McIntosh Labs MA12000-2 Channel Stereo Integrated Amplifier

McIntosh Laboratory, founded in 1949 in Binghamton, New York, is an iconic American maker of highend audio equipment—revered especially for its tube amplifiers and legendary build quality. The
McIntosh Labs MA 12000 sits at the pinnacle of their integrated amplifier line-up, blending heritage and modern performance.

Key Technologies in McIntosh Labs MA 12000
The McIntosh Labs MA 12000 is a hybrid integrated amplifier: a vacuumtube preamp (four 12AX7A tubes, two per channel) paired with a solidstate 350 Wpc power amp. It features McIntosh’s
Autoformer™ technology to deliver full power into 2, 4, or 8 Ω loads. Digital inputs are handled via the DA2 Digital Audio Module, offering USB, coaxial, optical, MCT, and HDMIARC and supporting up to DSD512 and 384 kHz PCM/DXD Advice Definitive. Additional technologies include PowerGuard®, Sentry Monitor™, blue watt meters, Solid Cinch™ binding posts, and a highdrive headphone amp with HXD®

Placement, Room Size & Acoustic Matchingh

Weighing in at 108 lb (49 kg) and measuring roughly 17.5″ × 9.4″ × 19.75″, the McIntosh Labs MA 12000 is a substantial unit requiring sturdy support and adequate ventilation. Designed for medium
to large listening rooms, its robust 350 W per channel output easily drives power-hungry or less efficient speakers. McIntosh’s Autoformer™ ensures consistent performance across speaker
impedances, aiding in acoustic matching.

Amp Compatibility & Power Requirements.
The McIntosh Labs MA 12000 works seamlessly with a wide range of sources—turntables (with both MM and MC phono inputs and adjustable loading), CD/SACD drives, streamers, and home theater
systems via HDMI ARC. Power requirements are 230 V at 6A.

Price Range and Availability in India
In India, expect significant import duties and GST; final street prices in authorized showrooms likely
to be approx 20 lacs inclusive of the duties and taxes.

Material & Design
Materials and finish of The McIntosh Labs MA 12000 include a polished stainlesssteel and blackpainted steel chassis, black glass front panel, blue watt meters, goldplated brass connectors,
and a glasstopped Autoformer enclosure with printed specs. Colours are limited to McIntosh’s classic steel and black aesthetic. Size is the one integrated format only and not modula.

Best For
The McIntosh Labs MA 12000 is best known for a rich, musical character suited to orchestral, jazz, vocals, and acoustic genres.

Includes our Hybrid Drive^™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance

Vacuum tube preamplifier and solid state power amplifier

350 Watts x 2 channel

8-band tone control

17 inputs (10 analog + 7 digital)

Comes with DA2 Digital Audio Module Installed

Pros and Cons of McIntosh Labs MA 12000

Pros: Hybrid tube/solid-state design offering warmth plus power  Massive 350 W per channel, reliable across impedances with Autoformer™
Ultra-flexible connectivity (analog phono, digital, HDMIARC)  Timeless aesthetics and solid construction
Upgradeable DA2 module keeps it futureproof

Cons:Very heavy and large—needs space and support

FAQs
Do McIntosh Labs MA 12000 work well with vinyl and stereo setups?
Yes—it includes both MM and MC phono stages with adjustable loading, superb analog connections, and the rich tube preamp makes McIntosh Labs MA 12000 ideal for vinyl enthusiasts and stereo systems.

Is McIntosh Labs MA 12000 suitable for Indian apartment acoustics?
Potentially—but consider the weight and size; small apartments may struggle. However, for midsized living rooms with decent acoustics, McIntosh Labs MA 12000 delivers exceptional clarity
and warm musicality. Room treatment and proper placement are essential to fully utilize its power without overexciting reflections.