MC2.1KW 1-Channel Solid State Amplifier
MC2.1KW 1-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER - MC901 1-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER - MC1.25KW 1-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER - MC611 1-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER - MC451 1-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER - MC3500 1-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER MKII - MC830 1-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER - MC2301 1-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER - MC462 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER - MC312 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER - MC1502 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER - MC275 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
MC2.1KW-AN (75th Anniversary): £59995
Comes standard as 75th Anniversary Edition for 2024 (limited to 75 pairs per country)
2,000 Watt Quad Balanced Monoblock
Tri-chassis design: 2 Power Modules, 1 Output Module
Dual sets of balanced and unbalanced inputs
Autoformer™, Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor™, Monogrammed Heatsinks™, Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts
Multiple speaker terminals for bi- and tri-wiring
ULTIMATE POWER
The reference level McIntosh MC2.1KW Monoblock Power Amplifier is the ultimate power in home audio amplification. Our 75 years of experience as the leader of sound reproduction has led us to the MC2.1KW. The pinnacle of audio amplification, the MC2.1KW stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to sonic perfection. This tri-chassis marvel can deliver an astonishing 2,000 Watts of pristine McIntosh power, forever transforming your home stereo or theatre experience. At McIntosh, we don't just appreciate sound – we are made of sound. The MC2.1KW embodies our passion, and it invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey through sound.
Available separately or as part of our Reference Music System and Reference Home Theater System, the MC2.1KW pairs seamlessly with our XRT2.1K Loudspeaker or its predecessor, the XRT2K. However, its versatility knows no bounds, and it's not limited to just being used with McIntosh speakers but can be used with a wide variety of other speakers. It is ideally suited for audio systems with power-hungry loudspeakers, systems located in huge rooms, or audio enthusiasts who demand the latest and best in state-of-the-art home audio amplification.
SYMPHONY OF TECHNOLOGY
The MC2.1KW consists of three modules: one Output Module and two Power Modules containing a 1,000 Watt amplifier. The incoming audio signal enters the Output Module from the preamplifier. An in-phase signal is sent from the Output Module to one of the Power Modules and is amplified. At the same time, an out-of-phase signal is sent to the other Power Module and amplified. Both amplified signals exit the Power Modules and reenter the Output Module, driving opposite ends of the bi-filar wound McIntosh Autoformer™. This combines the two audio signals back into one with the power summed while any noise is reduced or altogether cancelled. Through this artful engineering, a low-distortion audio signal leaves the Output Module to deliver pristine sound through your speaker.
Why are there three modules instead of one? There are two reasons. The first is about practicality; each module weighs over 120 lbs (54 kg), so if it were just one module, it would be cumbersome (close to 400 lbs (181 kg)) and challenging to move. It comprises three modules, and each is more manageable to move.
Another reason is the electrical wiring typically found inside homes. If the MC2.1KW were just one module, it would need to plug into a high-voltage outlet (for example, the kind of outlet used by electric ranges in the United States). It is divided into three modules; each can have a more common plug that works with the type of outlets commonly found in homes so that special wiring does not need to be installed inside your walls.
The Output Module will have a dual anodised laser-engraved badge proudly displaying our 75th Anniversary logo on the top. In contrast, the handles on all three modules will have "75 years" engraved in them. These additions will make every MC2.1KW built through 2024 a true collector's item for McIntosh enthusiasts.
FULL POWER WITH NO SACRIFICES
Thanks to thei hand wound Autoformer, the full 2,000 Watts of power can be delivered into a speaker regardless if its impedance is 2, 4 or 8 Ohms. This means you won't need to sacrifice any power if your speaker impedance doesn't match the amplifier's output impedance. That's because amplifiers from most other brands only have one output impedance and if that doesn't match your speaker's impedance, then you could sacrifice up to half of the amplifier's power capabilities. This will not happen with our Autoformer and its unique ability to output full power at three separate impedances.
A SONIC LEAP FORWARD
The MC2.1KW succeeds the MC2KW, which rocked the Las Vegas convention hall – and the entire audio world – when it was introduced at the 2005 CES Show. The next generation MC2.1KW offers many sonic upgrades. Chief among them are substantially larger filter capacitors that improve the performance of low end frequencies as well as significantly improving dynamic headroom. These eight larger capacitors are located in the Power Modules behind the custom Power Bank that is visible through the front panel glass.
Each output platform on the Output Module has three sets of identical Solid Cinch speaker binding posts to facilitate bi- or tri-wiring your loudspeaker.
MCINTOSH’S PATENTED SOLID CINCH™
McIntosh's patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short; the posts are gold-plated to avoid corrosion and to ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables. There are dedicated binding posts for 2, 4 and 8 Ohm impedances, with the connectors for each impedance rating located on a separate output platform on the back of the Output Module. Each output platform has three sets of identical binding posts to facilitate bi- or tri-wiring your loudspeaker.
Four of the McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ are found on each Power Module. Made from high-quality materials with excellent thermal conductivity properties and connected to advanced high current output transistors that eliminate thermal equilibrium lag time, these heatsinks maintain efficient heat dissipation, ensuring consistent audio quality from the first note to the last.
Other upgrades include enhanced circuit designs with modern components and shorter signal paths; updated electrical wiring, bayonet IP68-rated interconnect cables that connect the three modules; and direct LED front panel lighting.
There are four McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks on each Power Module.
DUAL INPUTS FOR ADVANCED SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS
New on the MC2.1KW are dual sets of balanced and unbalanced inputs, conveniently allowing you to connect more than one preamplifier. This allows you to easily switch between vacuum tube and solid state signals, such as from our reference level C12000 Solid State and Vacuum Tube Preamplifier that has outputs for both signal types or from separate vacuum tube and solid state preamplifiers. Or use the second set of inputs to connect two preamplifiers of the same type; the choice is yours.
The dual inputs on the MC2.1KW give you added system flexibility and let you use the signal type of your choice depending on the type of music you're listening to and your preferences.
TRUSTED MCINTOSH TECHNOLOGIES
Exclusive McIntosh technologies ensure your investment is protected and your experience flawless.
Power Guard® monitors the audio input signal coming into the amplifier, and if it detects the amplifier will be overdriven, makes real time, near-speed-of-light adjustments to prevent harsh sounding and potentially speaker-damaging clipping. These adjustments are imperceptible to your ear, so there is no degradation to sound quality.
Sentry Monitor™ is our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the output stage before the current exceeds safe operating levels and resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal.
Quad Balanced design that cancels virtually all noise and distortion that may have crept into the audio signal.
Power Control to send power on/off signals to other connected McIntosh components (such as CD Players, turntables, tuners, and media streamers) for effortless system power up and shutdown.
WITNESS THE BEAUTY
Crafted with stainless steel polished to a gleaming mirrored finish and immaculate metal casework, the MC2.1KW is a visual masterpiece. Black glass front panels, illuminated logos, rotary knobs, aluminium handles, and a responsive blue Watt meter complete the timeless design.
MC2.1KW 1-Channel Solid State Amplifier TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FTC Power Output Rating:
2000 W
Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.005%
Damping Factor:
>40 Wideband
Power Output per Channel:
2000 W into 2, 4 or 8 ohms
S/N below rated output:
123dB
Rated Power Band:
20Hz to 20kHz
Number of Channels:
1
Dynamic Headroom:
2.1dB
Frequency Response:
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100kHz
WARRANTY PARTS AND LABOUR:
3 Years
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Circuit Configuration:
Quad Balanced
Mono Parallel:
N/A
Meter Light Switch:
Yes
Illumination:
Direct LED
Circuit Design:
Solid State
Output Type:
Autoformer™
BALANCED INPUT:
2
Chassis Style:
Open Stainless Steel (each module)
Mono Bridge:
N/A
METERS:
Yes
Front Panel:
1/2" Glass with handles
Weights & DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D):
Output Module (1 included): 17-15/16" (45.6cm) x 12-5/32" (30.9cm) x 30-3/16" (76.7cm) (including the handles and interconnect cables)
Power Module (2 included): 17-15/16" (45.6cm) x 11-7/8" (30.2cm) x 30-3/16" (76.7cm) (including the handles and interconnect cables) ea
Unit Weight:
Output Module (1 included): 125 lbs (56.7 kg)
Power Module (2 included): 145 lbs (65.8 kg) ea
SHIPPING Weight:
Output Module (1 included): 150 lbs (68 kg)
Power Module (2 included): 165 lbs (74.8 kg) ea