McIntosh MA12000 Tube Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
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- Опубликовано: 21 янв 2021
- The wait is over! We finally get a chance to review the new McIntosh MA12000. This is the most powerful integrated amplifier that the company has ever made, and it's a hybrid!
Link to the MA12000 Unboxing Video:
• Video
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Audio Excellence Inc. is a high end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers and audio luminaries like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan, John Atkinson of Stereophile, Dan D'Agostino of D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs and others.
Our website is www.audioexcellence.ca
Contacts:
Adrian@audioexcellence.ca
Vilip@audioexcellence.ca
Jerry@audioexcellence.ca 
Развлечения
The nice thing about this, I could upgrade my MA8000 and my wife would likely never even realize it.
What about when she asks what the 14k charge on the credit card bill is?
Your ma8000 is most likely better.
It looks too different from my MAC 6700 but I just might give this a shot
I think that you should bring it. You Tube dares you! Let us know how that works out for ya.
Pppaaaaaahahahahaaaaaaa good one
Man I really enjoy both you guys’ insights. So pure and in a sense humbling even though this is high end not so humble stuff lol
ive been waiting to see a good review on this amp.thanks guys this vid was awesome.
Adrian, Villip, listening to you guys is like comfort food for my audiophile soul. I was waiting for you guys to review the MA12000. This is really something I''d consider upgrading my MA8000's. Great review by the way!
I've been waiting for this review. Thanks gents.
Excellent presentation guys. Love the details, expressions of experience, and product knowledge.
Excellent! No voice can sound as trusting as Adrian’s, IMO. But it’s more than that, he seems to be completely trusting as well. Villip has a discerning mind and is so very smart and articulate. I would imagine buying from them is a satisfying experience, as in, Audio Excellence!” Bravi to both of you! Francis
I’m not going to hook mine up. Just admire it as a piece of art.
I’ll just say I absolutely love my McIntosh system and I don’t say that about a lot of things. So I totally understand why you guys love them too.
Indeed 'Amused To Death' is a very good recording and a track to speakers setup. Thanks for the recommendation.
Excellent video guys!
Thanks for the incredible review. I think I am sold on the MA12000 as my upgrade from my MA6300. I love the 6300, but wish it had a bit more oomph!
Another wonderful video from my two favorite audio guys. And here I was thinking that maybe, just maybe the MA352 would make me happy.
Try to ear the MA8900 for similar cost. I sell the MA352 to buy the MA12000 and I´ve change my new unit for my dad's MA9000 I think Mcintosh have to work in hybrid systems. Those first hybrid system need to be studied to show the really Mcintosh sound personality.
@@alejandronavarro6580 Late to respond but thank you. I'm looking for a used 8900 or might pop for an 8950.
Great review, thank you.
Thanks!
Great review guys keep them coming...who needs Jay?...lol🤣
Great review! I love how you guys were commenting about integrated vs separates in this price range. Since you also recently reviewed the MC C8 tube preamp and loved it, I would be very curious to get your impressions on comparing that with the MC312 or even the 462 amp against the 12000.
The C8 with 462 would actually less expensive, right?
"Tiptoe Through the Tulips" ~Tiny Tim~
Adrian, another well-recorded guitar song is Dire Strait's "You and Your Friend" on their On Every Street LP. I don't know how this song hasn't been on my radar.
fabulous review! your reviews convinced me to purchase a McIntosh integrated amp: either the MA 12000 or the MA352. Could you do a review that compares the two?
Thank you! Can't weight to hear this. Although it looks like it would take an army to move it.
All you need to do is hire Jerry - he'll help out...
Haha integrated . I’m definitely sold on this. I couldn’t find anything I liked on my super cheap PolkR 700s til I found this . It’s like I found music all over again .
Entertaining video guys wonderful chat about the amp what a beast it is. Bloody awesome that you guys did a shout out to the professor of rocks you tube channel the amount of research he does is a credit to him one of my favourites for sure.
Now some time ago you guys did an unboxing video on the MA 252 is there any plans do do a review on that amp
Cheers guys
I've been living happily with the MA8000 since it was introduced. But the opportunity to also have a cup holder as standard equipment really has me thinking...:)
Even my old Porsche 911 had a cup holder - it makes all the difference.
@@BP-rn3nl A year has passed since I posted my comment. Since that time I bought an MC1502 and couldn't be happier.
The Mola Mola Kula is about 20k but has a bettor Tambaqui DAC module you can get in there and just perfection neutral
Interesting comments about the Mani-2's. Mine are driven by Krell KAV-300i, and looking for an amp upgrade. This amp will definitely be on my audition list...I presume your client thinks there is excellent synergy between the Totems and the amp...!
Still think separates are the way to go, but I can see how this might work for someone.
I had two of the MC 2500 , I used to be a Dj , I am no longer a D j sold out all my equipment and presently looking to buy a MC intosh once more.
Thanks for the review of this great piece. Would be my dream to work with you guys as you have the best job of choosing different quality speakers and front ends. I have an 8900 & a MC 312 to drive 2 different sets in separate rooms but I'd love to hear the tube pre matched with the MAC amps. Vilip is getting better and better! Cheers Greg
To get the digital and phono sections a Vinnie Rossi depending on which of their two integrated models are $23-26k USD. This is basically half the price.
I’d like to see a discussion of the MA5300. As it eschews autoformers for more direct power with a higher damping factor, it’s an important product.
me too
@@user-ut8xk8uw7o I don’t think we will see it. If they review it and post it as a real winner, people would stop buying the higher profit autoformer models. Since they haven’t mentioned the MA5200 or 5300, we should probably assume that they are excellent. If these amps were not great, you can bet that a so-so review would have already been uploaded. You will surely notice that the more expensive models always review better. If there was an exception that cost less, it wouldn’t be posted.
So there ya go - the MA5300 is a great amp.
How about a video comparing the MA 12000 and the Hegel H590?
Yes I absolutely support this MA 12000 vs Hegel H590
From the look department MA12000 crushes H590 ...
Love all the videos... looking to dive into McIntosh... was thinking C8/mC830’s. Now you have me scratching my head and reconsidering. I’ve been running the Terminator DAC so wasn’t necessarily looking for integrated DAC. Any thoughts?
Awesome review guys ....What is the brand of the white and glass stereo racking in the back ground ?
Good morning , Are you planning shortly to compare the new MA9500 with the MA 12000?
Nice review guys. Quick question. Does this have the same dac that the MC 2700 amp has? Or would this need a good outboard dac?
Finally having a streamer into my DAC, I finally followed up your demo tracks, and those I tried were in HR on Quobuz. The question is
they are never mentioned and files are always pristine. Do you have Quobuz in Canada? You mention TIDAL and not sure if their files that are not MQA are ever considered HR 96KHZ.
I recently did some tests with simple sine wave youtube videos to test the top range of my hearing ability and was sad to find that I could only hear to 14khz and on the same system my wife could hear much higher. Can you guys try something similar so we know the baseline of your hearing? That way when there are differences in what each of you describe, we have some context.
For my bouwers and Wilkins 800 d3 can i use the Mc Ma 12000? or do i need more power??
I run the MA1200 with Sasha 2s, a Rel S812, and a Bluesound node as a digital transport. Its pretty damn good.
Question, I am looking at buying the 1200 and was wondering how it would do with Rock music ? That’s mainly what I love to listen to. Just thought I would ask someone that has that model.
@@aruth51485I don't think you'll be unhappy. Maybe if play some crazy new digital noise that's 180 boom or something unusual
Thanks , I play bands like Zeppelin, AC/DC, U2, Rush, Van Halen.
@@aruth51485match made in heaven
@@aruth51485 I have had my MA12000 since a month ago and I am a heavy metal headbanger; I cannot be more satisfied and happy!!! This integrated amplifier is so euphonic that I don’t think that I need anything else in audio electronics.
How does this compare to the 160M monoblocks or 160S amplifier from Audio Research? I have had McIntosh separates before, and they seem to have a nice but definitive "house sound" compared to ARC, which seem more neutral to me.
$30,000 in the land down under. That’s BIG dollars 💰
I'll be auditioning this unit tomorrow. Can't wait! Anyone know how well it compares to an Accuphase integrated?
Yay
I'm the umpteenth poster so I win the ma12000, plus my pick of speakers, sub and dc transport
yaaaay
Your initial concern, Adrian is well founded-
I am in the market for McIntosh amps, however I am not sure what to get. I have Linn Klimax 350 passive speakers, 1000 watt each. I want to start with first as a music system and then gradually use it as a home theatre as well. What would you recommend that works both for listening to music and use as a home theatre? Do you think I should go for Mc462 or MC 611 or MC 1.25kw?
looks like a mean machine, what tubes are they using?
would these be a good pairing with the bowers and wilkins 802 d3?
Thanks for another great video. Always enjoy the laid back approach. One question. Do you sell any Canadian stuff? We do make some great audio gear. Would love to hear how Bryston compares to McIntosh.
Price wise its close
What do you think about matching MA12000 with Focal Sopra No.3?
I paired a MA12000 with BW 802D4 with stereo pair of REL T9is. I played a mofi pressing of Little Feat’s Waiting for Columbus and the results are simply magical.
Hi guys, great video. I'm looking forward for my first McIntosh purchase and I'm very curious about your thoughts on MA-252? Thanks.
MA252 - this is a good entry point for people who desire to own McIntosh for the first time as it is one of the most reasonably priced of their offerings. I find it very sweet and beautiful with a lovely human midrange so voices sound like real voices. As McIntosh goes, the MA252 is not particularly high-powered so stick with easier to drive speakers. My friend Graham borrowed our demo and found it drove his JBL Sovereign S8R setup to a plentiful excitation. So MA252 will match vintage big speakers in a joyful fun way. It will be great with any of the Klipsch Heritage speakers - Heresy, Forte, Cornwall, La Scala, Klipschorn.
@@vilip119 Thank you very much for your prompt response. Does help. 🙂
I wonder how the MA12000 would pair with the Yvette?
Guys can you do a video: mcintosh various amps vs hegal h390 just for maggies?? especially like 3.7is?
It would be pretty interesting to compare both especially because adrian hates hegal but vilip loves them..😂
I want to know, I’m in South Africa I’m interested in purchasing The MC1200 with Coltranes 3. What else can I pair it with to have a complete system including Interconnecters, Power Cables and others that I don’t know can make this to be the best stereo system
Were all of those speakers rated for amps that the mac puts out, it seems a larger speaker would express bass better because the amps match
You don’t think the bigger speaker would express bass better because the speaker is bigger?
Thanks . Great review and commentary. How does this compare to a Hegel H590?
The Hegel H590 is super refined - the micro detail is phenomenal. It is a deep thinker who understands joy and embraces life in all its complexity. The MA12000 is similar but has a more robust and richer expression - you will hear how it has a big personality and the offer of being your best friend.
@@vilip119 Thank You.. great insight
@@vilip119 A poet by any other name...
@@vilip119 Hi,You have great movies. Can you tell which one has better bass control? I'd love to know your opinion, thanks
Is there much sound difference going from a 7200 to the 12000 ?
Guys I really like your reviews. This seems to be one of those situations where I really don't recognize the review based on what I've heard in person. I demo'd for a number of weeks various AMPs to go with my Vivid Audio Kaya 45s in my own listening room. I paired every amp with a DCS Bartok DAC. I tested the MA12000, MA9000, Audio Analogue Bellini pre and Donizetti amp, Moon 700i v2 and the Dan D'Agostino progression integrated. Interestingly enough the MA12000 was the worst of them all. It was woolly, not articulated/revealing and worse it missed at least an octave at the bottom end. I know the speakers really well and they go very low (even beyond the spec). All amps were able to produce a powerful (with energy in the room) sub-bass (e.g. Sea Horn from Terje Isungset) except the MA12000. The lowest notes where somewhat audible but no energy whatsoever. The MA8900 was so much faster, way more detail and more important, it brought energy in the low notes. Interestingly enough the Dan D' Agostino integrated outperformed the others in every aspect, with the Audio Analogue getting very close in terms of total performance. So very curious how it can be that the MA12000 did not show anything of what you all described in the video as the strengths of this system
Interesting you had that experience. I downsized my system from a D’Agostino Progression Stereo amp and Denafrips Terminator DAC to the MA12000, and have not experienced what you describe. The MA12000 is very detailed and revealing with plenty of low end extension. Granted that is in my room with SabrinaX’s. I don’t miss the D’Agostino or Teriminator at all. Maybe it wasn’t a good match for the Vivid’s.
@@jimmyk9010 Maybe it is the speakers indeed. Strange that so many other amps show a similar performance and only once doesn't. Perhaps the unit itself was faulty or so
Hello. My impression is similar, I have change the MA12000 for MA9000 again, sound look like better in MA9000. MA12000 is more dirty and I lost my sub-bass. 9000 is very more quickly and tone is better. I don't know why. The only better aspect is DA2 dac because of DSD 512 capable and a little more analític.
I have experienced this before with a Boulder 866. It sounded incredible with Goldnote XS-85. Not so much with Sophia 3s. Or maybe with the MC its the tubes that dont Match certain speakers?!
I am wondering about a few things regarding this McIntosh integrated: 1. How black is the background? 2. How is it with dynamic passages? 3. Does it have enough power to drive Magnepan 1.7i speakers (anticipating a “yes!”?)
high current power is what you want with maggies. that being said the mc should deliver.
Background is appropriately black but not with say the depth of the Hegel black. Black enough. And as per both Adrian's and my experiences, it does dynamic. It will output 350 watts into any load - so yes - 1.7i friendly - as are all McIntosh transistor amps with transformers.
Vilip, love your discussion about the MA12000 and your RUclips films in general. I need though some advise I you will, I have a set of Burmester BA31 speaker in one listing room and a pair of XR50 in a smaller room. Do you think the BA31, if you know them, would be a good fit for the MA12000, in a 8X3,5 meter room, or any other speaker you would suggest, range 10-12k US dollars. And in the end, how much should I put in to speaker cables in order not to go bankrupt, but still? Thanks in advance....
Last Friday I had a demo of that amp with Focal Diablo Utopia, and the whole set up with those speakers sounds amazingly good. I put down the deposit after 10 minutes of listening!
@@andrewu66 The floor standers? What amp did you power it with?
@@ulfstensland2540 with McIntosh 12000 (Focal Diablo are bookshelf speakers but they are better than any floor standing speakers that I’ve heard in the range of $10-20 thousand)
What does Lewis think of the MA12000?
19K CAD is mucho dinero but build quality and resale value are unimpeachable. Not my cup of tea sonically as described by Vilip and Adrian but still I would LOVE to audition them.
Are you guys open in store?
11:31 naim and linn👀
Now that we all know more about this Mc Integrated amp, are separates really a better bet? Has anyone read other reliable follow up audio reviews on this McIntosh Integrated Amplifier? I have a nice opportunity to
aquire a used Mc integrated from a McIntosh Dealer.
I own a used MC152 Power Amplifier & a MC49 Preamplifier...a fine pairing IMO.
My little Qln speakers are 85.5 dB & relatively inefficient. Would I 'up the level of performance' of my Qln Prestige Speakers by doubling the power of the McIntosh Amplifier? IDK.
I appreciate whatever informed opinions you can offer me.
Thanks!
D-
Gosh enjoy your reviews but please how about just a bit of music regards one(s) reviewing even if just a few minutes would be greatly appreciated
Well U are lucky, here in Europe we have to cough up 22.000 $ for the MA 12000
same in New Zealand..about usd $21500
Tariffs and shipping cost
More and more power. I think these figures are there to impress the clueless. Like camera manufacturer starting the mega pixel race. Neither is a guarantee for better sound/ image quality. But hey, as long as people buy it. I am a fan of hybrid amps though and I can imagine that this one sounds great. Better than monos ? Hard to tell until you hear and compare it.
Always try to have a listen before deciding - you can trust your own ears.
I need your advice, when i turn on my ma12000 amplifier
i get a thump pop to the speakers..do you know how to avoid this, i wanna get rid oft it,
thank-you ..
Did you figure it out ?
Keep your volume low on start up
But how does it sound compared to the other extreme, say the 2 watt, $1,000 Decware?
Run them both through something like a Klipsch Cornwall.
Cornwall does not really have the resolution and would be the limiting factor. So any comparison would be coloured by the Klipsch.
I will take the MCINTOSH MA12000 and pair it with LEGACY AUDIO WHISPER XDS and LEGACY AUDIO GOLIATH Subs along with Sennheiser HD 800S.
I’m going to pair mine with my Realistic 8-Track Player and Crosley Turntable. They’ll sound like something that costs well over $100!
Wow, looks and sounds like an incredible audio amp, can I trade my 1st born son for one, or donate a kidney? 😮
That thing is so damn sexy, just cant justify paying that much, its double the cost of my entire current system.
But you can dream... or go (when life is open again) to your local McIntosh dealer and have a listen... or go (when it is safe) to the Townhouse in Manhattan and see and hear all that is the McIntosh way.
Vilip... Another great video. Thx. Question, at a budget of $7500US what's better? MA352 or MA7200?
From my way of thinking and listening - MAC7200. However, both are great - you can't choose wrong. Listen to them and one will be more appealing to you. Always listen if you have the choice and the chance.
@@vilip119 Thanks for the reply... listening is a bit challenging right now. :-}
@@sinclabs All good things come to those who wait - something good for the future. Stay Safe.
my buddy thats a HIFI nut he knows all about home stereo electronics and rebuilding them and speakers,he i could find something cheaper and just as good as mcintosh power amps
Streaming is nowhere as good as a proper recorded disc being record or cd . This has my interest though .
Wouldn’t you buy the MC611s for around this price?
Yeah if you want a bunch of junk all over the place and no audible difference in sound.
Kamakawiwoole... A tragic figure of Hawai. He was such a beloved Artist and died due to his overweight... And most of the Hawaiian People think that Over the Rainbow is a Song written by HIM! LOL... But it´s not, and also not from Louis Armstrong, but it´s first was sung by the little Judy Garland, way back in time... in a Technicolor Musical Movie from 1939!
Don’t look behind the curtain!
How can they think he was the writer of the song? They don’t have The Wizard of Oz in Hawaii? That’s tough to believe.
I promised my wife no tubes. How does the solid state section compare to the 9500 which retails for 12,000 USD?
$19,000 for an integrated ? With that money , you can buy two mono Bryston 7b3's and probably throw in a BP 17 preamp too. Just my 25 cent opinion.
I go with the mono blocks.
Is it guaranteed that separates are always better than integrateds?
Not everyone wants hundreds of pounds of junk all over the place with no audible sound difference.
@@Sloimer , hunderds of pounds of junk ??
@@danielesbordone1871 yeah.
I also don't get why people buy the Mcintosh separates. The integrated mid-top models are better.
@Stonnie Mikita ma8000, ma8900 and ma9000 beat almost anything that is mcintosh separates.
Only the new hybrid transistor/tube model is supposed to be a lot better. Is what I have heard from others.
The trick to getting the best mcintosh sound is getting one of the 3 models or this ma12000 or the new hybrid, and then focus a huge amount on getting the best streamer, and the best network, power setup. That is how you get the best Mcintosh sound.
Separates also sound pretty decent, but then the signature just dies totally going into this hifi mode that locks the sound.
@@RealHIFIHelp lol. The only people that would agree with you are the users of those 3 models that have never heard separates..
@@oscillatingdailyaudio Sounds like you have separates.
$14000
I just wish you could actually lift the thing...
Wish I didnt like the sound of every McIntosh setup I have heard, I just hate the styling.
Different outlooks are what makes it so much fun. I love Macs because of the looks and sound. Come on board ,man, you won’t regret it, plus you can close your eyes and open your ears and be enveloped in musical ecstasy.
All that money and only 17 inputs? Kidding aside there no reason why a good designed integrated amp couldn't sound as good or better than separates.
And sans the endless tweaking...
This dude just said a 50k system is affordable 😂 what is he a crack dealer, 1200 for cables 🤣
Gotta respect the hustle lol
It may be a lot of money, but you don't have to buy the power amps. That's much better value for money, in that respect. Or the DAC/streamer, for that matter!
It has DA-2 DAC - you do need to add a streamer.
@@vilip119 oh well.
@@mrpositronia DA-2 is $1000 USD installed. You can always get a Bluesound Node 2i and use the Digital Coax out to the DA-2. That's pretty Kick-ass.
this is the most boring channel , they talk for half an hour about sound without actually playing ,
No need for you to torture yourself, sir. Just move on....