MC2.1KW 1-Channel Solid State Amplifier

The reference level McIntosh MC2.1KW Monoblock Power Amplifier is the ultimate power in home audio amplification. McIntosh’s 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 McIntosh’s unwavering commitment to sonic perfection. This tri-chassis marvel possesses the remarkable ability to 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 is the embodiment of McIntosh’s passion, and it invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey through sound.

Available separately or as part of McIntosh’s Reference Music System and Reference Home Theatre System, the MC2.1KW pairs seamlessly with McIntosh’s 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 instead can be used with a wide variety of other speakers. It is ideally suited for audio systems that have power hungry loudspeakers; systems located in extremely large rooms; or for audio enthusiasts who simply demand the latest and best in state-of-the-art home audio amplification.

Symphony of Technology
The MC2.1KW consists of three separate modules: one Output Module and two Power Modules that each contain 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 renter the Output Module where they drive 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 completely 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. First is about practicality; each module weighs over 120 lbs (54 kg), so if it was just one module it would be very heavy (close to 400 lbs (181 kg)) and tough to move. With it being comprised of three modules, each is more manageable to move.

Another reason has to do with the electrical wiring typically found inside homes. If the MC2.1KW was 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). With it divided up 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.

Full power with no sacrifices
Thanks to McIntosh’s hand wound Autoformer, the full 2,000 Watts of power can be delivered into a speaker regardless of 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 McIntosh’s 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.

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 prevent corrosion and 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 also has three sets of identical binding posts to facilitate bi- or tri-wiring your loudspeaker.

Four of McIntosh’s 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 together; and direct LED front panel lighting.

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 gives you the ability to easily switch between vacuum tube and solid-state signals, such as from McIntosh’s 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 lets you use the signal type of your choice depending on the type of music you're listening to and your listening preferences.