Усилители мощности моно — McIntosh MC2.1KW

The MC2.1KW is a McIntosh Laboratory solid-state mono amplifier, announced in January 2024 for the company's 75th anniversary and available from February 2024 at USD 50,000. It succeeds the MC2KW and keeps its tri-chassis layout, built from an Output Module plus a pair of Power Modules. The first 75 pairs sold in each country carry 75 Years engraving on the handles and an anniversary medallion.

Key specs that matter

The FTC rating is 2,000 W into 2, 4 or 8 ohms, with 2.1 dB of headroom for peaks. THD is rated at 0.005%, the signal-to-noise ratio is 123 dB below rated output and the damping factor is above 40 wideband. Response stays within 0.25 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and extends to 10 Hz to 100 kHz within 3 dB. Input sensitivity is 5 V via XLR and 2.5 V via RCA, input impedance is 22 kohm and gain is 34 dB. The Output Module measures 45.6 x 30.9 x 76.7 cm and weighs 56.7 kg. Each Power Module has the same width and depth at 30.2 cm high and weighs 65.8 kg.

Engineering and use context

Each Power Module contains a 1,000 W amplifier, and the two combine in the Output Module, which holds a hand-wound bi-filar Autoformer. Splitting the design this way spreads the mass over three separate chassis rather than one far heavier unit and suits residential electrical circuits. Next to the MC2KW, the filter capacitors are substantially larger, aimed at low-frequency performance and dynamic headroom. Four Monogrammed Heatsinks sit on each Power Module. The circuit uses the Quad Balanced topology, Power Guard prevents clipping and Sentry Monitor guards the output against shorts. The modules connect through bayonet interconnect cables rated to IP68. Chassis are polished mirror-finish stainless steel with black glass front panels, illuminated logos, aluminium handles and rotary knobs, and a blue watt meter with direct LED illumination shows output. Warranty is 3 years.

Pairing

Two balanced and two unbalanced inputs let two preamplifiers or processors connect at once, for example a stereo preamplifier and a home theater processor. Gold-plated Solid Cinch binding posts are provided separately for each impedance tap and allow bi-wiring and tri-wiring. Remote power control switches connected McIntosh components on and off together.

Alternatives

The McIntosh MC1.25KW is a single-chassis monoblock offering 1,200 W of output, 124 dB balanced signal-to-noise and one balanced input.