

2 will be assigned to Output 1 and 2 respectively:

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2..

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until SETUP:

TRIGGER 1, MAIN” appears on the Display.

Refer to figure 30.

Figure 30

SETUP: TRIGGER 1

Main

3. Rotate the ADJUST Control to select Output 1

from the available additional selections including

Output 2 or Input. Refer to figure 31.

Figure 31

SETUP: TRIGGER 1

Output 1

4. To change the Trigger 2 setting from Main to

OUTPUT 2, first rotate the INPUT Control to

select TRIGGER 2. Then Rotate the ADJUST

Control to select Output 2. Refer to figure 32.

Figure 32

SETUP: TRIGGER 2

Output 2

The second example will use selection of the Trigger 3

to activate when the BAL 1 Input is selected:

5. Rotate the INPUT Control to select “SETUP:

TRIGGER 3, Main” appears on the Display. Refer

to figure 33.

Figure 33

SETUP: TRIGGER 1

Main

6. Rotate the ADJUST Control until “SETUP:

TRIGGER 3, Balanced 1: OFF” appears on the

Display. Refer to figure 34.

Figure 34

7. Rotate the VOLUME Control to select “Balanced

1: ON”. Refer to figure 35.

Figure 35

8. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

By default the Power Control TRIGger 1 thru TRIG-

ger 4 Outputs function the same as the MAIN Power

Control Jack, switching On/Off with the C12000.

Triggers 1 thru 4 are also reassignable to activate

when Output 1 or 2 is selected. All four Triggers can

also be assigned to a given Input or Inputs.

Data Ports

Data Ports Connections between the C12000 and a

McIntosh Source Component allow for basic function

control of the source component using the C12000

supplied Remote Control. By default, all eight Data

Ports are sent the same Data for the selected source.

To dedicate a Data Port for only one source compo-

nent (BAL 1 Input will be assigned to Data Port 1)

perform the following steps:

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2..

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until “SETUP: Data

Port 1, All Data” appears on the Information Dis-

play. Refer to figure 36.

Figure 36

SETUP: DATA PORT 1

All Data

3. Rotate the ADJUST Control until “SETUP:

DATA PORT 1, Balanced 1 Data” appears on the

Display. Refer to figure 37.

Figure 37

4. To assign additional Data Ports, first rotate the

INPUT Control to select the Data Port and then

rotate the ADJUST Control to select the desired

Input. Refer to figure 38.

Figure 38

5. In a similar manner, assign any additional Data

Ports.

6. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

Passthru

When the C12000 is part of a Home Theater or

Multichannel Audio System the Right and Left Front

Channels from an Audio/Video Processor or Surround

Decoder can “Passthru” the C12000 and onto its as-

sociated Power Amplifier(s). The Setup Mode allows

selection of the specified C12000 Input to be used for

the Right and Left Front Channels. In the example

below, the Right and Left Front Channels from the

Audio/Video Processor will be connected to the BAL-

anced 6 Input Connectors on the C12000. Refer to

pages 16 and 17 for additional connection information.

Notes: 1. The Phono Inputs are not assignable as a

Passthru Input.

2. If Balanced Input 6 is already assigned to a

given Input, it will not appear in the list of

available Inputs.

When one of the Unbalanced Inputs is selected as

a Passthru Input, it is advisable to remove it from

the Input List by switching it Off. Refer to “Input

Settings” on page 20.

SETUP: TRIGGER 3

Balanced 1: OFF

SETUP: TRIGGER 3

Balanced 1: ON

SETUP: DATA PORT 1

Balanced 1 Data

SETUP: DATA PORT 2

Unbalanced 1 Data

4. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

Remote Control Codes

The Remote Control included with the C12000 utilizes

the NORMAL McIntosh Control Codes. The Second

Set of Control Codes the C12000 will respond to is

referred to as the ALTERNATE Codes. The Alternate

Codes are used when the C12000 is used in the same

location as another McIntosh Preamplifier and/or A/V

Processor. This will prevent the Remote Control from

affecting the operation of both units at the same time.

To activate the Remote Control ALTERNATE Codes

perform the following steps:

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2.

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until “SETUP: IR

Codes, Normal” appears on the Information Dis-

play. Refer to figure 42.

Figure 42

SETUP: IR Codes

Normal

3. Rotate the ADJUST Control to select the Alternate

Codes. Refer to figure 43.

Figure 43

SETUP: IR Codes

Alternate

4. It is now necessary to change the HR085 Remote

Control over to the Alternate Codes. Information

on the HR085 Remote Control is available for

download from the McIntosh website:

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/

5. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2..

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until

“SETUP: Passthru, Off” appears on the Informa-

tion Display. Refer to figure 39.

SETUP: Passthru

Off

Figure 39

3. Rotate the ADJUST Control to select

“Balanced 6” Input. Refer to figure 40.

Figure 40

4. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

Comm Port Baud Rate

The C12000 may be remotely controlled from other

equipment connected to the Rear Panel RS232 Jack.

The speed at which the C12000 communicates (8 bit,

no parity and 1 stop bit) with other equipment is ad-

justable from 9,600 bits per second to 115,200 bits per

second. To change from the default speed of 115,200

bits per second, perform the following steps:

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2.

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until “SETUP: RS232,

115200 Baud” appears on the Information Display.

Refer to figure 41.

Figure 41

SETUP: RS232

115200 Baud

3. Rotate the ADJUST Control to select the desired

Baud Rate Speed (115200 thru 9600).

SETUP: Passthru

Balanced 6

IR Sensor

The C12000 Front Panel Sensor, which receives the

signals from the HR085 Remote Control, can be

switched off to prevent interference when an external

IR Sensor is connected. To de-activate the Front Panel

IR Sensor perform the following steps:

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2.

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until “SETUP: Front

IR, Enabled” appears on the Information Display.

Refer to figure 44.

Figure 44

SETUP: Front IR

Enabled

3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select

Disabled. Refer to figure 45.

Figure 45

SETUP: Front IR

Disabled

4. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

Power Mode

The C12000 incorporates an Auto Off Feature, which

automatically places the preamplifier into the Power

Saving Standby/Off Mode. This occurs approximately

30 minutes after there has been an absence of audio

input or user activity (includes changes to any of the

Operation Functions such as source selection, volume

adjustment, etc). If it is desirable to disable the Auto

Off Feature perform the following steps:

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2.

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until “SETUP: Auto

Figure 50

FACTORY RESET

Completed!

4. Press the Front Panel STANDBY/ON Push-button

to switch the C12000 on.

How to Operate the C12000

POWER ON AND OFF

The Red LED above the STANDBY/ON Push-button

lights to indicate the C12000 is in Standby mode.

To switch ON the C12000, press the STANDBY/ON

Push-button on the Front Panel or the (Power On)

Push-button on the Remote Control. The C12000 will

go through a TUBE WARMUP (15 seconds) with the

Tubes in the C12000 Preamplifier glowing an amber

color, a brief startup initialization with the Front Panel

Information Display indicating the last used source

and volume setting. The illumination of the Tubes will

now glow a green color; this is followed by the volume

setting indication starting at zero, then increasing

to the last used volume setting. To switch OFF the

C12000, press the STANDBY/ON Push-button on the

Front Panel or the OFF Push-button on the Remote

Control.

Note: For an explanation of the Remote Control

Push-button functions, refer to page 14.

Figure 51

SOURCE SELECTION

Rotate the Front Panel INPUT Control to select the de-

sired source or press the INPUT Upp or Downq Push-

button on the Remote Control. Refer to figure 52.

Off, Enabled” appears on the Information Dis-

play. Refer to figure 46.

Figure 46

SETUP: Auto-Off

Enabled

3. Rotate the ADJUST Control to select Disabled.

Refer to figure 47.

Figure 47

SETUP: Auto Off

Disabled

4. Exit the SETUP Mode by pressing the SETUP

Push-button.

Factory Reset

If it becomes desirable to reset all the adjustable set-

tings (Setup and Trim Settings) to the factory default

values, perform the following steps:

1. Press the SETUP Push-button to enter the SETUP

MODE. Refer to figure 2..

2. Rotate the TRIM Control until “FACTORY RE-

SET, (Hold SETUP)” appears on the Information

Display. Refer to figure 48.

Figure 48

FACTORY RESET

(Hold SETUP)

3. Press and hold in the SETUP Push-button until

“FACTORY RESET, In Progress” appears on

the Information Display, then release the SETUP

Push-button. Refer to figures 49 and 50.

Figure 49

FACTORY RESET

In Progress

Figure 52

VOLUME CONTROL

Rotate the Front Panel VOLUME Control or use the

VOLUME Upp or Downq Push-buttons on the Re-

mote Control for the desired listening level.

TRIM FUNCTIONS

The C12000 has nine different Trim Selections with

Adjustments. The Trim Selections include Balance,

Input Trim Level, Output 1, Output 2, Meter Lights,

Display Brightness, Phono Cartridge (MC & MM)

Loading (when the Input is Selected) , and Head-

phone HXD Mode and Headphone Gain. The Trim

Settings are stored in memory independently for each

Input Source Selected, except the Meter Illumination,

Display Brightness and Headphone Settings of which

are the same for all inputs.

Note: Selection and Adjustment of all Trim Functions may

be performed by rotating the Front Panel TRIM

Control and then use the ADJUST Control to change

the setting. Remote Control TRIM Push-Button

together with the LEVEL UP / Down Push-button

may also be used. Refer to Remote Control diagram

on page 14.

BALANCE

Listening balance varies with different program

sources, room acoustics and listening positions rela-

tive to the Loudspeakers. Use the Balance (Trim

Function) as needed to achieve approximately equal

listening volume levels in each Loudspeaker. To adjust

the Balance perform the following:

1. Press the TRIM Push-button repeatedly on the

Unbalanced 1

15%

Balanced 1

15%

Remote Control until “L BALANCE R” appears

on the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to

figure 53.

Note: The Front Panel TRIM and ADJUST Controls may

also be used.

Figure 53

L BALANCE R

2. Press the LEVEL UP / DOWN Push-buttons on

the Remote Control to emphasize the Right Chan-

nel (refer to figure 54) or the Left Channel (refer

to figure 55).

Figure 54

L BALANCE R

Figure 55

L BALANCE R

The Front Panel Display indicates the Balance changes

are from 0 to 50dB. After approximately 10 seconds

the Information Display returns to indicate the Source

Selection and Volume Level. To verify the Balance

setting without changing it, use the TRIM Push-button

and select Balance.

TRIM LEVEL

Source Components can have slightly different volume

levels resulting in the need to readjust the C12000

Volume Control when switching between different

sources. The C12000 allows the adjustment of levels

for each of the Source Inputs for the same relative

volume. To adjust the Trim Level for the currently

selected Input Source perform the following steps:

1. Select “INPUT TRIM” as indicated on the Front

2. Either rotate the Front Panel ADJUST Control or

LEVEL UP / Down Push-button on the Remote

Control to change the setting for OUTPUT 1 or

OUTPUT 2. Refer to figures 60 thru 62.

Figure 60

OUTPUT 1

OFF

Figure 61

OUTPUT 2

Figure 62

OUTPUT 2

OFF

Note: The OUTPUT 1 and OUTPUT 2 Remote Control

Push- buttons may also be used. Refer to the

Remote Control diagram on page 14 for additional

information.

After approximately 10 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Volume Level.

METER ILLUMINATION

The C12000 Front Panel Meter Illumination may be

switched On or Off by performing the following:

1. Select “METER LIGHTS, On” as indicated on

the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to

figure 63.

Figure 63

METER LIGHTS

2. Switch Off the Meter Illumination. Refer to

figure 64.

Panel Information Display. Refer to figure 56.

Figure 56

INPUT TRIM

0.0 dB

2. Adjust the Trim Level of each Input to match the

average volume level of the Input most frequently

listened to. The range of adjustment is ± 6.0dB in

half dB steps. Refer to figures 57 and 58.

Figure 57

INPUT TRIM

-2.5 dB

Figure 58

INPUT TRIM

+4.0 dB

After approximately 10 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Volume Level.

OUTPUT 1 (SOLID STATE) AND OUTPUT 2

(TUBE)

The Rear Panel Output 1 (Solid State) and Output

2 (Tube) Connectors (along with the Power Control

Output 1 and 2) can be switched On or Off by using

the TRIM FUNCTIONS OUTPUT 1 and OUTPUT

2. The default settings for TRIM OUTPUT 1 and

OUTPUT 2 is ON. To change the setting perform the

following:

1. Select “OUTPUT 1” as indicated on the Front

Panel Information Display. Refer to figures 59.

Figure 59

OUTPUT 1

HEADPHONE HXD SELECTION

The C12000 Internal Headphone Amplifier incorpo-

rates McIntosh HXD Circuitry bringing acoustical

depth and spatiality of music normally heard with

loudspeakers, to your headphones. It can be switched

On or Off as follows:

1. Select the “HEADPHONE HXD, ___” TRIM

FUNCTION. Refer to figures 67 and 68.

Figure 67

HEADPHONE HXD

Off

Figure 68

HEADPHONE HXD

2. Select either ON or OFF.

HEADPHONE GAIN SELECTION

The C12000 Internal Headphone Amplifier Circuitry

also incorporates three available Ranges of Ampli-

fier Gain, to more closely match the impedance Ω

(ohms) of the connected Headphones (16Ω - 40Ω,

40Ω - 150Ω, 150Ω - 600Ω), for the best performance.

To select one of the three available ranges perform the

following:

1. Select the “HEADPHONE GAIN, 40Ω - 150Ω”,

default setting. Refer to figure 69.

Figure 69

HEADPHONE GAIN

40O - 150O

2. If the impedance of the connected Headphones

doesn’t match within the current setting, select one

of the other choices. Refer to figures 70 and 71.

Figure 64

METER LIGHTS

Off

After approximately 10 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Volume Level.

Notes: 1. Meter Illumination of recent McIntosh Power

Amplifiers will also switch On/Off when connected

to the C12000 via a power control cable.

2. Some A/V Processors will provide an On/Off

Control Signal when the C12000 Passthru Input

Jack is connected to the A/V Processor via the

power control cable.

INFORMATION DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS

The Brightness Level of C12000 Front Panel Informa-

tion Display can be adjusted from bright to dim by

performing the following:

1. Select “DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS” as indicated

on the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to

figure 65.

Figure 65

DISPLAY

BRIGHTNESS

2. Reduce the Brightness level by adjusting the

TRIM LEVEL. Refer to figure 66.

Figure 66

DISPLAY

BRIGHTNESS

After approximately 10 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Volume Level.

Figure 70

HEADPHONE GAIN

16O - 40O

Figure 71

HEADPHONE GAIN

150O - 600O

MUTE

Press the MUTE Push-button, on the C12000 Front

Panel or on the Remote Control, to Mute the Audio

in all outputs (Main, Output 1, Output 2 and Head-

phones) except the FIXED OUTPUT. The Front Panel

Information Display will indicate the Source Name

and the word MUTE in place of the actual volume set-

ting. Refer to figure 72.

Figure 72

INPUT: BAL 1

MUTE

Pressing the Mute Push-button a second time or

adjusting the volume control (either the Front Panel or

Remote Control) will unmute the C12000.

TRIM

Rotate the TRIM Control on the front panel of the

C12000 to activate Trim Functions. Rotate the INPUT

Control to select the desired Trim Function and then

use the ADJUST Control to change the Trim setting.

The Remote Control TRIM and LEVEL UP / DOWN-

Push-buttons may also be used. Approximately 10

seconds after Trim Function Selection and/or adjust-

ments have stopped, the C12000 will switch the Trim

Mode Off.

ADJUST

The Front Panel ADJUST Control is used to make

changes to the currently selected TRIM FUNCTION.

HXD

Press the Front Panel HXD Push-button to activate

or de-activate the HXD Circuitry. Refer to “HEAD-

PHONE HXD SELECTION” on this page for addi-

tional information.

OUTPUT METERS

The C12000 Preamplifier Output Meters indicate the

Output Level in Decibels (dB) available at the MAIN,

OUTPUT 1 and OUTPUT 2 Connectors/Jacks to drive

Power Amplifiers. Refer to figure 73. The Meters are

calibrated in dB (decibels) and respond to all the peaks

contained in the musical information. A meter reading

of 0dB indicates the unit is delivering its rated output.

Figure 73

PASST H RU

The C12000 will automatically turn On and switch to

the previously setup Passthru Input when the McIn-

tosh A/V Processor or Multichannel Surround Decod-

er is turned-on. The Audio Preamplifier Front Panel

Alphanumeric Display will indicate “PASSTHRU”.

Refer to figure 74.

Figure 74

PASSTHRU

The Front Panel Controls and Push-buttons are deacti-

vated when in the Passthru Mode.

HEADPHONE JACK

Connect a pair of dynamic headphones to the Head-

phones Jack with a 1/4” (0.635cm) stereo phone type

plug for private listening. The default setting is for the

OUTPUT 1 and OUTPUT 2 Power Amplifier Output

Connections to automatically mute, when headphones

are connected to the C12000 Front Panel Jack.

HOW TO MAKE A RECORDING

1. Select the desired signal source you wish to record

by using the Front Panel INPUT Control or us-

ing the INPUT UP / DOWN Push-button on the

Remote Control.

2. Adjust the record level using the recorder level

control and proceed with the recording process.

3. Listen to the playback of the program source just

recorded by selecting the Input Source connected

to the recorder component output.

RESET OF MICROPROCESSORS

In the unlikely event the controls of the unit stop func-

tioning, the microprocessors can be reset by perform-

ing the following:

1. Press and hold in the STANDBY/ON Push-button

until the LED above the STANDBY/ON Push-

button illumination is extinguished. Then release

the STANDBY/ON Push-button.

2. To switch the C12000 back On press the STAND-

BY/ON Push-button.

Note: This can be performed with the C12000 On or in the

Standby Mode.

PHONO ADJUSTMENTS

When either the Phono 1 or Phono 2 Input is selected,

the following additional Trim Functions become avail-

able when adjusting the TRIM Control. Use the docu-

mentation for your turntable(s) attached to these inputs

to find the best settings and match them accordingly.

RESISTANCE

Change the Resistance Load Setting for a selected

Phono Cartridge (Phono 1 in this example) by per-

forming the following Steps:

1. Select the Phono 1 Input Source.

2. Rotate the Front Panel TRIM Control (TRIM) or

press the t and u Push-buttons on the Remote

Control to select “Phono 1 RES, 47kΩ” as indicat-

ed on the Front Panel Information Display. Refer

to figure 75.

3. Rotate the ADJUST Control to select desired

Resistance. The available settings are: 25Ω, 50Ω,

100Ω, 200Ω, 400Ω, 1KΩ, and 47kΩ.

After approximately 10 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Settings.

CAPACITANCE

Change the Capacitance Load Setting for a selected

Phono Cartridge (Phono 1 in this example) by per-

forming the following Steps:

1. Select the Phono 1 Input Source.

2. Rotate the Front Panel TRIM Control (TRIM)

or press the t and u Push-buttons on the Re-

mote Control to select “Phono 1 CAP, 100 pF” as

indicated on the Front Panel Information Display.

Refer to figure 76.

Phono 1 RES

47K Ω

Figure 75

Phono 1 CAP

100 pF

Figure 76

2. Rotate the ADJUST Control to change “On” to

“Off ”.

Perform the same steps to change “Off” to “On”.

The same steps can be performed for Output 2. After

approximately 10 seconds the Information Display

returns to indicate the Source Selection and Settings.

ENABLE OR DISABLE TUBE LIGHTS

You can turn On or Off the lights of the Amplifier

Tubes from the Trim Menu. Perform the following

steps to change Tube Lights from On to Off.

1. Rotate the Front Panel TRIM Control (TRIM) or

press the t and u Push-buttons on the Remote

Control to select “Tube Lights, On” as indicated

on the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to

figure 80.

2. Rotate the ADJUST Control to change “On” to

“Off ”.

Perform the same steps to change “Off” to “On”.

After approximately 10 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Settings.

these inputs to find the best settings and match them

accordingly.

Resistance: 47KΩ,(PH1), 1kΩ(PH2)

Capacitance: 100pF (PH1), 50pF (PH2)

Gain: 46dB (PH1), 64dB (PH2)

MAIN OUTPUT (SOLID STATE OR TUBE)

Change which circuitry the Main Output uses (Solid

State or Tube). This example assumes the Main Output

is currently set to “Solid State”. Perform the following

steps to change the circuitry to “Tube”.

1. Rotate the Front Panel TRIM Control (TRIM) or

press the t and u Push-buttons on the Remote

Control to select “Main Output, Solid State” as

indicated on the Front Panel Information Display.

Refer to figure 78.

2. Rotate the ADJUST Control to change “Solid

State” to “Tube”.

Perform the same steps to change “Tube” to “Solid

State.” After approximately 10 seconds the Informa-

tion Display returns to indicate the Source Selection

and Settings.

ENABLE OR DISABLE OUTPUTS 1 AND 2

Note: Output 1 (1-SS) uses Solid State amplification,

Output 2 (2-T) uses Tube amplification.

You can turn On or Off the functionality of the Output

1 and 2 push-buttons from the Trim Menu. Perform the

following steps to change Output 1 from On to Off.

1. Rotate the Front Panel TRIM Control (TRIM) or

press the t and u Push-buttons on the Remote

Control to select “Output 1, On” as indicated on the

Front Panel Information Display. Refer to figure 79.

3. Rotate the ADJUST Control to select desired Ca-

pacitance. The available settings are: 50pF, 100pF,

150pF, 200pF, 250pF, 300pF, 350pF, and 400pF.

After approximately 10 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Settings.

GAIN

To change the Amplification Gain Settings from the

default setting for the selected Phono Input, perform

the following steps:

1. Select the desired PHONO Input Source.

Note: Phono 1 was selected for this example.

2. Rotate the Front Panel TRIM Control (TRIM) or

press the t and u Push-buttons on the Remote

Control to select “Phono 1 GAIN, 46 dB” as

indicated on the Front Panel Information Display.

Refer to figure 77.

3. To change the current gain setting, rotate the Front

Panel ADJUST Control or press the p and q

Push-buttons on the Remote Control. The avail-

able settings are 40db, 46db, 52db, 58db, and

64db.

After approximately 10 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Settings.

PHONO ADJUSTMENTS (Default Settings)

The following are the default settings for each of the

Phono inputs. Phono 1 (PH1) defaults to match com-

mon configurations for a Moving Magnet turntable,

while Phono 2 (PH2) defaults to match common

configurations for a Moving Cartridge turnable. Use

the documentation for your turntable(s) attached to

Output 1

Figure 79

Tube Lights

Figure 80

Phono 1 GAIN

46 dB

Figure 77

Main Output

Solid State

Figure 78

Frequency Response

+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.005% maximum from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

(High Level Inputs)

0.05% maximum from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

(Phono Inputs)

Rated Output

5V Balanced, 2.5V Unbalanced (Main Outputs)

Maximum Voltage Output

20V RMS Balanced, 10V RMS Unbalanced

Sensitivity (for rated output)

High Level, 450mV Unbalanced, 900mV Balanced

Phono 1 & 2, 0.25mV - 4.5mV

w/ selectable 40-64dB gain

Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)

High Level - 107dB (Below rated output)

MM Phono - 83dB (Below 5mV input)

MC Phono - 79dB (Below 0.5mV input)

Input Impedance

High Level - 50K ohms Balanced

25K ohms Unbalanced

Maximum Input Signal

High Level, 20V Balanced, 10V Unbalanced

Phono MC, 10mV

Phono MM, 100mV

Volt age Gai n

High Level to Main, Output1 and 2: 15dB

High Level to Rec/Fixed Output: 0dB

Phono MM and MC - Selectable 40dB,

46dB, 52dB, 58dB or 64dB

Output Impedance

200 ohms Balanced

100 ohms Unbalanced

Headphone Load Impedance (Selectable)

16 - 40 ohms, 40 - 150 ohms, 150 - 600 ohms

Headphone Voltage Gain (From Main Output)

16 - 40 ohms, 0dB

40 - 150 ohms, 6dB

150 - 600 ohms, 12dB

Headphone Output

150mW minimum from 16 ohms to 600 ohms load

Power Control and Trigger Output

12VDC, 25mA

Tube Complement

10 Tubes, Six - 12AX7A and Four - 12AT7

(per channel, viewed from top window)

High level - one 12AX7A and two 12AT7

(per channel viewed from Front Panel Window)

Four 12AX7A, two per channel

Power Requirements

Field AC Voltage conversion of the C12000 is not

possible. The C12000 is factory configured for one

of the following AC Voltages:

100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 watts

110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 watts

120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 watts

220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 watts

230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 watts

240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 watts

Standby Power, less than 0.5 watts

Note: Refer to the rear panel of the C12000C Controller for

the correct voltage.

Overall Dimensions

Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm)

Height is 6 inches (15.2cm) including feet

Depth is 19 inches (48.3cm) including the Front Panel,

Knobs and Cables

Weight

C12000 Controller -

27 pounds (12.3 kg) net,

42 pounds (19.5 kg) in shipping carton

C12000 Preamplifier -

25 pounds (11.3 kg) net,

40 pounds (17.7 kg) in shipping carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions

Width is 27 inches (68.6cm)

Height is 12 inches (30.5cm)

Depth is 25 inches (63.5cm)

Specications

Packing Instructions

Part List

Quantity Part Number Description

1 033838 Shipping carton only

2 034669 Side foam pad

1 033836 Inside carton only

1 034414 Top foam pad

1 034576 Bottom pad

4 017937 Plastic foot

4 400159 #10-32 x 3/4” screw

4 404080 #10-7/16” Flat washer

FOAM PLUG

ACCESSORIES

TOP FOAM

PAD

SIDE FOAM PAD

In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for

shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as

shown below. It is very important that the four plastic

feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment. This

will ensure the proper equipment location on the

bottom pad. Failure to do this will result in shipping

damage.

Use the original shipping carton and interior parts

only if they are all in good serviceable condition.

If a shipping carton or any of the interior part(s)

are needed, please call or write Customer Service

Department of McIntosh Laboratory. Refer to page 3.

Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers.

Note: The McIntosh C12000 Controller and C12000

Preamplifier use the same shipping carton.

Each unit carton includes separately packaged

accessories.

The continuous improvement of its products is the

policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who

reserve the right to improve design without notice.

Printed in the U.S.A.

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street

Binghamton, NY 13903

www.mcintoshlabs.com

McIntosh Part No. 24116102

McIntosh C12000 2-Channel Preamplifier

Product's Documents

C12000 Preamplifier Owner's Manual

Specifications

McIntosh C12000 Questions and Answers