McIntosh MC2301 – Tube Monoblock for Demanding Hi-Fi Systems

The McIntosh MC2301 is a 1-channel tube power amplifier designed for high-quality 2-channel audio systems and stereo music systems. As a monoblock power amplifier, it is intended for systems where each speaker should benefit from its own, clearly defined amplifier section, and it handles this with flying colors.

Tube Technology with Characteristic McIntosh Architecture

The MC2301 operates as a tube power amplifier and utilizes a fully balanced circuit architecture from input to speaker output. This ensures clean signal routing and is particularly well-suited for high-quality preamplifiers and demanding speaker systems. Our recommendation: The MC2301 should be used in a carefully planned hi-fi chain where speakers, preamplifier, cabling, and setup are harmonized. We are happy to provide assistance if you are interested.

Technologies and Features in the McIntosh MC2301

In the McIntosh MC2301, core McIntosh technologies are combined with practical features: Quad-Balanced circuit design, Unity-Coupled circuit, Unity-Coupled output transformer, multifilar wound output transformer, Sentry Monitor™ tube protection, McIntosh Power Assurance System, balanced and unbalanced input, and LED fiber optic illumination. Together, they form the technical basis of the device: balanced signal processing, the brand's characteristic McIntosh output transformer technology, protection functions for safe operation, and a high-quality display and illumination solution.

Sentry Monitor™ and Power Assurance System

The MC2301 features Sentry Monitor™ tube protection and a McIntosh Power Assurance System. The protection circuit disconnects the output stage before safe operating areas are exceeded and resets automatically. In addition, protection mechanisms against short circuits, mismatches, and overheating are available. This is particularly relevant for powerful systems where speakers and power amplifiers must be precisely matched.

McIntosh Design with Visible Tubes

Visually, the MC2301 displays typical McIntosh features: a blue illuminated power meter, visible output tubes, rotary controls, brushed aluminum handles, and a polished stainless steel chassis.

Setup and Operation

The MC2301 is a massive device with tube technology and requires careful setup with adequate ventilation. Our recommendation: Before installation in furniture or racks, space requirements, ventilation, and accessibility of connections should be planned together. Furthermore, the device is very heavy at almost 53 kg, so it must be checked whether the furniture or racks can support the weight.

Reasons to Choose the McIntosh MC2301

• Tube monoblock power amplifier for high-quality hi-fi and stereo music systems
• Unity-Coupled output transformer
• Quad-Balanced circuit design
• Balanced and unbalanced input for flexible system integration
• Sentry Monitor™ tube protection with automatic reset
• High-quality McIntosh optics with glass front, visible tubes, and stainless steel chassis

What you need to know about the McIntosh MC2301

• As a 1-channel monoblock, system planning must be done accordingly
• The device has a high intrinsic weight and requires stable placement
• Tube technology requires adequate ventilation
• The transport foam inserts over the tubes must be removed before connecting to the mains power

Specifications

General

• Product Type: 1-Channel Tube Monoblock Power Amplifier
• Dimensions W × H × D: 45.09 cm × 31.27 cm × 58.42 cm
• Weight: 52.6 kg
• Shipping Weight: 63.9 kg
• Number of Channels: 1
• Circuit Design: Tube Circuitry
• Circuit Configuration: Quad-Balanced, Unity-Coupled
• Output Type: Unity-Coupled Output Transformer
• Front Panel: 1.27 cm Glass with Handles
• Illumination: LED Fiber Optic Lighting
• Chassis: Open Stainless Steel Chassis

Audio

• FTC Rated Output Power: 300 W
• Output Power Per Channel: 300 W into 2, 4 or 8 Ohms
• Output Load Impedance: 2, 4 or 8 Ohms
• Rated Power Band: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.5% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 mW to rated power, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion at 1 kHz: = 0.25%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio Below Rated Output: 117 dB
• Dynamic Headroom: 1.2 dB
• Damping Factor: > 15 Wideband
• Frequency Response: +0, -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Extended Frequency Response: +0, -3.0 dB from 10 Hz to 100 kHz
• Input Sensitivity Unbalanced: 1.7 V
• Input Sensitivity Balanced: 3.4 V
• Input Impedance: 47,000 Ohms
• Intermodulation Distortion: 0.5% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power does not exceed twice the rated power, for any frequency combination from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
  
  

Tube Complement

• Voltage Amplifier: 2 × 12AT7
• Output Tubes: 8 × KT88 or 6550

Connections

• Balanced Input: Present
• Unbalanced Input: Present
• Balanced Input/Output: Present
• Input Selector Switch: Balanced / Unbalanced
• Speaker Terminals: for 2, 4 and 8 Ohms
• Speaker Output Terminals: 200 A, 3-Way
• Power Control In: Present
• Power Control Out: Present
• Multichannel DB25 Cable: Not Available

Features and Operation

• Remote Power On: Yes
• Power Indicator: Yes
• Instrument Lighting Switch: Yes
• Power Output Meter: Present
• Peak Watt Hold Mode: Present
• Sentry Monitor™ Tube Protection: Present
• Thermal Protection: Present
• Mono Bridge: No
• Mono Parallel: No
• Speaker Output at Power On: Muted for approx. 15 seconds

Power Supply

• 100 V, 50/60 Hz: 6.6 A
• 110 V, 50/60 Hz: 6 A
• 120 V, 50/60 Hz: 5.5 A
• 220 V, 50/60 Hz: 3 A
• 230 V, 50/60 Hz: 2.75 A
• 240 V, 50/60 Hz: 2.75 A
• Standby: 1 W
• Applicable Mains Voltage: Refer to the rear of the MC2301

Installation and Ventilation

• Minimum Clearance Above: 30.48 cm
• Minimum Clearance Below: 5.08 cm
• Minimum Clearance Sides: 10.16 cm per Side
• Depth Behind Front Panel: 55.88 cm
• Clearance in Front of Mounting Panel: 4.12 cm
• Installation Directly Above Heat-Generating Components: Not Recommended
• Airflow: Cool Air From Below, Warm Air Upwards
  
  

Scope of Delivery

• McIntosh MC2301
• Cover
• Power Cord
• Documents

• Sicherheitshinweise
• Anleitung
• Broschüre