McIntosh C12000

Are you judging this just from pictures? Have you actualy seen the unit or - better yet - have you heard it?

Not sure what you mean. On their website they provide literature on the product, with which you can see any and all changes. After comparing the literature and then the specifications, there are virtually no substantive changes aside from the new handles, the small change to the phono section, and the ability to either send signal through the tubes or through solid state (cool feature unto itself). I may reach out to see if there are other changes that they chose to not mention.

What else is needed? 

It's only 2 chassis vs 3, has handles, and configurable phono for either MM or MC cartridges. The phono change was vastly different from previous versions where both phono inputs were fixed without variable settings to match a wider variety of cartridges. I personally like the look as it matches my amps. 

I like the look also.  And. if the phono stage changes were that significant then it is worth it for vinyl heads like me.

My only gripe is,  why are they still using computer style ribbon cables to connect the 2 pieces?  Surely there must be better options like the cables Modwright used for their power supply connectors on the Oppo Mods.  Doubtful it is that much better than my C2500. 

I would love to have one of these. 

@audioquest4life It's not 2 chassis vs 3. The previous version and this version offer the same functionality within two chassis. A controller and an analog preamp. With the previous version, the separate digital preamp D1100 could be made a part of the C1100, so that it became 3 chassis with much greater flexibility (inclusion of a DAC). 

As of yet there is not a corresponding digital unit that has been released with the new visuals of the C12000. So total functionality has gone down. However they must be working on a digital unit like the D1100 so that people do not lose that capability. For the time being you can probably plug the old D1100 into the new C12000 but you'll have mismatched aesthetics.

Seems inexpensive/cheap compared to other 2 chasis preamps. Is this high end?

would prefer a linestage. Ss vs tube feature is cool. 

better choices out there?

I am not interested in vinyl at this point, but want to utilize the tube section of preamp. I am wondering if the hand control supplied with the 12000 will switch between Tube and transistor via flick of a button?

Oh the ignominy.

ps, not very helpful