McIntosh MC1.25KW – Mono Power Amplifier for Hi-Fi and Home Cinema

The McIntosh MC1.25KW is a 1-channel power amplifier for high-quality 2-channel audio systems and home cinema systems. As a monoblock power amplifier, a separate amplifier section is used for each channel, which enables a clear, structured system architecture, especially in complex systems.

For separate amplification per channel

The MC1.25KW is designed for operating a single speaker channel. In a stereo system, we recommend using two MC1.25KW power amplifiers so that the left and right channels each have their own power base. In home cinema installations, the amplifier can be used for individual channels if a particularly high-quality, separate amplification is intended.

Technologies in the MC1.25KW

The McIntosh MC1.25KW incorporates key McIntosh technologies such as Quad Balanced Design, Autoformer™, Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor™, McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™, Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts, and Power Control. The concept is complemented by solid-state circuitry, Direct LED lighting, ThermalTrak™ Output Transistors, and a sophisticated power supply.

Connections and System Integration

The MC1.25KW offers balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs. This allows the power amplifier to be flexibly connected to preamplifiers or AV processors. The existing outputs can also be used to forward the audio signal to additional power amplifiers. This enables sophisticated setups such as bi-amping or tri-amping, where the frequency ranges of a loudspeaker (e.g. bass and high/mid-range) are driven by separate power amplifiers.

Operation with Clear Control

Operation is via the front and rear panels. The power switch allows manual operation or remote operation via a suitable Power Control connection. The large blue watt meter displays the output power and offers various operating modes, including Watts, Hold, and switched-off illumination. The input mode switch on the rear panel selects between balanced and unbalanced input.

Protection functions for safe operation

Power Guard® protects against hard clipping, while Sentry Monitor™ acts as a short-circuit protection circuit. In addition, the MC1.25KW has thermal protection functions and an auto-off function that can put the device into standby mode after a long period without an input signal.

Installation

Due to its enormous weight of almost 72 kg, the MC1.25KW should be placed on the floor, on special amplifier stands (Amp Stands) or in an extremely load-bearing heavy-duty Hi-Fi rack. Installation in a piece of furniture or cabinet is possible, provided the construction is designed for this weight. Generous ventilation is important, as the power amplifier requires free air circulation and should not be placed directly above or below other heat-generating components.

Design and Workmanship

The black glass front with illuminated logo, aluminum end caps with handles, the large blue watt meter, and the polished stainless steel chassis characterize the classic McIntosh appearance. On the top are newly designed housing areas with a glass cover for the Audio Autoformer and power transformer. The McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ on the sides of the chassis support heat dissipation and emphasize the technical character of the power amplifier.

Specifications

General

• Product Type: 1-channel mono power amplifier
• Application: 2-channel audio systems and home theater systems
• Circuit Design: Solid State
• Circuit Configuration: Quad Balanced
• Output Type: Autoformer™
• Number of Channels: 1
• Dimensions W × H × D: 45.09 × 31.27 × 55.88 cm
• Weight: 71.7 kg
• Shipping Weight: 83.4 kg

Audio

• Power: 1,200 W into 2, 4 or 8 Ohms
• FTC Power Output Rating: 1,200 W
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio below rated power: Balanced 124 dB, Unbalanced 120 dB
• Dynamic Headroom: 2.2 dB
• Damping Factor: > 40 Wideband
• Rated Power Band: 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
• Input Sensitivity for Rated Output: 4.8 V Balanced, 2.4 V Unbalanced
• Input Impedance: 10,000 Ohms
• Intermodulation Distortion: 0.005% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power does not exceed twice the rated power

Connections

• Balanced Input (XLR): 1
• Unbalanced Input (RCA): 1
• Balanced Output (XLR Passthrough): 1
• Unbalanced Output (RCA Passthrough): 1
• Speaker Connectors: Patented Solid Cinch™ speaker terminals
• Speaker Terminals: Separate connectors for 2, 4 and 8 Ohms
• XLR Pinout: Pin 1: Shield/Ground, Pin 2: + (Hot) Input/Output, Pin 3: - (Cold) Input/Output

Control and Operation

• Remote Power On (Power Control): Yes
• Control Input (Power Control / Trigger): 5–15 V DC, less than 1 mA
• Control Output (Power Control / Trigger): 12 V DC, maximum 50 mA total
• Power Output Turn-On Delay: 0.2 seconds after power on
• Power Switch / Operating Modes: Off, Remote, On
• VU Meter Operating Modes: Lights Off, Watts (Power Display), Hold (Peak Hold)
• Illumination Switch for VU Meter: Yes
• Input Selector (Input Mode): Balanced (XLR) / Unbalanced (RCA)
• Auto Off: Switches to standby mode after approx. 30 minutes without input signal

Features

• Power Guard®
• Sentry Monitor™
• Thermal Protection
• Power Management System
• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™
• ThermalTrak™ Output Transistors
• Large Blue Watt Meter
• Front Panel: Glass front with handles
• Illumination: Direct LED
• Chassis: Polished stainless steel and black painted steel

Power Supply

• 100 V, 50/60 Hz, 15 A
• 110 V, 50/60 Hz, 12.5 A
• 120 V, 50/60 Hz, 12 A
• 220 V, 50/60 Hz, 7.5 A
• 230 V, 50/60 Hz, 6.5 A
• 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 6.5 A
• Standby: 0.5 W
• Correct Voltage: Refer to device label on rear

Installation

• Freestanding Installation
• Minimum Clearance Top: 15.24 cm
• Minimum Clearance Bottom: 5.08 cm
• Minimum Clearance Behind Rear: 7.62 cm
• Minimum Clearance Sides: 5.08 cm each side
• Clearance in Front of Mounting Panel: 6.35 cm
• Ventilation opening in mounting surface required

Scope of Delivery

• McIntosh MC1.25KW
• Power Cord
• Power Control Cable
• Documents

• Anleitung I
• Anleitung II
• Broschüre