IF you’re gunning for the ultimate amount of amplifying power in your hi-fi or home theatre system, McIntosh Labs would like your attention. In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the American manufacturer has launched its MC2.1KW one-channel, solid-state, quad-balanced monoblock power amp which is capable of dishing out 2,000 watts and comes in a three-chassis configuration – two power modules plus one for output.
So, why the multi-box design? Firstly, each module weighs more than 54kg; putting everything in a single box would make it hard to move it around. Splitting the weight makes it more manageable.
Also, “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. 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.”
The MC2.1KW succeeds the MC2KW, which was introduced in 2005. The next generation MC2.1KW offers many sonic upgrades, chief among them being substantially larger filter capacitors for improved bass performance and dynamic headroom. The eight capacitors located in the power modules are visible through the front panel glass.
Using McIntosh’s handwound autoformers that deliver full power into the speaker, regardless of its resistance at 2, 4 or 8 ohms, the MC2.1KW is not likely to ever run out of steam.
Dual inputs (balanced and unbalanced) are provided, allowing you to use more than one preamplifier in the system, if that’s the requirement.
The first 75 pairs of MC2.1KWs sold in 2024 to each country McIntosh is distributed in will include the special anniversary badging. The output module will have a dual anodised laser-engraved badge displaying the 75th Anniversary logo on the top, while the handles on all three modules will have “75 years” engraved in them.
Each MC2.1KW comes with a retail tag of US$50,000 – keep in mind you’ll need a pair for stereo.
McIntosh is also offering special 75th anniversary editions of four current products – the C12000-AN preamp (US$18,000), MC1.25KW-AN monoblock (US$14,500), MA12000-AN integrated amplifier (US$15,500) and MCD12000-AN CD player (US$12,500). All are also available in non-anniversary trim.
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