None of us are unfamiliar with McIntosh amplifiers. We’ve tested most of them, both with and without valves, but this one we are not sure if we can fit in the test room. Because the upcoming MC2.1KW is not one amplifier, but six.
Three for each channel, with an output of 2000 W for each channel.
McIntoh has achieved this by using massive power supplies that supply a mono power amplifier with enough power to keep a house lit and heated.
The amplifier marks the company’s 75th anniversary and is the most powerful ever from Binghamton. It will be manufactured in 75 pairs with a special anniversary logo and will be joined by anniversary versions of the C12000 preamplifier – also only 75 pieces – the MA12000 integrated and the MCD12000 SACD/CD player.
McIntosh has updated the MA9000 to the 9500, making our favourite amp more versatile, and even better.
Tre kabinetter
“The MC2.1KW is a result of McIntosh’s 75 years as a leader in audio reproduction and a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to sonic perfection,” says McIntosh President Charlie Randall.
The three cabinets per channel consist of a module with McIntosh’s familiar bi-filar (‘double-wired’) Autoformer transformers and two output stages with 1,000 watts of power in each. The amplifier delivers a total of 2,000 watts, regardless of whether the load is 2, 4 or 8 ohms.
Better sound
McIntosh has made extensive improvements since the MC2KW was introduced in 2005. The significantly increased capacitor bank in the MC2.1KW provides noticeably better bass control and greater dynamic headroom. There are separate terminals for 2, 4 and 8 ohm speakers and the circuit has a shorter signal path with better cables and components. The three modules are connected with IP68-labelled cables and the MC2.1KW has McIntosh features such as Power Guard, Sentry Monitor, Quad Balanced circuitry and Power Control between units.
Pricing
The McIntosh MC2.1KW will only be sold by authorised McIntosh dealers from February 2024 at $50,000 per channel. The amplifiers will be demonstrated at the McIntosh House of Sound in New York City or at the factory in Binghamton, NY.
The McIntosh MA12000 will break your back and empty your wallet, but the sound will make you euphoric and happy.