MC2.1KW

1-Channel Power Amplifier

Ideal for 2-Channel Audio Systems & Home Theater Systems

• Type: Solid State
• 2,000 Watts x 1-Channel
• Tri-chassis design: 2 Power Modules, 1 Output Module
• Dual sets of balanced and unbalanced inputs
• Quad Balanced, 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 possesses the remarkable ability to deliver an astonishing 2,000 Watts of pristine McIntosh power, forever transforming your home stereo or theater experience. At McIntosh, we don't just appreciate sound – we are made of sound. The MC2.1KW is the embodiment of 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 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 reenter 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 canceled. 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 our 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.

The Power Bank found on each Power Module.

Our 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.

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.

Four of our 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.

There are four McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks on each Power Module.

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 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 lets you use the signal type of your choice depending on the type of music you're listening to and your listening preferences.

TRUSTED MCINTOSH TECHNOLOGIES

Our 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 current exceeds safe operating levels and then 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 easy 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, aluminum handles, and a responsive blue Watt meter complete the timeless design.

HEAR IT TO BELIEVE IT

Discover the awe-inspiring MC2.1KW at McIntosh dealers worldwide and immerse yourself in its unmatched sonic splendor. Contact your local dealer today and elevate your home audio to unprecedented heights with McIntosh.

SYSTEM
Power Output
2000 Watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm load
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20kHz
Dynamic Headroom
2.1dB
Wide Band Damping Factor
Greater than 40
Frequency Response
+ 0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+ 0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005% maximum harmonic
distortion at any power level
from 250 milliwatts to rated
power, 20Hz to 20kHz
Intermodulation Distortion
0.005% maximum, if the
instantaneous peak power output
does not exceed twice the rated
power output for any combination
of frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz
Signal To Noise Ratio
(A Weighted)
123dB below rated output
Input Sensitivity (for
rated output)
5.0 Volts Balanced
2.5 Volts Unbalanced
Input Impedance
22,000 ohms Balanced
22,000 ohms Unbalanced
Voltage Output
126.5V across 8 ohms 89.5V across
4 ohms 63.3V across 2 ohms
Voltage Gain
8 ohms: 34db; 4 ohms:
31dB; 2 ohms: 28dB
Power Control Input
5-12VDC
Power Control Output
12VDC, 25mA
POWER MODULE
Power Requirements
100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 1440 watts
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 13.0 amps
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 12.0 amps
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 7.5 amps
230/240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.5 amps
Overall Dimensions
Width is 17-15/16 inches (45.6cm)
Height is 11-7/8 inches (30.2cm)
Depth is 23-1/2 inches (59.7cm)
Weight
145 pounds (65.8 kg) net
170 pounds (77.1 kg) in carton
OUTPUT MODULE
Power Requirements
100, 110, 120, 220, 230, 240
Volts, 50/60Hz at 35 watts
Overall Dimensions
Width is 17-15/16 inches (45.6cm)
Height is 12-5/32 inches (30.9cm)
Depth is 23-1/2 inches (59.7cm)
Weight
125 pounds (56.7 kg) net
150 pounds (68 kg) in carton