McIntosh
McIntosh MCLK12
Best luxury timepiece for dedicated high-end audio enthusiasts.
The McIntosh MCLK12 mantle clock celebrates time with a design that pays homage to classic McIntosh aesthetics. It features the iconic McIntosh blue watt meters, offering an easily readable visual interface. The meter lighting can be controlled from the front panel or synchronized with other McIntosh components. Designed to match the width of other McIntosh equipment, it can be placed in a rack, on a shelf, or mounted on a wall. The left meter tracks hours, and the right tracks minutes, with hands that fly-back retrogradely. A long-life Lithium battery provides backup for accurate timekeeping during power outages, ensuring the precision quartz crystal oscillator maintains time.
$2000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 279
#141 in Audio Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+794%
Above average
Time Base
Temperature-compensated quartz crystal oscillator
/ Temperature-compensated quartz crystal oscillator
Who it's for
- Collectors valuing premium build quality and iconic aesthetics
- Audiophiles managing multiple McIntosh digital components
- Listeners seeking maximum clarity and reduced digital jitter
Who should skip it
- Owners of entry-level or non-compatible audio systems
- Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing immediate, dramatic sonic upgrades
- Users with simple setups avoiding unnecessary equipment complexity
Performance breakdown
Aesthetic Integration
Perfectly matches the iconic visual language of the McIntosh component ecosystem.
Timekeeping Precision
Temperature-compensated quartz ensures accuracy far beyond standard consumer timepieces.
Build Quality
Heavy-duty construction reflects the premium standards of high-end audio gear.
System Synergy
Power control inputs allow seamless lighting synchronization with your existing stack.
Display Legibility
The signature blue meters offer a striking, highly readable time display.
Installation Versatility
Flexible mounting options allow for easy placement in any audio rack.
Key Specs
Time Base
Temperature-compensated quartz crystal oscillator
Time Base Accuracy
±2 parts per million from 0°C to +40°C
Clock Time Display
Dynamic magnetic meters
Power Control Input and Output
5-15VDC, 50mA maximum
Power Requirements
100V -240V ~ 50/60Hz at 2.0 Watts
Dimensions
24 cm x 44.5 cm x 9.21 cm
System Weight
3.62 kg
Lithium Battery
Long-life backup for crystal oscillator
Features
- Iconic McIntosh blue watt meters for time display
- Adjustable meter lighting, controllable via front panel or other McIntosh components
- Retrograde fly-back hands for hour and minute tracking
- Rack, shelf, or wall mounting options
- Power Control input/output for synchronized operation with other McIntosh gear
- Battery backup for uninterrupted timekeeping
- Precision temperature-compensated quartz crystal oscillator for accuracy
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the McIntosh MCLK12 for its exceptional design and seamless integration into existing McIntosh audio systems. Its iconic aesthetic, featuring the signature blue meter and classic glass front, is a significant draw, enhancing the visual appeal of any high fidelity setup. Owners appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship and the premium feel, which perfectly aligns with the brand's reputation for superior quality. While acknowledging its niche purpose, enthusiasts view it as a desirable, complementary piece that completes their luxury audio experience.
Know before you buy
The MCLK12 uses two iconic McIntosh blue watt meters to tell time. The left meter indicates the hour, while the right meter tracks the minutes, utilizing retrograde fly-back hands that snap back to the start once they reach the end of their cycle.
Yes, the meter lighting is adjustable. You can control the brightness directly from the front panel or synchronize it with other connected McIntosh components using the Power Control input.
No, the clock features a long-life lithium battery backup. This ensures the precision quartz crystal oscillator continues to keep accurate time even when the unit is disconnected from power.
The MCLK12 is designed to match the standard width of other McIntosh equipment, making it easy to integrate into a rack system. It is also versatile enough to be placed on a shelf or mounted directly to a wall.
The clock utilizes a temperature-compensated quartz crystal oscillator, which provides a high level of precision with an accuracy of ±2 parts per million within a temperature range of 0°C to 40°C.
The Power Control ports allow you to daisy-chain the clock with your other McIntosh gear. This enables synchronized operation, such as having the clock's meter lighting turn on or off automatically alongside your amplifier or preamplifier.
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$2000