McIntosh MC2.1KW Monoblock Power Amplifier

2,000 W monoblock power amplifier with a three-chassis design and full output into 2, 4, or 8 ohms

The McIntosh MC2.1KW is the company’s reference monoblock power amplifier, delivering 2,000 W from a three-chassis architecture comprising two Power Modules and a separate Output Module. Designed for demanding loudspeakers, large listening spaces, and reference-level stereo or home theater systems, it combines enormous power reserves with McIntosh’s Quad Balanced circuitry and Autoformer-coupled output stage.

McIntosh’s Autoformer allows the MC2.1KW to deliver its full rated 2,000 W into 2-, 4-, or 8-ohm loudspeaker loads. Dedicated output terminals are provided for each impedance, and each set includes three pairs of Solid Cinch speaker binding posts, making bi-wiring and tri-wiring straightforward without stacking multiple cables onto a single terminal.

Compared with the preceding MC2KW, the MC2.1KW uses substantially larger filter capacitors to increase dynamic headroom and improve low-frequency performance. Eight large capacitors are distributed between the two Power Modules, while updated circuitry, shorter signal paths, revised internal wiring, and modern components further refine the design.

The two Power Modules connect to the Output Module using locking IP68-rated interconnect cables. Each Power Module also carries four McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks coupled to the high-current output transistors for efficient thermal management. Despite the amplifier’s exceptional output capability, operation remains entirely solid state and convection cooled.

Features

2,000 W Into 2, 4, or 8 Ohms

McIntosh Autoformer output transformers allow the amplifier to deliver its full rated power into 2-, 4-, or 8-ohm loudspeakers instead of reserving maximum output for a single nominal impedance.

Three-Chassis Architecture

The MC2.1KW separates its amplification and output circuitry across two Power Modules and one Output Module. This distributes the amplifier’s substantial power supply and output hardware while allowing each section to be optimized for its specific task.

Quad Balanced Circuitry

McIntosh’s Quad Balanced topology uses complementary amplifier sections to cancel noise and distortion components within the signal path while providing the current capability required for the MC2.1KW’s high output.

Increased Power-Supply Capacity

Eight large filter capacitors housed in the Power Modules provide increased energy storage compared with the previous MC2KW, contributing to a rated 2.1 dB of dynamic headroom and improved low-frequency performance.

Power Guard

McIntosh Power Guard monitors the amplifier’s input and output signals and dynamically adjusts the input level when necessary to prevent clipping that could otherwise produce harsh distortion or damage loudspeaker drivers.

Sentry Monitor

Sentry Monitor provides fuse-less protection for the output stage, disengaging it if current exceeds safe operating limits and automatically restoring operation when conditions return to normal.

Flexible Speaker Connections

Separate 2-, 4-, and 8-ohm output platforms each provide three sets of McIntosh Solid Cinch speaker binding posts, supporting conventional connection as well as bi-wired or tri-wired loudspeakers.

Dual Input Sets

Two balanced and two unbalanced inputs provide additional system flexibility, including installations where the amplifier may be used with more than one source or control configuration.

What’s Included

• 1 × MC2.1KW Output Module
• 2 × MC2.1KW Power Modules
• Module interconnect cables

Specifications

Type: Solid-state monoblock power amplifier

Channels: 1

Power Output: 2,000 W into 2, 4, or 8 ohms

Rated Power Band: 20 Hz–20 kHz

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/–0.25 dB; 10 Hz–100 kHz, +0/–3 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% maximum, 250 mW to rated power, 20 Hz–20 kHz

Intermodulation Distortion: 0.005% maximum

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 123 dB below rated output, A-weighted

Dynamic Headroom: 2.1 dB

Damping Factor: Greater than 40, wideband

Input Sensitivity: 5 V balanced; 2.5 V unbalanced

Input Impedance: 22 kΩ balanced; 22 kΩ unbalanced

Voltage Output: 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

Circuit Configuration: Quad Balanced

Output Type: Autoformer

Balanced Inputs: 2

Unbalanced Inputs: 2

Speaker Connections: Solid Cinch binding posts; three sets each for 2-, 4-, and 8-ohm outputs

Remote Power Control: Yes

Output Meter: Yes

Meter Light Switch: Yes

Illumination: Direct LED

Front Panel: 1/2" glass with handles

Chassis: Open stainless steel

Output Module Dimensions (H × W × D): 12-5/32" × 17-15/16" × 30-3/16" (30.9 × 45.6 × 76.7 cm), including handles and interconnect cables

Power Module Dimensions, Each (H × W × D): 11-7/8" × 17-15/16" × 30-3/16" (30.2 × 45.6 × 76.7 cm), including handles and interconnect cables

Output Module Weight: 125 lb. (56.7 kg)

Power Module Weight, Each: 145 lb. (65.8 kg)