McIntosh MA12000 stereo amp is its most powerful yet

McIntosh Laboratory is now shipping the most powerful integrated amplifier in its 70-year history, the MA12000. Rated at 350-watt, the powerhouse is a hybrid design with a valve preamp section, powered by four 12AX7A valves, two per audio channel, combined with a high-performance 350-watt solid-state power amplifier employing McIntosh's Autoformer technology.

It comes with McIntosh's DA2 Digital Audio Module factory-installed, and includes two coaxial and two optical digital audio inputs, one USB and an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) input, plus proprietary MCT (for McIntosh SACD/CD transports) connection.

The DA2 employs an eight-channel, 32-bit DAC. The USB input supports DSD 512 and DXD up to 384 kHz, while the coaxial and optical inputs rise to 24 bit/192 kHz. The DA2 is also Roon Tested.

There are two balanced and six unbalanced analogue inputs, while vinyl enthusiasts have the option of Moving Coil and Moving Magnet inputs, with adjustable loading for fine-tuning.

Design is classic McIntosh, with a pair of McIntosh Blue watt meters, a black glass front panel, rotary control knobs, illuminated logo, aluminium end-caps with built-in handles and a beautiful stainless steel chassis, polished to a mirror finish.

The MA12000 retails for £16,500. Distribution is via Fine Sounds UK.