McIntosh PS2K – active subwoofer for large stereo and home theater systems

The McIntosh PS2K adds deep, powerful bass with excellent control to sophisticated stereo and home theater systems. It brings more body to music, more impact to movie scenes, and ample headroom so that the low end retains its expression even in large listening areas.

McIntosh PS2K features at a glance

• More depth and dynamics: Four woofers provide music and movie soundtracks with a physical, authoritative foundation.
• Clear bass at high levels: The separate Class D amplifiers work together with the drivers as a coordinated unit to deliver low-distortion performance.
• For large listening areas: Ample power reserves help the PS2K deliver controlled performance even in expansive stereo and home theater systems.
• Adjustable to the room and speakers: Filters, parametric EQs, level and phase controls help correct room effects and integrate the bass seamlessly.
• Flexible integration: Balanced stereo inputs and outputs, as well as balanced and unbalanced subwoofer connections, accommodate a variety of system designs.
• Quiet cabinet design: The sealed construction reduces port noise, while the rigid baffle minimizes unwanted vibrations.
• Easy to position: Glides for hard floors and spikes for carpeted floors help ensure secure placement.

More foundation for music and movies with the McIntosh PS2K

The McIntosh PS2K adds low frequencies to the main speakers, making music sound larger and movie scenes more impressive. Double basses, large drums, and electronic basslines gain more body, while low-frequency effects in home theater systems are reproduced with added impact.

The sound remains clear and tight, so the additional bass does not overpower voices, instruments, or important details. This creates a more physical experience without compromising the overall balance of the system.

Four drivers and ample power reserves in the McIntosh PS2K

Four 13-inch drivers with multi-layer carbon fiber diaphragms form the acoustic heart of the PS2K. The long excursion, LD/HP magnet system, and rigid diaphragm construction support linear, low-distortion performance.

Each driver is powered by its own 1,000-watt Class D amplifier. This provides a massive total of 4,000 watts of headroom for dynamic music and large home theater rooms, while a power meter makes the total output visible.

The approximately 3.8-inch-thick baffle helps stabilize the cabinet and reduce vibrations. The sealed construction also prevents port noise and allows bass impulses to decay in a controlled manner.

Tuning the McIntosh PS2K to the room and system

Every room affects the low end differently. Adjustable high- and low-pass filters set the crossover point with the main speakers, while two parametric EQ bands help correct disruptive room effects and placement issues.

Level control and continuously adjustable phase make final fine-tuning at the listening position easier. This allows the PS2K to deliver powerful performance without sounding disconnected from the rest of the system.

Flexible integration of the McIntosh PS2K into existing systems

The McIntosh PS2K features balanced stereo inputs and outputs, as well as balanced and unbalanced subwoofer connections. This allows it to be used in two-channel systems as well as multi-channel home theaters.

Multiple PS2Ks can be connected in a daisy chain to provide more even low-frequency coverage in larger listening areas. Power Control makes it easy to integrate the PS2K into compatible McIntosh systems, while signal detection supports power management.

Operation, protection, and placement of the McIntosh PS2K

The PS2K is adjusted directly on the subwoofer using the integrated controls for filters, parametric EQs, level, and phase. This allows the PS2K to be tuned to the speakers, room, and listening position without the need for an additional app.

Power Guard monitors the input signal and reduces severe overdriving. Sentry Monitor protects the amplifier stage at critical current levels and resets the protection once safe conditions are restored.

The high-gloss black cabinet with carbon elements and an aluminum base is designed for secure placement. Glides for hard floors and spikes for carpeted floors, included with the product, make it easier to position securely.

Suitability and important information about the McIntosh PS2K

Who is the McIntosh PS2K for?

• Music lovers who want to add more depth, body, and dynamics to their speakers.
• Home theater enthusiasts who want to experience movie soundtracks and low-frequency effects with greater impact.
• Owners of high-quality stereo or multi-channel systems with powerful main speakers.
• Large listening and home theater rooms that require ample low-frequency headroom.

Important information about the McIntosh PS2K

• With a weight of approximately 207 kilograms and its large cabinet dimensions, the McIntosh PS2K is designed for secure placement.
• For balanced results, the level, filters, and phase should be tuned to the speakers, room, and listening position.
• The placement surface must be able to safely support the heavy equipment.

McIntosh PS1K and PS2K compared

Both active subwoofers feature the typical McIntosh combination of ample power reserves, 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 a good fit for high-quality stereo and home theater systems that need powerful, controlled bass with a slightly lower height and less power reserve. The McIntosh PS2K is the better choice for very large listening areas that require more headroom and more physical low-frequency impact. Both models offer a flexible foundation for precise system integration through their connections and adjustment options.

Conclusion on the McIntosh PS2K

The McIntosh PS2K is designed for systems where deep bass should not only be audible but also experienced physically and controlled. Its power reserves, precise adjustment, and flexible connections make it a powerful low-frequency foundation for large stereo and home theater systems.