Thoughts on adding a McIntosh C12000 preamp to my AVM90 Home Theater Processor....

Thanks for the input everyone - I pulled the trigger on the C12000 and am upgrading the Nova III to Serafino G2's...  Should know the outcome of the upgrade this weekend!

I am thinking of doing the same - but got some interesting different advice from the McI dealer. I have a MX123 which I love. Running SF Amati G5 fronts, Nova II surround, Nova 1 back, Gravis VI sub, CII for center. Amatis are on two bi-amp MC451 monoblocks. Use Hifi Rose 150b for dac.

What I am looking for is the best configuration in this scenario for 1) 2 channel (when stereo only) .. 2) ability to run surround to all at times and 3) theatre capability for Bluray - or Apple TV (spatial - Dolby Atmos music is great).

What I cannot get is a clear answer on how - if I buy a 12000 - would it be best to set it up?

Digital out from the HR150B to the MX123 with XLR to the C12000, XLR to the C12000 from the HR150b. Set up 2 listening modes (As I assume bypass basically eliminates the processor in the C12000).

Seems complicated .. where the C12000 manual offers one config - bypass.

Advice appreciated.

@uberk I have almost the exact same set up as you.  Amati G5's biamped with MC451 monoblocks.  My difference is only that I have an AVM90 vs a MX123.

So now that I've actually added the C12000 I can comment on how it works/how its set up.

The L/R output from your MX123 would be plugged into the "passthrough" input, the L/R output goes to your amps on the C12000.   

If you turn on the C12000 your amps turn on, you have an awesome two channel system.  If you turn on your MX123, the C12000 turns on, the amps turn on and the system immediately goes to "passthrough" mode.  Everything works as your existing home theater set up does - the controls on the C12000 are not functional even though its is on.

Works perfectly!

Hope that helps.
PB

@whitesarhara  thank you … and sorry for trying to validate the logic here - think I finally get it. This is very helpful :) as I just got the 451s and the Amatis and … the MX123 doesn’t do them justice

If I read what you are saying correctly, it basically means:

- HR150b into the C12000 via XLR. Exclusive for stereo

- Pass through from MX123 when operating theater system

-  If I also want to have the option of using the HF150b in “all speakers” stereo I would need a 2nd connection into the MX123 (digital from HRose)?and would be operating the c12000 in pass through mode. 

Which now makes sense …. Thanks for confirming this logic 

(and will lead to one more question)

I have all input devices also connected to my AVM90 for mutli speaker output and also for my wife and family to use.  The 2 Channel is only for me ;)