RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
New, this sold for about US$3,300, while recent comparable used listings put the median at US$3,000, with the lower quartile at US$1,450. At US$895, this is decisively below that range—a genuine bargain if it is complete and working.
The CR12 is an unusually capable vintage control center: effectively four independent audio/video preamps in one chassis, with separate source selection, volume, tone controls, and balanced or unbalanced outputs for each zone. It is especially appealing for a whole-house system or a McIntosh multichannel installation, and its relatively uncommon status adds interest. Verify that all four zones function, the controls and display behave properly, and the correct remote or system accessories are included, but the price leaves substantial room for servicing.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
McIntosh Laboratory, founded in 1949 in the United States by Frank H. McIntosh and Gordon Gow, embodies a storied heritage of American audio innovation. Originally based in Silver Spring, Maryland, before relocating to Binghamton, New York, where products are still handcrafted today, the brand emerged from a commitment to superior sound reproduction. From powering President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration to the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound at Woodstock, McIntosh has shaped pivotal moments in music history and pop culture, earning its place as a cultural icon.
The company specializes in a comprehensive lineup of high-fidelity components, including renowned amplifiers—particularly its revered tube models for their warm, enveloping sound—along with solid-state power amps, stereo tuners, loudspeakers, turntables, music streamers, processors, and digital-to-analog converters. This breadth supports both two-channel stereo systems and multi-channel home theaters, delivering immersive experiences in music and film. Iconic blue watt meters on their gear have become globally recognized symbols of precision and power.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, McIntosh commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising quality, luxurious build, and timeless design. Far from mid-tier or niche boutique, it stands as a premium benchmark, favored by legendary musicians and producers across decades, blending vintage allure with modern performance for those who demand the ultimate in sonic fidelity.
See all McIntosh listings on RADAR.
