McIntosh MC2.1KW – Monoblock Power Amplifier for Large Hi-Fi and Home Theater Systems

The McIntosh MC2.1KW is a 1-channel monoblock power amplifier for high-quality 2-channel audio systems and home theater systems. It is particularly suitable for systems with demanding loudspeakers, very large rooms, or for setups where a single amplifier channel is required to operate with particularly high authority.

Tri-Chassis Design with Separate Modules

The MC2.1KW consists of three separate chassis: one output module and two power modules. The incoming audio signal first enters the output module, is then distributed to both power modules and further processed there. Afterwards, the amplified signals are reunited in the output module. This construction reduces interference in the signal path and makes the individual modules easier to handle compared to a single, very heavy chassis.

The McIntosh MC2.1KW features Quad Balanced Design, Autoformer™, Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor™, Power Control, Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts, McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™, and ThermalTrak™ Power Transistors working together. The Autoformer™ enables proper connection of different loudspeaker impedances, while Power Guard® protects against audible clipping and potentially harmful distortions. Sentry Monitor™ monitors the output current, Quad Balanced Design reduces noise and distortions, and the Monogrammed Heatsinks™ support uniform heat dissipation.

The MC2.1KW offers three balanced and three unbalanced inputs. This allows optimal integration of different signal types, as separate connections are available for vacuum tube and solid-state preamplifiers, as well as a standard input. Separate connection areas are available for loudspeakers, and multiple pairs of connections are also provided for bi-wiring or tri-wiring. This creates leeway for elaborate loudspeaker concepts and cleanly planned system architectures.

Operation is carried out via the front of the output module. The power knob allows selection between Off, Remote, and On. The Meter Control selector switch controls the output power display and its illumination; a hold function for power peaks is also available. Power Control allows the MC2.1KW to be switched on and off together with suitable McIntosh components. The auto-off function switches the device off after approximately 30 minutes without an audio signal, if activated.

Careful placement planning is important for the MC2.1KW. The three modules must stand upright on their own feet and require adequate ventilation. Placement directly above heat-generating components is not intended. While the output module is passively powered via the system cables, both power modules each require their own powerful power connection – ideally via two separately fused circuits. Our recommendation: plan placement, power supply, ventilation, and cable routing together with us (Fidelity hh) before installation.

The MC2.1KW features open stainless steel chassis, black glass front panels, illuminated logos, aluminum handles, and the classic blue McIntosh Wattmeter. The visible Power Banks behind the front glass of the power modules emphasize the amplifier's technical character. The design is thus not only functional but deliberately intended as a visible component of a high-quality system.

Specifications

General

• Product Type: 1-channel monoblock power amplifier
• Product Type: Solid State Power Amplifier
• Number of Channels: 1
• System Design: Tri-Chassis Design with 1 Output Module and 2 Power Modules
• Circuit Configuration: Quad Balanced
• Circuit Design: Solid State
• Output Type: Autoformer™
• Area of Use: 2-channel audio systems and home theater systems
• Suitable for indoor use: Yes

Audio

• FTC Rated Output Power: 2000 W
• Output Power per Channel: 2000 W into 2, 4 or 8 ohms
• Rated Power Bandwidth: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Frequency Response: +0, -0.25 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Frequency Response: +0, -3 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.005 %
• Intermodulation Distortion (IMD): maximum 0.005 %
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 123 dB below rated output
• Dynamic Headroom: 2.1 dB
• Damping Factor: > 40 (broadband)
• Input Sensitivity: 5.0 V (balanced / XLR), 2.5 V (unbalanced / RCA)
• Input Impedance: 22,000 Ohms (balanced), 22,000 Ohms (unbalanced)
• Output Voltage: 126.5 V into 8 Ohms, 89.5 V into 4 Ohms, 63.3 V into 2 Ohms
• Voltage Gain: 34 dB into 8 Ohms, 31 dB into 4 Ohms, 28 dB into 2 Ohms
• Peak Current: 200 A
• Music Bursts: over 8000 W

Connections

• Balanced Input (XLR): 2
• Unbalanced Input (RCA): 2
• Speaker Connections: Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts
• Speaker Terminals: Separate connections for 2, 4 and 8 Ohms
• Bi-Wiring/Tri-Wiring: Three identical pairs of connections per impedance range
• Control Input (Power Control / Trigger): 5–12 V DC
• Control Output (Power Control / Trigger): 12 V DC, 25 mA
• Multi-channel DB25 Cable: not available (N/A)

Features and Technologies

• Quad Balanced Design
• Autoformer™
• Power Guard®
• Sentry Monitor™
• Power Control
• Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts
• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™
• ThermalTrak™ Power Transistors
• VU Meter (Power Display): Yes
• Illumination Switch for VU Meter: Yes
• Front Panel: 1/2-inch glass with handles
• Illumination: Direct LED
• Chassis Design: Open Stainless Steel (per module)
• Auto Off: After approx. 30 minutes without audio signal (if activated)

Power Supply

• Power Module: 100 V, 50/60 Hz at 1440 W
• Power Module: 110 V, 50/60 Hz at 13.0 A
• Power Module: 120 V, 50/60 Hz at 12.0 A
• Power Module: 220 V, 50/60 Hz at 7.5 A
• Power Module: 230 V, 50/60 Hz at 6.5 A
• Power Module: 240 V, 50/60 Hz at 6.5 A
• Output Module: 100, 110, 120, 220, 230, 240 V, 50/60 Hz at 35 W

Dimensions and Weight

• Output Module Dimensions (W × H × D): 45.6 × 30.9 × 76.7 cm (including handles and connecting cables)
• Output Module Weight: 56.7 kg
• Output Module Shipping Weight: 68 kg
• Power Module Dimensions (W × H × D): 45.6 × 30.2 × 76.7 cm (including handles and connecting cables, per module)
• Power Module Weight: 65.8 kg per module
• Power Module Shipping Weight: Contradictory manufacturer's specifications (74.8 kg or 77.1 kg per module)

Setup and Operation

• Setup: Upright and on the device feet
• Minimum Clearance for Ventilation (Output Module): At least 5.1 cm above and 5.1 cm to the sides
• Minimum Clearance for Ventilation (Power Module): At least 15.2 cm above and 5.1 cm to the sides
• Installation Note: Do not place directly above heat-generating components
• Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight
• Cleaning: Only use suitable, mild cleaning agents
• Transport/Handling: Power modules and output modules should be moved by two or more people

Scope of delivery

• 1x McIntosh MC2.1KW Output Module
• 2x McIntosh MC2.1KW Power Modules
• Connecting cables
• Power cables
• Documentation

• Datenblatt
• Broschüre
• Anleitung