McIntosh MA12000 2-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier User Manual

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

MA12000

Integrated Amplifier

Owner’s Manual

Thank you from all of us at

McIntosh

With the MA12000 Intergrated Amplier, 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 performance 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

Customer Service: (607) 723-3515

Fax: (607) 724-0549

Email: [email protected]

Website: mcintoshlabs.com

Important Safety Information is supplied in a separate document “Important Additional Operation Information Guide”

Make a Note

For future reference, you can jot down your serial

number and purchase information here. We can

identify your purchase from this information if the

occasion should arise.

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

Dealer Name

Trademark and License

Informaon

The McIntosh MA12000 incorporates copyright

protected technology that is protected by U.S. patents

and other intellectual property rights. The MA12000

uses the following Technologies:

Trademark License Information

ASIO is a trademark and

software of Steinberg Media

Technologies GmbH

Manufactured under license

from Dolby Laboratories.

Dolby, Dolby Audio, and

the double-D symbol

are trademarks of Dolby

Laboratories.

For DTS patents, see http://

patents.dts.com. Manufactured

under license from DTS, Inc.

DTS, the Symbol, DTS and

the Symbol together, and

Digital Surround are registered

trademarks and/or trademarks

of DTS, Inc. in the United

States and/or other countries.

The terms HDMI, HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia

Interface, and the HDMI Logo

are trademarks or registered

trademarks of HDMI Licensing

Administrator, Inc.

HIGH-DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE

Table of Contents

Thank you from all of us at McIntosh .................... 2

Make a Note ............................................................ 2

Trademark and License Information ...................... 3

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

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

Introduction ............................................................ 5

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

Dimensions ............................................................. 6

Installation .............................................................. 7

Rear Panel Connections .......................................... 8

Making Connections .............................................. 9

Phono/Unbalanced Inputs .................................. 9

Balanced/XLR Input and Output ...................... 9

RS232 ................................................................. 9

Wired IR Input ................................................... 9

Power Control (Trigger) Outputs ..................... 10

Passthru............................................................ 10

Data Out ........................................................... 10

Headphones .......................................................11

HDMI (ARC) and CEC ....................................11

Lip Sync Mode (ARC) ......................................11

HDMI and Optical Gain ...................................11

USB .................................................................. 12

Optical.............................................................. 12

Coax ................................................................. 12

MCT ................................................................. 12

Passthru Example ................................................. 13

Connecting for Bi-Amplification...........................14

How to use the Remote Control .............................16

Remote Control Diagram ......................................17

Trim Functions and Settings ..................................18

How to Operate the Setup Mode .......................... 20

Default Settings ............................................... 20

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

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

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

Power Control Triggers 1 and 2 ....................... 23

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

Passthru............................................................ 24

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

Remote Control Codes ..................................... 25

IR Sensor ......................................................... 25

Power Mode ..................................................... 25

Factory Reset ................................................... 26

Reset of Microprocessors................................. 26

How to Operate the MA12000 ........................ 27

Preamplifier Specifications ............................. 33

Digital Audio Specifications ........................... 34

General Specifications ..................................... 34

Packing Instructions ........................................ 35

Passthru Outputs.

Data Port Connectors

The 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 MA12000.

RS232-C Data Port Cable

The RS232 Data Cable is a 3.5mm

stereo mini phone plug to a sub miniature DB 9

connector:

Binding Connector

When cables with spade lugs are used for Loudspeaker

Connection, the spade lugs need an

opening of at least 3/10 inch (7.6mm)

McIntosh Plug-In Jumper Connector

The MA12000 utilizes two phono

style Plug-In Jumpers to connect the

Preamplifier Output to the Power

Amplifier Input.

Note: The Jumper Connector is available from the

McIntosh Parts Department:

McIntosh Jumper Connector

Part No. 11808000

Connector and Cable Informaon

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced

Connectors on the MA12000. Refer to the diagram for

connection:

PIN 1: Shield/Ground

PIN 2: + Output

PIN 3: - Output

Power Control and Trigger Connectors

The Power Control Trigger Output Jacks send and

Passthru Input Jack receives Power On/Off Signals

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

Components. An additional

connection is for controlling 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

General Informaon

1. For additional connection information, refer to the

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

to the MA12000.

2. Apply AC Power to the MA12000 and other

McIntosh Components only after all the system

components are connected together. Failure to do

so may cause a malfunction of system operations

as the Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside the

components is active when AC Power is applied.

3. The MA12000 includes a Power Mode Auto Off

Feature and the default setting is enabled. For

additional information including how to disable it,

refer to page 25.

4. When Power Amplifier Protection Circuitry of the

MA12000 has activated, the LEDs under the Tubes

illuminate the Tubes amber to alert you.

5. When the Power Transformer has overheated

due to improper ventilation and/or high ambient

operating temperature, AC Power is removed from

the MA12000. Normal operation will resume when

the operating temperature is in a safe range again.

6. For the best performance and safety, it is important

to always match the impedance of the Loudspeaker

to the Power Amplifier connections.

Note: The impedance of a Loudspeaker actually varies as

the Loudspeaker reproduces different frequencies. As a

result, the nominal impedance rating of the Loudspeaker

(usually measured at a midrange frequency) might not

always agree with the impedance of the Loudspeaker

at low frequencies where the greatest amount of power

is required. Contact the Loudspeaker Manufacturer for

additional information about the actual impedance of

the Loudspeaker before connecting it to the McIntosh

MA12000.

7. The MA12000 Remote Control is capable of

operating other components. For additional

information go to www.mcintoshlabs.com.

8. The IR Input, with a 1/8 inch mini phone jack, is

configured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as

a Xantech Model DL85K Kit. Use a Connection

Block such as a Xantech Model ZC21 when two

or more IR sensors need to be connected to the

MA12000. The signal from a connected External

IR Sensor will have priority over the signal from

the Front Panel IR Sensor.

9. When discarding the unit, comply with local

rules or regulations. Batteries should

never be thrown away or incinerated but

disposed of in accordance with the local

regulations concerning battery disposal.

10. For additional information on the

MA12000 and other McIntosh Products please visit

the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.

Data

Signal

N/C

Data

Ground

Power

Control

Meter

Illumination

Control

Ground

Main, Trig 1&2

and Pass-Thru

IR Data

Control

Ground

N/C

PIN 1

PIN 6

PIN 5

PIN 9

Data In

(DB9-pin2)

Ground

(DB9-pin5)

Data Out

(DB9-pin3)

DB9

(male connector)

3/10 of an inch

(7.6millimeters)

PIN 2 PIN 1

PIN 3

PIN 1

PIN 2

PIN 3

Introducon

Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh

standards of excellence in the MA12000 Integrated

Amplier. The Power Amplier section of the

MA12000, with a power output of 350 watts per

channel, will drive a pair of quality Loudspeakers to a

high level of performance.

The exible Preamplier section features four AX7A

Tubes and provides connections for various input

sources and may also be used to drive an external

Power Amplier(s).

The MA12000 reproduction is sonically transparent

and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The

Sound of the Music Itself.”

Performance Features

• Power Output with Patented Autoformer

The MA12000 consists of a 350 watts per channel

Power Amplifier with less than 0.005% distortion.

The McIntosh designed and manufactured Autoformer

allows connection of 2, 4 or 8 ohm Loudspeakers.

The Power Amplifier uses ThermalTrak™

Output

Transistors to minimize distortion and operating

temperature.

• Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection

McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage

protection circuits ensure the MA12000 will have a

long and trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal

Protection Circuits guard against overheating.

• Power Guard

The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents

amplifier clipping and protects your valuable

Loudspeakers. Tubes will glow amber when engaged.

ThermalTrak™ and ON Semiconductor are trademarks of

Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC

• Electronic Switching and Balanced Connections

The Preamplifier uses Logic Controlled

Electromagnetic Switches on all inputs and operating

functions for reliable, noiseless, signal switching.

There is a Balanced Input for connection of a source

component.

• Digital Audio Inputs

The Digital Inputs decode PCM and DSD Signals

from external sources. Coaxial, Optical and HMDI

Inputs process Digital Signals up to 192kHz with

24-Bit resolution. The Digital MCT Input Circuitry

directly decodes SACD/CD signals from an external

Transport component. The USB Input Port can

process streaming audio with 32-bit resolution up to

384kHz sampling rate. The Input Port can also process

DSD512 as well as DXD 24-bit signals up to the same

384kHz sampling rate.

• Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Inputs

The MA12000 has two precision Phono Preamplifier

Circuits for Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono

Cartridges. Both circuits use the latest designs to

provide the lowest possible noise, distortion and

flat frequency response. The MC and MM Phono

Cartridge Inputs have selectable loading.

• Eight Band Equalizer

The Equalizer Controls provide ±12dB signal gain at

center frequencies of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 1kHz,

2.5kHz and 10kHz. There is also an Equalizer Bypass

Mode to remove the Equalizer from the Signal Path of

any selected input.

• Multifunction Display and Power Meters

The Front Panel Display indicates source selection,

volume levels and setup functions. The Illuminated

Power Output Meters are peak responding, and

indicate the power output of the amplifier.

• 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 Ouputs may be assigned to activate when a

given Input/Output is selected.

• PassThru Mode

The Automatic PassThru Mode allows the MA12000

to become part of a Multichannel Sound System for

DVD-Audio, SACD and Home Theater Movies.

• Remote Control

The Data Ports together with the supplied Remote

Control provide control of McIntosh Source

Components connected to the MA12000.

• Special Power Supply

The large Power Transformer, multiple filter

capacitors with 280 Joules of Energy Storage and

regulated Power Supply, ensures stable noise free

operation even if the AC power line fluctuates.

• Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts

McIntosh Patented gold plated Binding Post deliver

high current output. They securely accept large

diameter wire and spade lugs. Banana plugs may also

be used but only in the United States and Canada.

• Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis

Finish

The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel

uses long life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and the

Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror Finish

ensures that the MA12000 will retain its pristine

beauty for many years.

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining

the best location for your MA12000. There is

additional information on the next page pertaining to

installing the MA12000 into cabinets.

Side View of the MA12000

3/16"

0.5cm

7/8"

2.2cm

19-3/4"

50.2cm

16-7/16"

41.8cm

8-1/4"

21.0cm

2-1/4"

5.7cm

12-3/4"

32.4cm

1-1/4"

3.2cm

17-1/2"

44.5cm

16-13/16"

42.7cm

7-15/16"

20.2cm

11-1/2"

29.2cm

8-13/16"

22.4cm

9-7/16"

24.0cm

USB 35%

DSD256

HEAD PHONE

2OUTP UTS EQUA LIZER

MUTE

STANDB Y/ON

RESE T

PUSH - TR IM

HOLD - SE TUP

TRIM / SE TUP

ADJUS T

VOLU ME

I P T

100 200 400 1k 2.5 k 10k

PUSH - TR IM

HOLD - SE TUP

N U

M A 1 2 0 0 0

I N T E G R A T E D A M P L I F I E R

PU SH PU S H PUS H

PU SH

FUSE

PUSH

MA1 200 0 INT EGRATED AM PLI FIER

McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC., BINGHAMTON, NY

HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS

R OUTPUT

8Ω

4Ω

2Ω

CLASS 2 WIRING

OUTPUT 2

BALANCED INPUTS

2R 2L 1R

L OUTPUT

8Ω

4Ω

2Ω

CLASS 2 WIRING

DATA PORTS

IR IN

RS232

EXT

CTRL

POWER CONTROL

OUTPUTS

MAIN

TRIG 1

PASSTHRU

INPUT

TRIG 2

SERVICE

PORT

120V 50/60Hz

6.6A

T 10AH 250V

FIXED 1 PWR AMP 1

OUTPUTS

UNBALANCED INPUTS

3 4 5 6

LRGND

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

SERIAL

NUMBER

GND

PHONO

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR

USB AUDIO

DA2 DIGITAL AUDIO MODULE

HDMI (ARC)

COAX 2

COAX 1

MCT

OPTICAL 2OPTICAL 1

DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS

SERIAL

NUMBER

Front View of the MA12000

Rear View of the MA12000

35 0

3.5

.35

P O W E R O U T P U T

- 50

- 30

DE CI BEL S

WAT TS

- 40

-2 0

-10

3.5

35 0

3.5

.35

P O W E R O U T P U T

- 50

- 30

DE CI BEL S

WAT TS

- 40

-2 0

-10

3.5

Installaon

The MA12000 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

MA12000 when it is custom installed as outlined

below. The four feet, together with the mounting

screws, should be retained for possible future use if

the MA12000 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

MA12000. Cool operation ensures the longest possible

operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not

install the MA12000 directly above a heat generating

component such as a high powered amplier. If all

the components are installed in a single cabinet, a

quiet running ventilation fan can be a denite 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 (15.24cm) above the top,

2 inches (5.08cm) below the bottom and 2 inches

(5.1cm) on each side of the Integrated Amplier,

so that airow is not obstructed. Allow 20 inches

(50.8cm) depth behind the front panel. Allow 1-7/6

inch (3.66cm) 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.

USB 35%

DSD256

HEADP HONE

2OUTPU TS EQUAL IZER

MUTE

STANDBY /ON

RESET

PUSH - TR IM

HOLD - SE TUP

TRIM / SE TUP

ADJUS T

VOLU ME

I P T

100 200 400 1k 2 .5k 10k

PUSH - TR IM

HOLD - SE TUP

N U

M A 1 2 0 0 0

I N T E G R A T E D A M P L I F I E R

8-5/16"

21.1cm

17-1/16"

43.3cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

MA12000 Front Panel

Custom Cabinet Cutout

Cutout

Opening

for

Ventilation

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

Support

Shelf

Cabinet

Front

Panel

Chassis

Spacers

MA12000 Side View

in Custom Cabinet

MA12000 Bottom View

in Custom Cabinet

9-1/2"

24.1cm

15.2cm

Opening

for Ventilation

16"

40.6cm

11-1/2"

29.2cm

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally

on the unit. For purposes of

clarity, the above illustration

is not drawn to scale.

10"

25.4cm

4-5/8"

11.8cm

35 0

3.5

P O W E R O U T P U T

- 50

- 30

DE CIB EL S

WAT TS

- 40

-2 0

-10

3.5

35 0

3.5

P O W E R O U T P U T

- 50

- 30

DE CIB EL S

WAT TS

- 40

-2 0

-10

3.5

Rear Panel Connecons

P U S H P U S H P U SH

P U S H

FUSE

PUSH

MA12000 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC., BINGHAMTON, NY

HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS

R OUTPUT

8Ω

4Ω

2Ω

CLASS 2 WIRING

OUTPUT 2

BALANCED INPUTS

2R 2L 1R

L OUTPUT

8Ω

4Ω

2Ω

CLASS 2 WIRING

DATA PORTS

IR IN

RS232

EXT

CTRL

POWER CONTROL

OUTPUTS

MAIN

TRIG 1

PASSTHRU

INPUT

TRIG 2

SERVICE

PORT

120V 50/60Hz

6.6A

T 10AH 250V

FIXED 1 PWR AMP 1

OUTPUTS

UNBALANCED INPUTS

3 4 5 6

LRGND

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

SERIAL

NUMBER

GND

PHONO

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR

USB AUDIO

DA2 DIGITAL AUDIO MODULE

HDMI (ARC)

COAX 2

COAX 1

MCT

OPTICAL 2OPTICAL 1

DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS

SERIAL

NUMBER

DATA PORTS (4) send signals to

Source Components to allow control

with the MA12000 Remote Control

SERVICE PORT for

service use only

IR INput for signals

from a compatible IR

Room Sensor

RS232 connector for

connection to a computer or

other control device

POWER CONTROL OUTPUTS

(Triggers) send power On/Off signals

to a McIntosh Component when the

MA12000 is switched On/Off

Left Loudspeaker

Binding Posts:

Positive 8 Ohm

Positive 4 Ohm

Positive 2 Ohm

Negative

Right Loudspeaker

Binding Posts:

Positive 8 Ohm

Positive 4 Ohm

Positive 2 Ohm

Negative

AC Power

Connector

Main Fuse holder,

refer to the back panel

of your MA12000 to

determine the correct

fuse size and consult the

Important Additional

Operation Information

Guide for more

information

FIXED OUTPUTS can

send signals to the input

of a recording device

OUTPUTS 1 sends signals to a

Power Amplier and is switched

On/Off with the Front Panel

Output 1 Push-Button or Remote

Control

JUMPER PLUGS connect the Preamplier

OUT-PUT 1 Jacks to the PWR AMP INPUTS

Jacks and are required for normal operation

UNBALANCED

INPUTS 1 thru 6

accept high level

program source signals

GND terminals

accepts ground wire

from a turntable

PHONO MM accepts

signals from a Moving

Magnet Phono

Cartridge

PHONO MC

accepts the low

level signals from

a Moving Coil

Phono Cartridge

BALANCED

INPUTS

1 and 2 accept

high level program

source signals

PASSTHRU Input

receives turn On/Off

signals from an Audio/

Video Processor

HDMI (ARC)

Input

USB Audio

Input Type B

COAX 1 & 2

Digital Coaxial

Inputs

OPTICAL 1 & 2

Digital Inputs

MCT McIntosh

Proprietary digital

connection

OUTPUT 2 send signals

to Power Amplier(s)

and is switched On/Off

with the Front Panel

Output 2 Push-Button or

Remote Control

Making Connecons

Phono/Unbalanced Inputs

Unbalanced Inputs such as the two PHONO INPUTS

and UNBALANCED INPUTS 1 through 6 use

RCA/phono cables (see Figure 01) to connect the

MA12000 to other components. Traditionally, the

red connector is used to connect the right channel.

You are free to break tradition but keep the channels

straight or left and right might be reversed.

The MA12000 can accept the analog input from a

wide variety on components such as CD players,

tuners, and turntables. There are two sets of

unbalanced inputs dedicated for turntable

connections which allow customization of the input

level. See “Phono Adjustments” on page 28 . The

signal strength from phono cartridges vary and are

lower than the line level received from most other

components. The turntable will also have a ground

connection which should be secured to the

MA12000’s GND Binding Post to eliminate ground

hum. Turn the Binding Post counterclockwise to

loosen and attach the ground wire. Turn the Binding

Post clockwise to secure the ground connection.

The MC PHONO INPUT should be used for low

output Moving Coil Cartridges. The MM PHONO

INPUT should be used for Moving Magnet and high

output Moving Coil Cartridges.

Balanced/XLR Input and Output

The BALANCED INPUT allows a source to be

connected using XLR (balanced) cables if the source

has this option.

XLR cables can also be used to connect the

MA12000 to an external amplier. OUTPUT 2 has a

pair of XLR connectors labeled R for Right and L for

Left. To use the XLR output, connect the OUTPUT

2 R jack to the right input of your amplier and

OUTPUT 2 L jack to the amplier’s left input.

Below is the Pin conguration for the XLR Balanced

Input and Output Connectors on the MA12000.

Refer to the diagrams for connections:

PIN 1: Shield/Ground

PIN 2: + Signal

PIN 3: - Signal

RS232

The RS232 jack is used to connect the MA12000

to automation controller devices with RS232

connectors. To utilize this feature, you will need an

appropriate RS232

Data Cable. The

RS232 Data Cable

should be an 1/8

inch (3.5mm) stereo

mini phone plug to

a subminiature DB9

connector.

RS232 DB9 Connector Pin Layout

1. N/C (no connection) 6. N/C

2. Data In (RXD) 7. N/C

3. Data Out (TXD) 8. N/C

4. N/C 9. N/C

5. Gnd

Typical RS232 settings are:

• 8 data bits, no parity and one stop bit

• Baud rate xed at 115,200 bits per second

The baud rate can be changed in the Setup. See

“Comm Port Baud Rate” on page 24.

Wired IR Input

The IR Input allows an external IR receiver to be

attached to the MA12000. The Input is labeled IR

IN. By attaching an IR receiver using a 3.5mm cable

(Figure 09), the MA12000’s Remote Control can be

used in another location without a line-of-sight to the

MA12000’s front IR sensor.

IR Data

Control

Ground

N/C

If using an external IR receiver for the MAIN ZONE

in the same room as the MA12000, you may wish

to disable the front IR sensor. This will avoid

potential timing issues of receiving the Remote

Control’s commands from two different Inputs. The

Figure 01– RCA/Phono cables

PIN 1

PIN 2

PIN 3

Figure 02– XLR pin diagram

Figure 03– Mini plug for RS232

connection

Data In

(DB9-pin2)

Ground

(DB9-pin5)

Data Out

(DB9-pin3)

Figure 04– DB9 connector pin layout

Figure 05– IR 3.5mm connector

front IR can be turned on/off by doing the following:

• Press and Hold the Left Knob for two seconds

• Turn the Left Knob to the menu choice

“SETUP: Front IR”

• Turn the Right Knob clockwise for Enabled

(on) or counterclockwise (off)

• Press and release the Left Knob to exit the

Setup menu

AC Power

This connection is essential. Plug the female end of

the supplied AC Power Cord into the AC connector

(standard 15 ampere IEC) located in the rear right

corner of the MA12000. Plug the male end of the

AC Power Cord into a grounded and functioning AC

outlet.

Power Control (Trigger) Outputs

The MA12000 has three Power Control Outputs or

Triggers:

• MAIN

• TRIG 1

• TRIG 2

Power Control enables power on/off signals to go to

connected components so that other components can

automatically power on (or off) as called for by the

MA12000.

Connect components to the Triggers using a 3.5mm

stereo mini plug. See Figure 06. The Triggers work

by sending on/off signals in the form of +12 volt/0

volt to connected McIntosh components. See “Power

Control Triggers 1 and 2” on page 23.

Power

Control

Meter

Illumination

Control

Ground

Passthru

The MA12000’s PASSTHRU feature allows

your 2-channel system to be incorporated into a

multichannel system, typically as the left and right

front speakers. When the connected unit (Master)

powers on, it will take control of your MA12000.

The MA12000 will send the signal to your amplier

and speakers at a volume controlled by the Master.

The MA12000 preamplier is now a slave to

the source unit and you cannot control the sound

from this unit until the source unit is shutoff or

disconnected.

To use the PASSTHRU feature, connect the

controlling unit to the MA12000’s PASSTHRU

connector using the same type of cable as used for

Power Control (Trigger) Outputs. The MA12000

PASSTHRU jack should be connected to a Power

Control Trigger Output of the controlling unit.

To enable (or disable) PASSTHRU, enter Setup.

When enabled, an Input must be assigned to

PASSTHRU. When in PASSTHRU mode, the

MA12000 will send the signal from the assigned

Input to the MA12000’s Outputs. The volume will be

dictated by the controlling unit.

To turn off or assign an Input for PASSTHRU:

• Press and Hold the Left Knob for two seconds

• Turn the Left Knob to the menu choice

“SETUP: PASSTHRU”

• Turn the Right Knob to scroll through the

following options:

• Off

• Balanced

• Unbal 1

• Unbal 2

(Note: if you have changed an Input’s

name, the new name will appear.)

• Press and release the Left Knob to exit Setup.

Your choice will be saved

When in PASSTHRU mode, control of the

MA12000 is limited to the Trim functions: DISPLAY

BRIGHTNESS and AMP METER LIGHT. To

regain controls, the Controlling unit must be shut (or

Power Control cable removed from the PASSTHRU

connector.)

For an example Passthru diagram, see “Passthru

Example” on page 13.

Data Out

The MA12000 will convert IR Remote Control data

to share with McIntosh components connected to

the DATA PORTS. This will allow units that are

out of range of an IR signal to receive commands.

A McIntosh source can thereby be controlled by the

MA12000 Remote.

There are four DATA PORTS labeled 1 through 4.

To connect a McIntosh unit to a Data Port, use a

3.5mm stereo mini phone plug cable, see Figure 07.

Data

Signal

N/C

Data

Ground

Figure 06– Power control (trigger) mini plug

Figure 07– Data Port mini plug

Headphones

The MA12000 features High Drive Headphone

Amplication. The output of the High Drive

Headphone Amplication provides plenty of

power with the exibility to utilize a wide range

of headphones types including high impedance

headphones.

Connect your headphones using a stereo ¼ inch

plug to the HEADPHONES jack on the right of the

INPUT Knob. The initial volume of the headphones

will be the last volume used for headphones with a

startup limit of 70. When headphones are connected,

the other outputs will be muted unless this default

setting is changed in Setup.

The MA12000 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 listening. HXD can be enabled or

disabled in Trim functions when headphones are

plugged in. The default is for the HXD circuit to

be on. To change the HXD setting:

• With headphones attached, press and

release the Left Knob (INPUT) to enter

Trim

• Turn Left Knob to the “HEADPHONE

HXD” screen

• Turn the Right Knob (VOLUME) to

choose On or Off

• Press and release the Left Knob to exit

(Trim screen will time-out and exit after

around 10 seconds of no input)

HDMI (ARC) and CEC

The MA12000 HDMI Input Connector has (ARC)

Audio Return Channel Circuitry, allowing the Audio

Selection and Control Command of HDMI TV/

Monitor Devices. To function properly, make sure

this feature is enabled in your TV’s setup menu.

To Activate or deactivate the Consumer Electronics

Control (CEC) functions of Volume or Power

control of the HDMI Devices connected to the

HDMI input, perform the following steps:

• Press and hold the Left Knob (INPUT) for two

seconds to enter Setup

• Rotate the Left Knob to the “SETUP: HDMI

CEC VOL” screen or the “SETUP: HDMI

CEC PWR” screen

• Turn the Right Knob (VOLUME) to

choose On or Off

• Press and release the Left Knob to exit

Lip Sync Mode (ARC)

The MA12000 HDMI Input Connector (ARC)

Audio Return Channel Circuitry, also has another

control function. When listening and viewing a TV/

Monitor HDMI Input Signal, the ARC circuitry

provides a synchronized Video and Audio TV/

Monitor Signal automatically.

To toggle the AUTO Synchronised Video and

AudioTV/Monitor Signal (or Lip Sync Mode) from

Auto to Manual, perform the following steps:

• Press and hold the Left Knob (INPUT) for two

seconds to enter Setup

• Rotate the Left Knob to the “SETUP: Lip

Sync Mode” screen

• Turn the Right Knob (VOLUME) to

choose Auto or Manual

• Press and release the Left Knob to exit

When Lip Sync Mode is set to Manual, an additional

Trim option will be available “HDMI LIP SYNC

DELAY” This allows an audio delay of between

0ms and 150ms to be manually set in 10ms

increments. To set delay:

• Press and release the Left Knob (INPUT)

to enter Trim

• Turn Left Knob to the “HDMI LIP SYNC

DELAY” screen

• Turn the Right Knob (VOLUME) adjust

the delay value from 0ms to 150ms

• Press and release the Left Knob to exit

(Trim screen will time-out and exit after

around 10 seconds of no input)

HDMI and Opcal Gain

Many video sources such as broadcast video to

television sets have sound levels that are lower than

typical music sources. Because of this, a volume

boost has been added to the HDMI input making

it louder. The ability to adjust the volume boost of

the Optical input has been added so that the Optical

input could be boosted as needed.

• Press and hold the Left Knob (INPUT) for two

seconds to enter Setup

• Rotate the Left Knob to the “SETUP: Digital

Gain” screen

• Press and hold the Left Knob for two seconds

• Turn the Left Knob to choose the Input

(HDMI, OPTI 1 or OPTI 2) to adjust

• Turn the Right Knob (VOLUME) to adjust the

Gain from 0dB to 15dB in 1dB increments

• Press and release the Left Knob to exit the

USB

The USB input of the MA12000 provides the

capability to play music from a connected computer.

Software Requirements

Apple

Macintosh

computers require OS-10.6.8 or

later. Apple computers require no additional driver

install to communicate with the MA12000.

For Windows-based computers (PC), Windows 7

(SP1) or later is required. The correct McIntosh

USB Audio driver must be installed for the PC to

communicate with the MA12000.

To install the McIntosh USB Driver for Windows-

based computers:

Download the latest driver from the McIntosh

website: https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/

integrated-ampliers/MA12000

The driver can be found in the Downloads section

of the webpage under Software Updates. Choose the

DA2 Digital Audio Module: McIntosh USB Audio

Windows Driver

• Unzip the McIntosh_UsbAudio le

• Run the File

• Choose “Yes” to allow changes to your

computer (see Figure 08)

• Follow software prompts selecting “Next” or

“Install” as needed

• Click “Finish” when drvier is installed

Next, connect the Computer to the MA12000 using a

USB 2.0 Cable Type A to Type B (see Figure 09)

Windows should detect the new device (if you

installed the driver software as directed above) and

install the driver as indicated by a message in the

lower part of your monitor.

You can use the Windows Control Panel to select the

new audio device which will appear as “McIntosh

HD-HS2 USB Audio”. You may also select this

driver in many third-party applications such as

JRiver Media Center.

The MA12000’s display will show the sampling rate

or bit rate for the USB input.

Opcal

The two Optical Inputs allow digital sources to be

connected to the MA12000 using TOSLINK cables

also known as “optical audio cables.” The Optical

Inputs can handle high resolution digital audio up

to 192kHz/24-bit. The MA12000 DAC will process

standard format SPDIF PCM signals as well as

Dolby Digital and DTS encoded multi-channel bit

streams. Unsupported formats can result in strange

and/or unpleasant sounds.

Coax

The two Digital Coax (Coaxial) Inputs allow digital

sources to be connected to the MA12000 using

Digital Audio RCA Coaxial Cables. The Coax

Inputs can handle high resolution digital audio up

to 192kHz/24-bit. The MA12000 DAC will process

standard format SPDIF PCM signals as well as

Dolby Digital and DTS encoded multi-channel bit

streams. Remember, unsupported formats can result

in strange and/or unpleasant sounds.

MCT

The Digital MCT Input Circuitry of the MA12000

directly decodes SACD/CD signals (as well as PCM)

from an external Transport component. With MCT,

a secure digital connection is created, allowing for

the playback of the high denition audio found on

SACDs. Regular CDs can also be played over the

MCT connection. Use an MCT cable to connect the

MCT din jacks from the source to the MA12000. The

Digital MCT Cable is a McIntosh custom designed

cable and is included with McIntosh Transports.

The MCT cable is part number 171923 and can be

ordered from the McIntosh Parts Department.

Figure 08– Installing USB driver

software

Figure 09– USB Cable

Passthru Example

The MA12000 can be part of a Multichannel Sound

System for BLU-RAY Audio, DVD Audio and Home

Theater Movies. The Right and Left Front Channels

from an Audio/Video Control Center can “Passthru”

the MA12000. In the following example the

UNBALANCED 6 Input will become the “Passthru”

input:

1. Connect Audio Cables from the A/V Processor

FL (Front Left) and FR (Front Right) Channel

Outputs to the MA12000 UNBALANCED

Number 6 INPUTS Left and Right Jacks.

2. Connect a Control Cable from the A/V Processor

TRIGger 2 Output to the MA12000 POWER

CONTROL PASSTHRU INPUT Jack.

See “Passthru” on page 10 for more information..

PU S H PU S H P US H

PU S H

FUSE

PUSH

MA12000 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC., BINGHAMTON, NY

HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS

R OUTPUT

8Ω

4Ω

2Ω

CLASS 2 WIRING

OUTPUT 2

BALANCED INPUTS

2R 2L 1R

L OUTPUT

8Ω

4Ω

2Ω

CLASS 2 WIRING

DATA PORTS

IR IN

RS232

EXT

CTRL

POWER CONTROL

OUTPUTS

MAIN

TRIG 1

PASSTHRU

INPUT

TRIG 2

SERVICE

PORT

120V 50/60Hz

6.6A

T 10AH 250V

FIXED 1 PWR AMP 1

OUTPUTS

UNBALANCED INPUTS

3 4 5 6

GND

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

SERIAL

NUMBER

GND

PHONO

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR

USB AUDIO

DA2 DIGITAL AUDIO MODULE

HDMI (ARC)

COAX 2

COAX 1

MCT

OPTICAL 2OPTICAL 1

DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS

SERIAL

NUMBER

A/V Processor

Connecng for Bi-Amplicaon

The MA12000 Power Amplifier Circuitry, together

with an additional separate Power Amplifier, may

be used to Bi-Amplify a Loudspeaker System. In

the illustration on this page, the Power Amplifier of

the MA12000 is connected to the Midrange/High

Frequency Section of the Loudspeaker. The additional

separate Power Amplifier is connected to the Low

Frequency Section of the Loudspeaker System.

Warning: The Loudspeaker System used for

Bi-Amplification must have the

jumpers removed from between the

MID/HIGH and LOW Frequency

Sections of the Loudspeaker System.

Failure to remove them could result

in damage to the MA12000 and/or

the separate Power Amplifier.

MA12000 Connections:

1. Remove the “McIntosh Jumpers” from between

the OUTPUT 1 Jacks and the PWR AMP In Jacks

located on the Rear Panel of the MA12000.

Note: Place the “McIntosh Jumper” in a safe place

for possible future use.

2. Using a pair of shielded RCA Type Audio “Y”

Adapters connect the OUTPUT 1 Jacks to the

PWR AMP In Jacks, for both Left and Right

Channels.

3. Connect the remaining unconnected part of the

“Y” Adapters to the separate Power Amplifier.

4. Referring to “How to Connect Loudspeakers”

on page 15, and the owner’s manuals for your

Power Amplifier and Loudspeaker, connect the

MA12000 Binding Post to the Loudspeaker MID/

HIGH Input Terminals.

Note: The Loudspeaker Connection illustrations

on this page are for the Left Channel.

Connect the Right Channel Loudspeaker in

the same manner.

PU S H PU S H P US H

PU S H

FUSE

PUSH

MA12000 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC., BINGHAMTON, NY

HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS

R OUTPUT

8Ω

4Ω

2Ω

CLASS 2 WIRING

OUTPUT 2

BALANCED INPUTS

2R 2L 1R

L OUTPUT

8Ω

4Ω

2Ω

CLASS 2 WIRING

DATA PORTS

IR IN

RS232

EXT

CTRL

POWER CONTROL

OUTPUTS

MAIN

TRIG 1

PASSTHRU

INPUT

TRIG 2

SERVICE

PORT

120V 50/60Hz

6.6A

T 10AH 250V

FIXED 1 PWR AMP 1

OUTPUTS

UNBALANCED INPUTS

3 4 5 6

GND

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

SERIAL

NUMBER

GND

PHONO

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR

USB AUDIO

DA2 DIGITAL AUDIO MODULE

HDMI (ARC)

COAX 2

COAX 1

MCT

OPTICAL 2OPTICAL 1

DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS

SERIAL

NUMBER

Left Channel

Loudspeaker

“Y” adapter Cable

Caution: Do not connect the AC Power Cord to

the MA12000 Rear Panel until after the

Loudspeaker Connections are made. Failure to

observe this could result in Electric Shock.

The McIntosh MA12000 Power Amplifier Circuitry

is designed for Loudspeakers with an impedance

of 2 ohms, 4 ohms or 8 ohms. Connect a single

Loudspeaker only to the Right and Left Binding Post.

When connecting Loudspeakers to the MA12000

it is very important to use cables of adequate size,

to minimize power loss in the cables. The size is

specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG (American Wire

Gauge). The smaller the Gauge number, the larger the

wire size:

Loudspeaker Cable Distance vs Wire Gauge Guide

Loudspeaker

Impedance

25 feet

(7.62 meters)

or less

50 feet

(15.24 meters)

or less

100 feet

(30.48 meters)

or less

2 Ohms

12AWG 10AWG 8AWG

4 Ohms

14AWG 12AWG 10AWG

8 Ohms

16AWG 14AWG 12AWG

1. Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cable for

attachment to the MA12000 Power Amplifier

Circuitry:

Bare wire cable ends:

Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the

cable ends, refer to figures F, G & H. If the cable

is stranded, carefully twist the strands together

as tightly as possible.

Notes: 1. If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned

with solder to keep the strands together.

2. The prepared bare wire cable ends may be

inserted into spade lug connectors.

3. Banana plugs are for use in the United

States and Canada only.

Banana Plugs are for use in the United States and

Canada only:

2. Attach the previously prepared

bare wire cable ends into the

banana plugs and secure the

connections. Refer to figure I.

3. Rotate the Binding Post clockwise

until it is nger tight. Refer to

gure J. Then using the McIntosh

Wrench, rotate the top of the Binding

Post one quarter of a turn (90°). Do

not over tighten. Refer to gure E.

4. Referring to figure K, connect the

Loudspeaker hookup cables with

banana plugs into the hole at the

top of the terminal

to the MA12000

Negative Binding Post

and Positive Binding

Post indentified as 2Ω

(ohms), 4Ω (ohms) or 8Ω

(ohms) connection to match the impedance of the

Loudspeaker, being careful to observe the correct

polarities.

If the Loudspeaker’s impedance is in-between

the available connections, use the nearest lower

impedance connection. Refer to “General

Information” Note 6 on page 4 for additional

information.

WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazardous

live and present a risk of electric

shock. For additional instruction on

making Loudspeaker Connections

contact your McIntosh Dealer or

McIntosh Technical Support.

5. Connect the MA12000 power cord to an active AC

outlet.

Spade Lug or Wire Connections:

6. Connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables to the

MA12000 Negative Binding and Positive Binding

indentified as 2Ω (ohms), 4Ω (ohms) or 8Ω

(ohms) connection to match the impedance of the

Loudspeaker, being careful to observe the correct

polarities. Insert the spade lug connector or

Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts

When connecting the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables to

the MA12000 Amplifier Binding Posts please follow

the steps below:

1. Rotate the top of the Binding

Post counterclockwise until

an opening appears. Refer to

gures A and B.

2. Insert the Loudspeaker

hookup cable into the Binding

Post opening or the cable

spade lug around the center

post. Refer to gure C.

3. Rotate the top of the Binding

Post clockwise until it is nger

tight. Refer to gure D.

4. Place the supplied McIntosh

Wrench over the top of the

Binding Post and rotate it

one quarter of a turn (90°) to

secure the Loudspeaker Cable

Connection. Do not over

tighten. Refer to gure E.

How to Connect Loudspeakers

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

Figure A

Opening

Figure B

Figure C Figure D

Figure E

Figure J

Figure I

Figure K

prepared section of the cable end into the terminal

side access hole, and tighten the terminal cap until

the cable is firmly clamped into the Binding Post

so the lugs or wire cannot slip out. Refer to figures

L and M.

If the Loudspeaker’s impedance is in-between

the available connections, use the nearest lower

impedance connection.

Note: The impedance of a Loudspeaker actually

varies as the Loudspeaker reproduces different

frequencies. As a result, the nominal impedance

rating of the Loudspeaker (usually measured at a

midrange frequency) might not always agree with the

impedance of the Loudspeaker at low frequencies

where the greatest amount of power is required.

Contact the Loudspeaker Manufacturer for additional

information about the actual impedance of the

Loudspeaker before connecting it to the McIntosh

MA12000.

WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazardous live

and present a risk of electric shock. For additional

instruction on making Loudspeaker Connections

contact your McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Technical

Support.

7. Connect the MA12000 power cord to an active AC

outlet.

Figure L

Figure M

How to use the Remote Control

The supplied MA12000 Remote Control (HR085)

is capable of directly controlling the functions

of contemporary McIntosh Source Components

connected to the MA12000 via the Data Ports.

Notes: 1. If at any time the MA12000 seems

unresponsive to the HR085 Remote Control

Commands, press the DEVICE Push-

button to select first.

2. For additional information on using the

HR085 Remote Control with the McIntosh

Model, please refer to the “How to Operate”

starting on page 27.

3. For additional information on assigning the

Data Ports, refer to “Data Ports” on page

23.

Trim

Press the TRIM Push-button until the desired Trim

function (Balance, Trim Level, etc.) appears on the

MA12000 Front Panel Display, then press the LEVEL

Up or Down Push-button to adjust the Trim setting.

Note: Press the TRIM Push-button to recall the last

Trim function selected.

Output Selection

Press the BLUE (Setup) Push-button followed by

the AM (Output 1) or FM (Output 2) Push-button, to

control the Rear Panel Audio OUTPUTS 1, 2 (ON or

OFF) and Power Control TRIG 1 / TRIG 2.

Note: For additional information on assigning the

Outputs (1 and 2) and Power Control Triggers (1

and 2) refer to pages 22 and 23.

Note: Push-buttons whose function is not identified

above are for use with other McIntosh Products.

Press to Power the Integrated Amplifier ON

Use to select tuner presets, direct

access an AM/FM Station Frequency,

disc tracks or any numbered operation

Mutes the audio

Adjusts the VOLume level up or down

Selects FM Tuner Operating Functions, select Output 2

when used with the SETUP/shift Push-button and Track

Selection on certain McIntosh CD Players

LEDs illuminate when sending a remote command

and when programming the remote control

Press the Trim Push-button and then the

LEVEL UP Push-button to select and adjust

various functions. MENU is used with

McIntosh Models displaying choices on a

video screen

Press to Power the Integrated Amplifier OFF

Scrolls through the available INPUTs

Used to SELECT/Enter the indicated choice

Use p and q to tune Up or Down the AM/FM

Dial, use u and t for the next or previous HD

Radio Program (were applicable)

Activates the TRIM Mode. GUIDE is

used with McIntosh Models displaying

instructions on a video screen

Press to change Broadcast BANDs on a

connected Tuner. Select certain functions

on a variety of McIntosh Models

Select the DEVICE to select the target

for the remote control’s commands

Direct access to stored Tuner PRESETS when

used with the numeric Push-buttons (0 thru 9)

Press the Trim Push-button and then the

LEVEL DOWN Push-button to select and

adjust various functions. INFO is used with

McIntosh Models displaying information on

a video screen

Selects transport functions of STOP,

PLAY/PAUSE, RECORD, BACK

for the previous-selection, FAST-

REVERSE, FAST-FORWARD and

NEXT for the next selection

Selects Previous Tuner Station PRESET

Tuner scans Down the dial

to SEEK the next Station

Selects Next Tuner Station PRESET

Tuner scans Up the dial to

SEEK the next Station

SETUP Push-button is used as a

“Shift Key” to select a function

with blue color nomenclature

Selects AM Tuner Operating Functions, select Output 1

when used with the SETUP/shift Push-button and Track

Selection on certain McIntosh CD Players

EXIT the TRIM Menu and is used with McIntosh

Models displaying information or choices on a video

screen

Remote Control Diagram

Trim Funcons and Sengs

The Trim Functions allow you to make changes

quickly to many different settings. To access the Trim

Menus:

• Press and release the Left (INPUT) Knob

• Navigate by turning the Left Knob

• Change settings by turning the Right

(VOLUME) Knob

or use the Remote Control as described “How to use

the Remote Control” on page 16.

Trim Function Default Settings

BALANCE

Center

Transitions between full left and full right

INPUT TRIM

0dB

-12 dB to +12 dB in 1 dB increments,

EQUALIZER

Off

On or Off

MONO / STEREO

Stereo

Mono or Stereo

METER LIGHTS

On or Off

TUBE LIGHTS

On or Off

DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS

100%

Brightness adjustments: 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%

HDMI LIP SYNC DELAY

(This will only display

when the current INPUT is

HDMI and Lips Sync Mode

is set to Manual)

0 ms Between 0 ms and 150 ms in 10 ms increments

USB 35%

DSD256

HEADPHONE

2OUTPUTS EQUALIZER

MUTE

STANDBY/ON

RESET

PUSH - TRIM

HOLD - SETUP

TRIM / SETUP

ADJUST

VOLUME

I P T

100 200 400 1k 2.5k 10k

PUSH - TRIM

HOLD - SETUP

N U

M A 1 2 0 0 0

I N T E G R A T E D A M P L I F I E R

350

3.5

.35

P O W E R O U T P U T

- 50

- 30

D E C I B E L S

WA T T S

- 40

- 20

-10

3.5

350

3.5

.35

P O W E R O U T P U T

- 50

- 30

D E C I B E L S

WA T T S

- 40

- 20

-10

3.5

IR Sensor receives

commands from a

Remote Control

STANDBY/ON Push-button with

indicator switches the MA12000

ON or OFF (Standby) and resets the

microprocessors

MUTE Push-button mutes the

audio from the Loudspeakers

and Headphones

Right Channel

Amplifier Output

Meter

Two left Tubes will glow amber

when the Left Channel Amplifier

POWER GUARD circuit activates

and during Tube Warmup.

Left Channel

Amplifier Output

Meter

Two right Tubes will glow amber

when the Right Channel Amplifier

POWER GUARD circuit activates

and during Tube Warmup

OUTPUT 1 and 2 Push-buttons

with indicators, switch Preamplifier

Output (Loudspeakers) 1 and 2 On

or Off

INFORMATION DISPLAY indicates the

Sources, Volume, other Audio Settings,

Operational Functions and Setup Mode

Settings

EQUALIZER Push-button with

indicator, when deactivated

the audio signal bypasses the

Equalizer Controls

EQUALIZER Controls increase or decrease

the volume levels at the Center Frequencies

of 25Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz 400Hz,

1,000Hz, 2,500Hz and 10,000Hz

VOLUME Control allows

adjustment of the listening

level for both channels. Also

used to change the various

TRIM and SETUP Functions

Connection for low impedance

dynamic headphones, for private

listening

INPUT Control used to

select a source for listening

and recording. The control is

also used to enter the TRIM

or SETUP Modes and select

the various functions

How to Operate the Setup Mode

Your McIntosh MA12000 has been factory configured

to allow immediate 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 provided to customize the operating settings using

the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to the

MA12000 Front Panel Illustration on the previous

page while performing the following steps.

Note: If the MA12000 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 MA12000.

The MA12000 will go through a brief startup

initialization with the Front Panel Information

Display first indicating “MA12000”, followed by

the last used source and volume setting. This is

followed by the volume setting indication starting

at zero and then increasing to the last used volume

setting. Refer to figure 1.

2. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until

the Front Panel Information Display indicates

“MA12000 V1.00, (or higher Main Firmware

version) - S/N: AFG____” (Serial Number).

Refer to figure 2.

3. Rotate the INPUT Control to select the Setup

Mode Menu item, “SETUP: Inputs, (Hold

INPUT)”. Continue to rotate the INPUT

CONTROL to view the other SETUP Mode

Options. Refer to figure 3.

4. To exit from the SETUP Mode, press and hold in

the INPUT Control and the Front Panel Display

will indicate its normal display. Refer to figure 1.

Default Sengs

The Default Settings Chart below indicates the

Function Name, Default Setting and options.

Default Settings

Function Name Default Options.

MA12000 V_._ _

DA2 V_._ _

INPUTS On / Rename Off

OUTPUTS (1 & 2) Switched Unswitched

Output (Headphones) Mute All Mute No Outputs

TRIGGER 1 Output 1 Main, Output 2

TRIGGER 2 Output 2 Main, Output 1

DATA PORTS

(1 thru 4)

All Data Specific Input

PASSTH RU

OFF

BAL or UNBAL

Inputs

HDMI CEC PWR/VOL ON Off

Lip Sync Mode Auto Manual

HDMI/OPTI 1 or 2 Gain 0dB 0db to 15dB

RS232 (Rate) 115200 Baud 9600 to 115200

Remote Control Codes Normal Alternate

Front IR Sensor Enabled Disabled

Auto-Off Enabled Disabled

Figure 2

MA12000 V1.00

S/N: AFG____

Figure 1

BAL 1 15%

Input Sengs

The MA12000 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

connected to it or any other custom name desired

(within 10 Characters).

INPUT SWITCHED ON/OFF:

Firmware Version

The MA12000 functionality is controlled by internal

software that is know as Firmware. There are two

Firmware Identification Numbers for the MA12000.

The first Firmware Number is for the Main Circuitry

of the MA12000 and can be identified at any time by

utilizing the Setup Mode.

1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter

Setup Mode.

2. Referring to the Front Panel Information

Displaythe number after the character “V” is the

Firmware number. Refer to figure 2.

To view the second Firmware Number, which is for

the Digital Audio Circuitry of the MA12000, perform

the following steps:

3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter

Setup Mode.

4. Rotate the INPUT Control until the Front Panel

Information Display indicates “DA2 Firmware,

V1.00” (or higher Digital Audio Firmware

version). Refer to figure 4.

5. To exit the Setup Mode, press the INPUT Control.

Figure 3

SETUP: Inputs

(Hold INPUT)

Figure 4

DA2 FIRMWARE

V1.00

select the BAL Input. Refer to figure 8.

14. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until

“RENAME: BAL, >BAL < ” appears on the

Display. The character “B” is flashing to indicate

it is ready to be changed. Refer to figure 9.

15. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to change

the character “B” to “M”. Refer to figure 10.

16. Rotate the INPUT Control until the character “A”

is flashing, then rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST)

Control to change the character “A” to “E”. Refer

to figure 11.

Repeat this process until the desired word is spelled

(in this case “MEDIA SVR”). Refer to Figure 17.

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

INPUT Control until “SETUP: MEDIA SVR ON

/ Rename” appears on the Front Panel Information

SETUP MODE.

7. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Inputs,

(Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information

Display.

8. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until

“SETUP: UNBAL 4, Off” appears on the Display.

If necessary rotate the INPUT Control to select the

UNBAL 4 Input. Refer to figure 6.

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

VOLUME Control until the display indicates

“SETUP: UNBAL 4, On / Name”.

10. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the

INPUT Control.

RENAME INPUT:

In the following example, the BAL (BALANCED)

Input will be renamed to MEDIA SVR).

The MA12000 Default Input Names (UNBAL 1,

BAL, COAX 1, etc.) as indicated on the Front Panel

Display can be customized to a different name up to

ten characters long (TUNER, CD PLAYER, 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 BAL Input will be

renamed to “MEDIA SVR”.

11. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE.

12. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Inputs,

(Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information

Display. Refer to figure 7.

13. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until

“SETUP: BAL, On / Rename” appears on the

Display. If necessary rotate the INPUT Control to

In the following example, the UNBAL 4 Input will be

switched Off.

Note: When an INPUT is swiched 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 and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Inputs,

(Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information

Display.

3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until

“SETUP: UNBAL 4, On / Name (Hold INPUT)”

appears on the Display. If necessary rotate the

INPUT Control to select the UNBAL 4 Input.

Refer to figure 5.

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

VOLUME Control until the display indicates

“SETUP: UNBAL 4, Off”. Refer to figure 6.

5. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the

INPUT Control.

In the following example, the UNBAL 4 Input will be

switched On.

Notes: 1. When an INPUT is swiched ON, its name will

appear on the Front Panel Information Display

when using the INPUT Control (Front Panel or

Remote Control).

6. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

Figure 6

SETUP: UNBAL 4

Off

Figure 8

SETUP: BAL

On / Rename

Figure 10

RENAME: BAL

>MAL <

Figure 11

RENAME: OPTI

>MEL <

Figure 7

SETUP: Inputs

(Hold INPUT)

Figure 9

RENAME: BAL

>BAL <

Figure 5

SETUP: UNBAL 4

On/Name (Hold INPUT)

Figure 17

RENAME: BAL

>MEDIA SVR <

from the “Switched” setting to “Unswitched”.

Refer to figure 21.

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

change the OUTPUT 2 setting. Refer to figures 22

and 23.

The MA12000 Default Setting for using Headphones

is to automatically mute all the Output Connectors

when the Headphone Cable Plug is inserted into the

MA12000 Front Panel HEADPHONES Jack. There

are two available settings:

Mute All Outputs

Mute No Outputs

6. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP:

HEADPHONES, Mute All Outputs ” appears on

the Information Display. Refer to figure 24.

7. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to change

the current HEADPHONES setting from “Mute

All Outputs” to “Mute No Outputs”. Refer to

figure 25.

8. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the

INPUT Control.

Output Sengs

The Output Settings provide the ability to change how

the MA12000 Output 1, Output 2 and Headphones

function.

OUTPUT 1 and 2:

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

using the Front Panel OUTPUT 1 and 2 Push-buttons

or by using the OUTPUT 1 and 2 Push-buttons on the

Remote Control. If it is desirable to have OUTPUT 1

and/or 2 always On regardless of the OUTPUT 1 and

2 Push-button settings, perform the following:

1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Outputs,

(Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information

Display. Refer to figure 19.

3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until

“SETUP: OUTPUT 1, Switched” appears on the

Display. Refer to figure 20.

4. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to change

Display. Refer to figure 18.

19. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the

INPUT Control.

Figure 18

SETUP: MEDIA SVR

On / Rename

Figure 19

SETUP: Outputs

(Hold INPUT)

Figure 21

SETUP: OUTPUT 1

Unswitched

Figure 20

SETUP: OUTPUT 1

Switched

Figure 23

SETUP: OUTPUT 2

Unswitched

Figure 22

SETUP: OUTPUT 2

Switched

SETUP: HEADPHONES

Mute No Outputs

Figure 25

Figure 24

SETUP: HEADPHONES

Mute All Outputs

In the second example, Trigger 2 will activate when

the BAL Input is selected:

6. Rotate the INPUT Control to select “SETUP:

TRIGGER 2, Main” appears on the Display. Refer

to figure 30.

7. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control until

“SETUP: TRIGGER 2, Input (Hold INPUT)”

appears on the Display. Refer to figure 31.

8. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “SET-

UP: TRIGGER 2, Bal: OFF” appears on the

Display. Refer to figure 32.

9. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select

“Bal : ON”. Refer to figure 33.

10. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the

INPUT Control.

Power Control Triggers 1 and 2

By default the Power Control TRIGger 1 and TRIGger

2 are assigned to activate when Output 1 or Output

2 is selected. Triggers 1 and 2 can be reassigned to

function the same as the MAIN Power Control Jack or

be assigned to a given Input.

Note: The MAIN Power Control Jack is controlled by

the STANDBY/ON Front Panel Push-button and

the Remote Control Power Push-buttons.

In the first example, the Power Control Triggers 1

and 2 will be assigned to MAIN:

1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP:

Triggers, (Hold INPUT)” appears on the

Information Display. Refer to figure 26.

3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until

“SETUP: TRIGGER 1, Output 1” appears on the

Display. Refer to figure 27.

4. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select

“MAIN” from the available additional selections

including Output 2 or Input. Refer to figure 28.

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

change the Trigger 2 setting from OUTPUT 2 to

Main. Refer to figures 29 and 30.

Figure 26

SETUP: Triggers

(Hold INPUT)

Figure 28

SETUP: TRIGGER 1

Main

Figure 27

SETUP: TRIGGER 1

Output 1

Figure 29

SETUP: TRIGGER 2

Output 2

Data Ports

Data Port Connections between the MA12000 and a

McIntosh Source Component allow for basic function

control of the source component using the MA12000

supplied HR085 Remote Control. By default, all of the

four Data Ports are set to send the same Data to the

selected source. To dedicate a given Data Port for only

one source component (example, source component

connected to the BAL Input will be assigned to Data

Port 1) perform the following Steps:

1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Data

Ports, (Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information

Display. Refer to figure 34.

3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until

“SETUP: DATA PORT 1, All Data” appears on

the Display. Refer to figure 35.

4. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select

the “BAL” Input. Refer to figure 36.

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

assign any additional Data ports.

6. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the

INPUT Control.

Figure 34

SETUP: Data Ports

(Hold INPUT)

Figure 35

SETUP: DATA PORT 1

All Data

Figure 36

SETUP: DATA PORT 1

BAL

Figure 30

SETUP: TRIGGER 2

Main

Figure 31

SETUP: TRIGGER 2

Input (Hold INPUT)

Figure 32

SETUP: TRIGGER 2

Bal : OFF

Figure 33

SETUP: TRIGGER 2

Bal : ON

Figure 18

Passthru

When the MA12000 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” from the assigned MA12000

Input, into the MA12000 Power Amplifier Circurity.

The “Passthru” Audio Signal is also available for a

separate external Power Amplifier(s) via the number

1 Preamplifier Output Jacks. The Setup Mode allows

selection of the specified MA12000 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 Processsor will be connected to the

UNBALANCED 6 INPUT Jacks on the MA12000.

Refer to page 9 for additional connection information.

Note: The Phono and Digital Inputs are not

assignable as a Passthru Input.

1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP:

Passthru, Off” appears on the Information

Display. Refer to figure 37.

3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select

“SETUP: Passthru, UNBAL 6” Input. Refer to

figure 38.

4. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the

INPUT Control.

SETUP: Passthru

UNBAL 6

Figure 38

SETUP: Passthru

Off

Figure 37

Comm Port Baud Rate

The MA12000 may be remotely controlled from other

equipment connected to the Rear Panel RS232 Jack.

The speed at which the MA12000 communicates (8

bit, no parity and 1 stop bit) with other equipment

is adjustable 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 and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP:

RS232, 115200 Baud” appears on the Information

Display. Refer to figure 40.

3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select

the desired Baud Rate Speed.

4. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the

INPUT Control.

Figure 40

SETUP: RS232

115200 Baud

Power Mode

The MA12000 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 user activity (includes changes to any of

the Operation Functions such as source selection,

volume adjustment, etc.) or absence of an audio

signal. If it is desirable to disable the Auto Off Feature

perform the following steps:

1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE. 2. Rotate the INPUT Control

until “SETUP: Auto Off, Enabled” appears on the

Information Display. Refer to figure 45.

3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select

Disabled. Refer to figure 46.

4. Press the INPUT Control to exit the Setup Mode.

Figure 45

SETUP: Auto Off

Enabled

Figure 46

SETUP: Auto Off

Disabled

IR Sensor

The MA12000 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 and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 17.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Front

IR, Enabled” appears on the Information Display.

Refer to figure 43.

3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select

Disabled. Refer to figure 44.

5. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the

INPUT Control.

Figure 43

SETUP: Front IR

Enabled

Figure 44

SETUP: Front IR

Disabled

Remote Control Codes

The HR085 Remote Control, included with the

MA12000, utilizes the NORMAL McIntosh Control

Codes. The second set of Control Codes the MA12000

will respond to is referred to as the ALTERNATE

Codes. The Alternate Codes are used when the

MA12000 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 and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 17.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: IR

Codes, Normal” appears on the Information

Display. Refer to figure 41.

3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to the

Alternate Codes. Refer to figure 42.

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 Web Site:

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/

ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=preamplifiers&Produ

ctId=MA12000

5. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the

INPUT Control.

Figure 41

SETUP: IR Codes

Normal

Figure 42

SETUP: IR Codes

Alternate

Factory Reset

If it becomes desirable to reset all the adjustable

settings (Setup and Trim Settings) to the factory

default values, perform the following steps:

1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the

SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 17.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “FACTORY

RESET, (Hold INPUT)” appears on the

Information Display. Refer to figure 47.

3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until

“FACTORY RESET, In Progress!” appears on

the Information Display, then release the INPUT

Control. Refer to figures 48 and 49.

4. Press the Front Panel STAND/BY Push-button to

switch On the MA12000.

Figure 49

FACTORY RESET

Completed!

Figure 47

FACTORY RESET

(Hold INPUT)

Figure 48

FACTORY RESET

In Progress!

Reset of Microprocessors

In the unlikely event the controls of the MA12000

stop functioning, the microprocessors can be reset by

performing the following:

1. Press the STANDBY/ON Push-button until the

STANDBY/ON LED Indicator switches Off in

approximately five seconds.

2. Then release the STANDBY/ON Push-button and

the MA12000 will switch Off.

3. When the STANDBY/ON LED is illuminated

press the STANDBY/ON Push-button, the

MA12000 will resume normal operation.

Note: This can be performed with the MA12000 On

or in the Standby Mode.

Meter Backlight, Display Brightness and HXD

Mode (when Headphones are connected). The Trim

Settings are stored in memory

independently for each Input

Source Selected, except the Meter

Illumination which is the same for

all inputs.

Note: Selection and Adjustment of

all Trim Functions may be

performed by pressing the

Front Panel INPUT Trim

Control and then rotating

it to select the desired Trim

Function. Then use the

VOLUME Adjust Control to

change the setting. Remote

Control TRIM Push-Button

together with the LEVEL UP/

Down Push-button may also

be used.

After approximately 5 seconds

the Display returns to indicate

the Source Selection and Volume

Level.

Balance

Listening balance varies with

different program sources, room

acoustics and listening positions

relative 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 Remote Control until “L

How to Operate the MA12000

Power On and Off

The Red LED above the STANDBY/ON Push-button

lights to indicate the MA12000 is in Standby mode.

To switch ON the MA12000, Press the STANDBY/

ON Push-button on the Front Panel or press the

(Power - Green) Push-button on the Remote Control.

The MA12000 will go through a brief startup

initialization with the Tubes glowing Amber. This

is followed by the volume setting indication starting

at zero and then increasing to the last used volume

setting. When Tube warmup is complete, the Tubes

will glow green (or off if TUBE LIGHTS Trim

setting is set to Off). To switch OFF the MA12000,

press the STANDBY/ON Push-button on the Front

Panel or the (Power - Red) Push-button on the

Remote Control.

Source Selection

Rotate the INPUT Control to select the desired

source or press the INPUT Upp or Downq Push-

button on the Remote Control. Refer to figure 53.

Volume Control

Rotate the Front Panel VOLUME Control or use

the VOLume Upp or Downq Push-buttons on the

Remote Control for the desired listening level. Refer

to figure 53.

Trim Functions

The MA12000 has various Trim Selections with

Adjustments. The Trim Functions include Balance,

Input Trim Level, Equalizer Mode, Phono Cartridge

Loading when a Phono Input is selected (Resistance

for MC and Capacitance for MM), Mono/Stereo,

BALANCE R, || ” appears on the Front Panel

Display. Refer to figure 54.

Note: The Front Panel INPUT/Trim Control may also

be used.

2. Rotate the VOLUME/Adjust Control or press the

LEVEL UP / DOWN Push-buttons on the Remote

Control to emphasize the Right Channel (refer to

figure 55) or the Left Channel (refer to figure 56).

The Front Panel Display indicates the relative Balance

changes. After approximately 5 seconds, the 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.

Equalizer Mode

The built-in eight band Frequency Equalizer provides

more precise adjustment of sound than Bass and

Treble Controls. By default, the Equalizer is Off for all

Input Sources and the Equalizer Circuitry is bypassed.

Any Input Source may be assigned to have the

Equalizer On when selected. To activate the Equalizer

Figure 53

Figure 54

L BALANCE R

Figure 55

L BALANCE R

Figure 56

L BALANCE R

4. Temporarily exit TRIM Mode.

5. Select the MM Phono Input.

6. Select TRIM “PHONO CAPACITANCE, 50pF”

as indicated on the Front Panel Information

Display. Refer to figure 62B.

7. Rotate the VOLUME/Adjust Control or press

the LEVEL UP / DOWN Push-buttons on the

Remote Control to select the Capacitance Load

that comes closest to the Phono Cartridge Makers

recommended value.

After approximately 5 seconds the Alphanumeric

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Volume Level.

Mono/Stereo Mode

By default the Stereo Mode is active for all Input

Sources however, any Input Source may be assigned

to Mono Mode. To change Stereo Mode to Mono for a

given Input Source, perform the following steps:

Note: The audio signal present at the FIXED OUT

Jacks is affected by the Stereo/Mono setting.

1. Select the desired Input Source.

2. Select “MONO / STEREO,

______

” as

indicated on the Front Panel Information Display.

Refer to figure 63.

3. To select MONO Mode adjust the TRIM LEVEL.

Refer to figure 64.

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 60 and 61.

After approximately 5 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Volume Level.

Phono Adjustments

When a Phono Input (MC or MM) is selected, an

additional TRIM SELECT FUNCTION becomes

available for adjustment. Perform the following steps

to make the Phono Trim Adjustment:

1. Select the MC Phono Source Input.

2. Select TRIM “PHONO RESISTANCE, 400Ω” as

indicated on the Front Panel Information Display.

Refer to figure 62A.

3. Rotate the VOLUME/Adjust Control or press

the LEVEL UP / DOWN Push-buttons on the

Remote Control to select the Resistance Load

that comes closest to the Phono Cartridge Makers

recommended value.

for a given Input Source, perform the following steps:

Note: The audio signal present at the FIXED OUT

Jacks is unaffected by the Equalizer settings.

1. Select the desired Input Source.

2. Select “EQUALIZER, Off” as indicated on

the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to

figure 57.

3. Set the EQUALIZER On for the desired Input

by using the Front Panel Volume Control or the

Remote Control Push-buttons may also be used to

switch the Equalizer On. Refer to figure 58.

After approximately 5 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Volume Level.

Trim Level

Source Components can have slightly different volume

levels resulting in the need to readjust the Volume

Control when switching between different sources.

The MA12000 allows the adjustment of levels for each

Source, ensuring 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

Panel Information Display. refer to figure 59.

Figure 58

EQUALIZER

Figure 57

EQUALIZER

Off

Figure 59

INPUT TRIM

0.0 dB

Figure 61

INPUT TRIM

+4.0 dB

Figure 60

INPUT TRIM

-2.5 dB

Figure 62A

PHONO RESISTANCE

400

Figure 63

MONO / STEREO

______

Figure 62B

PHONO CAPACITANCE

50pF

becomes available. McIntosh’s HXD brings the

acoustical depth and spatiality of music normally

heard with loudspeakers, to your headphones. The

default setting is HXD On. To switch HXD Off

perform the following:

1. Momentarily press the INPUT Control, then rotate

it to select “HEADPHONE HXD, On”. Refer to

figure 69.

2. To deactivate the HXD Mode rotate the VOLUME

Adjust Control until the Front Panel Display

indicates “HEADPHONE HXD, Off”. Refer to

figure 70.

performing the following:

1. Select “DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS” as indicated

on the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to

figure 67.

2. Reduce the Brightness level by adjusting the

TRIM LEVEL. Refer to figure 68.

After approximately 5 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Volume Level.

Headphone HXD

When headphones are connected to the MA12000

Front Panel Jack, an additional TRIM function

After approximately 5 seconds the Information

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and

Volume Level.

Meter Backlight

The 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. See figure 65.

2. Switch Off the Meter Illumination. See figure 66.

After approximately 5 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 MA12000 via a power

control cable.

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

Control Signal when the MA12000 Passthru

Input Jack is connected to the A/V Processor

via the power control cable.

INFORMATION DISPLAY ILLUMINATION

The Brightness Level of the Front Panel Information

Display can be adjusted from bright to dim by

Figure 50

Figure 64

MONO / STEREO

____

Figure 65

METER LIGHTS

Figure 66

METER LIGHTS

Off

USB 35%

DSD256

HEA DPHONE

2OUT PUTS EQU ALIZER

MUT E

STAND BY/ ON

RES ET

PUS H - TRIM

HOL D - SETUP

TRI M / SETUP

ADJ UST

VOLUME

I P T

100 200 400 1k 2.5k 10k

PUS H - TRIM

HOL D - SETUP

N U

M A 1 2 0 0 0

I N T E G R A T E D A M P L I F I E R

350

3.5

.35

P O W E R O U T P U T

- 5 0

- 3 0

D EC IB E L S

WA T TS

- 4 0

- 20

-10

3.5

350

3.5

.35

P O W E R O U T P U T

- 5 0

- 3 0

D EC IB E L S

WA T TS

- 4 0

- 20

-10

3.5

Figure 67

DISPLAY

BRIGHTNESS

Figure 68

DISPLAY

BRIGHTNESS

Figure 69

HEADPHONES HXD

Figure 70

HEADPHONES HXD

Off

separate amplifier instead of the MA12000 built-in

Power Amplifier. Connect the Loudspeakers to the

separate Power Amplifier and remove the McIntosh

Jumpers that are located between the OUTPUTS 1

Jacks and the PWR AMP INPUT Jacks. Refer to

figure 73.

Note: The McIntosh Jumpers must be connected,

between the above mentioned jacks, when the

MA12000 Internal Power Amplifier is to be used.

The second way is to use both a separate Power

Amplifier and the MA12000 built-in Power Amplifier.

Connect one pair of Loudspeakers to the separate

Power Amplifier and the second pair to the MA12000.

Refer to the MA12000 Output Connection Diagrams

located on the separate folded sheet “Mc2B” and

figure 74.

Note: The MA12000 VOLUME Control will affect the sound

level of all the Loudspeakers.

Using Output 2

The MA12000 has provisions for connecting an

external Power Amplifier (to drive Loudspeakers

in another room) and an external sensor for remote

Pressing the Mute Push-button a second time or

adjusting the volume control will un-mute the

MA12000.

Headphones Jack

Connect a pair of dynamic headphones to the

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

type plug for private listening. The default setting is

for Output Connections 1 and 2 to automatically mute.

For additional Information refer to “HEADPHONE

HXD” on this page.

Note: The Headphone Output is optimized for

impedances ranging from 100 to 600 ohms.

Power Output Meters

The MA12000 Power Output Meters indicate the

power delivered to the Loudspeakers. Refer to figure

72.

The meters respond to all the musical information

being produced by the Amplifier. They indicate to an

accuracy of at least 95% of the power output with only

a single cycle of a 2,000Hz tone burst.

Using a Separate Power Amplifier

There are two different ways to use a separate power

amplifier with a MA12000. The first way is to use the

Equalizer

Press the Front Panel EQUALIZER Push-button to

activate the MA12000 Equalizer Control Circuitry

for the currently selected Input Source. The LED

above the EQUALIZER Push-button will illuminate.

The MA12000 remembers for each selected Input

whether the Equalizer Control Circuitry is activated

or deactivated. To deactivate the Equalizer Control

Circuitry for the currently selected Input Source, press

the EQUALIZER Push-button and the LED above the

push-button will extinguish.

Note: 1. The audio signal present at the FIXED OUTPUT

Jacks is unaffected by the Equalizer Circuitry.

Trim

Press the Front Panel INPUT/TRIM Control to

activate the MA12000 Trim Functions. Rotate

the Front Panel INPUT/Trim Control to select the

desired Trim Function and then rotate the VOLUME/

Adjust Control to vary or make changes. Refer to

figure 50. The Remote Control TRIM and LEVEL

UP and LEVEL DOWN Push-buttons may also be

used. Approximately 5 seconds after Trim Function

Selection and/or adjustments have stopped, the the

Trim Mode switch off.

Mute

Press the MUTE Push-button to Mute the Audio in

Output 1 (Loudspeakers), Output 2 and Headphones.

The audio signals present at the FIXED OUTPUT

Jacks are not effected by activating the mute function.

The Front Panel Display will indicate the Source

Name and with the word MUTE in place of the actual

volume setting. Refer to figure 71.

Figure 71

COAX 1

MUTE

48kHz

Figure 72

350

3.5

.35

P O W E R O U T P U T

- 50

- 30

D E C I B E L S

WAT T S

- 40

- 20

-10

3.5

350

3.5

P O W E R O U T P U T

- 50

- 30

D E C I B E L S

WAT T S

- 40

- 20

-10

3.5

Figure 73

Jumpers

Figure 74

Jumpers Removed

operation of the MA12000 from that room. With an

external Power Amplifier connected (as illustrated

on the McIntosh Connection Diagram separate

sheet “Mc2B”), press the Front Panel OUTPUT 2

Push-button or press on the Remote Control, the

BLUE (Setup) Push-button followed by pressing the

OUTPUT 2 Push-button to switch On or Off the

external Power Amplifier.

Passthru

When the MA12000 is connected together with

a McIntosh Multichannel A/V Control Center or

Surround Decoder and has the PASSTHRU Mode

activated, it will automatically turn-on when the A/V

Processor or Surround Decoder is turned On. It will

indicate on the Front Panel Display “PASSTHRU”.

Refer to figure 75.

The MA12000 OUTPUT 1 / OUTPUT 2 Front Panel

Push-buttons are active when in the Passthru Mode.

The other Front Panel Controls and Push-buttons are

deactivated as long as the Passthru Mode is active.

Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs

When a Digital Input (Optical or Coaxial Connection)

on the MA12000 is selected, the Front Panel Display

will indicate the sample rate when a signal is present

such as “48kHz”.

During the time there is no Digital Signal present on

the selected input the display will indicate “______”.

Figure 75

PASSTHRU

Fundamental Frequencies of Acoustical Musical Instruments and the Human Voice

SOPRANO

CONTRALTO

TENOR

BARITONE

BASS

PICCOLO

FLUTE

OBOE

ENGLISH HORN

B CLARINET

BASS CLARINET

ALTO SAXOPHONE IN B

BASSOON

CONTRABASSOON

B TRUMPET

FRENCH HORN IN F

TENOR TROMBONE

BASS TROMBONE IN F

TUBA

MEDIUM

SMALL

LARGE

HARP

GUITAR

VIOLIN

VIOLA

CELLO

BASS

PIANO

STRINGS

KETTLE DRUMS

BRASS

WOODWINDS

SINGING VOICE

50Hz

200Hz

1kHz

10kHz

25Hz

100Hz

400Hz

2.5kHz

Equalizer Controls

The MA12000 has eight signal strength controls that

can pass through, amplify or attenuate each, all or any

combination of the marked equalizer frequencies.

Equalization frequencies are set to 25Hz, 50Hz,

100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, 1,000Hz, 2,500Hz and

10,000Hz.

Frequency Controls are individually adjustable and

can provide up to +12dB maximum amplication and

-12dB attenuation.

Placing any Control Knob in the center detent position

removes the tone circuit components from the signal

path allowing the frequency of interest to pass through

unaltered.

The illustration to the right shows the fundamental

frequency range of acoustical musical instruments and

the human voice. It also shows the range of adjustment

of frequencies for each of the Equalizer Controls of

the MA12000 at the +6dB and -6dB points.

Preamplier Specicaons

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.03% maximum 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Intermodulation Distortion

0.03% maximum for any combination of frequencies

from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Frequency Response

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

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

Preamplifier Output 1 and 2 (for rated input)

1.7V unbalanced (8V Maximum)

3.4V balanced (8V Maximum)

Preamplifier Output Impedance

220 ohms

Sensitivity (for rated output)

High Level - 300mV unbalanced

600mV balanced

Phono MM, 3.0mV

Phono MC, 0.3mV

Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)

High Level, 95dB below rated output

Phono MM, 77dB below 3mV input

Phono MC, 75dB below 0.3mV input

Input Impedance

High Level - 22K ohms Unbalanced

44k ohms Balanced

Phono MM - 50 to 400pF, in 50pF steps;

47K ohms

Phono MC - 50, 100, 200, 400 or 1,000 ohms;

100pF

Voltage Gain

High Level to Rec Output: 0dB

High Level to Output 1 and 2: 15dB

Phono MM to Rec Output: 40dB

Phono MC to Rec Output: 60dB

Phono MM to Output 1 and 2: 55dB

Phono MC to Output 1 and 2: 75dB

Maximum Input Signal

High Level, 8V unbalanced, 16V balanced

Phono MM, 80mV

Phono MC, 8mV

Headphone Impedance

100 to 600 ohms

Equalizer Controls

25Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, 1,000Hz,

2,500Hz and 10,000Hz

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

FREQUENCY IN HERTZ

- 5

-10

-15

+ 5

+10

+15

Power Amplifier Specifications

Power Output

Minimum sine wave continuous average power output

per channel, with both channels operating is:

350 watts into 2 ohm load

350 watts into 4 ohm load

350 watts into 8 ohm load

Output Load Impedance

2, 4 or 8 ohms

Rated Power Band

20Hz to 20,000Hz

26dB, 4 Ohms

23dB, 2 Ohms

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.005% maximum with both channels operating from

250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Intermodulation Distortion

0.005% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power

output does not exceed twice the rated power output

for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to

20,000Hz.

Dynamic Headroom

1.5dB

Wide Band Damping Factor

Greater than 40

Power Guard

Less than 2% THD with up to 16dB overdrive at

1,000Hz

Frequency Response

+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

+0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz

Input Sensitivity (for rated output)

1.7 Volts

Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)

114dB below rated output)

Input Impedance

22,000 ohms

Maximum Input Signal

Power Amplifier In, 16V

Voltage Gain

29dB, 8 Ohms

Digital Audio Specicaons

Digital Input Signal Format

Coaxial and Optical Inputs - SPDIF (PCM)

MCT and USB Inputs - PCM, DSD

HDMI (ARC)- PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS

Digital Input Sample Rate

Optical: PCM - 16Bit, 24Bit - 44.1kHz to 192kHz

Coaxial: PCM -16Bit, 24Bit - 44.1kHz to 192kHz

MCT: PCM, SACD, -16Bit, 24Bit - 44.1kHz to 192kHz

USB: PCM - 16Bit, 24Bit, 32Bit - 44.1kHz to 384kHz

DXD - DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz

DSD - DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512

HDMI: PCM 24bit, 44.1kHz - 192kHz

DTS

Dolby Digital

Digital Inputs

Coaxial: 0.5V p-p/75 ohms

Optical: -15dbm to -21dbm (TOS Link)

MCT: 0.5V p-p/75 ohms

USB: USB Type B Connector

General Specicaons

Power Control and Trigger Output

12VDC, 25mA

Power Requirements

Field AC Voltage conversion of the MA12000 is not

possible. The MA12000 is factory configured for one

of the following AC Voltages:

100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 8.0 amps

110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.6 amps

120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.6 amps

127 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.6 Amps

220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.6 amps

230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.3 amps

240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.3 amps

Standby: Less than 0.25 watt

Note: Refer to the rear panel of the MA12000 for the

correct voltage.

Overall Dimensions

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

Height is 9-7/16 inches (24.0cm) including feet

Depth is 22 inches (55.88cm) including the Front

Panel, Knobs and Cables

Weight

108 pounds (48.9 kg) net, 141 pounds (63.9 kg) in

shipping carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions

Width is 29-1/2 inches (74.93cm)

Height is 17 inches (43.18cm)

Depth is 29 inches (73.66cm)

MA12000 Packing Material List

Packing Instrucons

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. Two

1/4-20 x 2-1/4 inch screws and washers must be used

to fasten the unit securely to the bottom pad and wood

skid. 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 2.

Quantity Part Number Description

1 034052 Shipping carton top

1 034051 Shipping carton bottom

2 034186 Front and rear foam pad

2 034187 Side foam pad

2 034054 Top and bottom foam pad

1 034136 Inner carton top

1 034137 Inner carton bottom

1 034188 Inner foam pad

1 034479 Shipping skid

4 401212 1/4-20 hex cap x 2-1/4 inch screw

2 104058 1/4 inch flat washer 1-1/2 inch

4 017937 Plastic foot

4 404080 #10 flat washer

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. 24110100

McIntosh MA12000 2-Channel Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

Product's Documents

Owner’s Manual

Specifications

McIntosh MA12000 Questions and Answers

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