McIntosh PS1K – active subwoofer for palpable, controlled bass

The McIntosh PS1K gives music and film scenes the foundation that often makes the decisive difference in demanding stereo and home theater systems. It combines deep, precise bass reproduction with ample headroom for large listening areas and can be precisely tuned to the speakers and room.

The McIntosh PS1K at a glance

• More weight and dynamics: Two 13-inch drivers give bass passages, film soundtracks, and effects more body without the reproduction sounding uncontrolled.
• Precise bass even at high levels: Two 500-watt Class D amplifiers and the rigid carbon fiber construction support clear, low-distortion low-frequency reproduction.
• Calmer and more controlled sound: The sealed enclosure reduces port noise and supports a cleanly decaying bass.
• Tunable to suit the room: Filters, parametric EQs, level and phase controls help reduce booming and blend the subwoofer harmoniously with the main speakers.
• Suitable for many systems: Balanced and unbalanced connections make it easy to integrate into stereo systems and home theaters.
• More safety during operation: Power Guard and Sentry Monitor protect the amplifier stage under critical signal and power conditions.

More foundation for music and film with the McIntosh PS1K

The McIntosh PS1K complements the main speakers with deep frequencies that make music sound more physical and film scenes more impressive. Double basses, large drums, and electronic basslines gain more volume, while explosions and sound effects in the home theater are reproduced with additional impact.

The two 13-inch drivers are designed for high excursion and low distortion. This keeps the bass structured even in complex passages.

Clean bass even at high levels with the McIntosh PS1K

Each driver is powered by its own 500-watt Class D amplifier. This creates headroom for dynamic music and large home theater rooms without the subwoofer reaching its limits prematurely at high levels.

The multilayer carbon fiber diaphragms, the LD/HP magnet system, and the approximately 3.8-centimeter-thick baffle support stable, low-distortion reproduction. The sealed construction simultaneously reduces port noise and helps bass impulses decay precisely.

Tuning the McIntosh PS1K to the room and system

Every room and speaker combination has different requirements for low frequencies. With adjustable high- and low-pass filters, two parametric EQ bands, level control, and continuous phase adjustment, the McIntosh PS1K can be configured so that the bass sounds balanced and cohesive at the listening position.

The adjustment options are particularly helpful if a room tends to boom in certain areas or if the subwoofer is used with different speakers. This means the additional low frequencies do not simply have to be turned up, but can be precisely blended with the existing system.

Operating and adjusting the McIntosh PS1K

Tuning is done directly on the enclosure: High- and low-pass filters determine the crossover with the main speakers, two parametric EQ bands help compensate for room influences, and level and phase settings seamlessly integrate the bass into the existing system at the listening position.

Flexibly integrating the McIntosh PS1K into existing systems

Balanced stereo inputs and outputs, as well as balanced and unbalanced subwoofer connections, make the McIntosh PS1K suitable for a variety of system concepts. It can be connected to preamplifiers, power amplifiers, or home theater processors.

For larger systems, several PS1Ks can be connected in a daisy chain. Power Control supports switching them on and off together with compatible McIntosh components, while signal detection activates operation when needed.

Protection and placement of the McIntosh PS1K

Power Guard monitors the input signal and reduces hard clipping. Sentry Monitor disconnects the power stage under critical power conditions and resets the protection as soon as safe conditions are restored.

The high-gloss black enclosure with carbon elements and aluminum base is designed for secure placement. Glides for hard floors and spikes for carpeting are included and help ensure stable positioning.

McIntosh PS1K and PS2K compared

Both active subwoofers use the typical McIntosh combination of high headroom, flexible adjustment, and versatile connections. The PS2K is designed for even larger listening areas and higher levels, while the PS1K is the more compact solution in the series.

Summary of the McIntosh PS1K and PS2K comparison

The McIntosh PS1K is suitable for high-quality stereo and home theater systems that require powerful, controlled bass with a slightly lower height and less headroom. The McIntosh PS2K is the better choice when even greater headroom and more physical low-frequency impact are required in very large listening areas. In terms of connections and adjustment options, both models provide a flexible foundation for precise integration into the system.

Suitability and important notes for the McIntosh PS1K

Who is the McIntosh PS1K suitable for?

• For music lovers who want to give their speakers more depth, body, and dynamics.
• For home theater fans who want to experience film soundtracks and low-frequency effects with more impact.
• For owners of high-quality stereo or multi-channel systems with powerful main speakers.
• For large listening and home theater rooms where high low-frequency headroom is required.

Important notes for the McIntosh PS1K

• The McIntosh PS1K weighs 167.8 kilograms and requires a solid, sufficiently large placement area.
• For a balanced result, the level, filters, and phase should be tuned to the speakers, room, and listening position.

Conclusion on the McIntosh PS1K

The McIntosh PS1K makes the difference audible where music and film come alive with true depth. It delivers powerful, controlled bass energy, integrates precisely into the system, and provides the headroom that high-quality stereo and home theater systems deserve.

• McIntosh_PS1K_Anleitung.pdf