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02.29.2024 | News
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McIntosh MC2.1KW Reviews: A Triumph For Audiophiles

The MC2.1KW amplifier is the most powerful McIntosh amplifier ever created. The tri-chassis design has an astonishing 2,000 Watts of power per channel, crafted for transformative sonic experiences.

McIntosh MC2.1KW Amplifier 

The monoblock amplifier earmarks McIntosh’s 75th anniversary, with its trademark blue-watt meter and iconic McIntosh design. MC2.1KW debuted at CES 2024 hosted in Las Vegas alongside Suprema, Sonus faber’s most ambitious speakers to date. Together, MC2.1KW and Suprema powered the "Villa of Sound" at the Wynn Hotel. Since its debut, the MC2.1KW has earned features in the likes of Forbes, Uncrate, and Gear Patrol speaking to its auditory prowess.

History In the Making: Continuing the Legacy of Superior Home Audio

Few brands have earned the longevity and trust cultivated through McIntosh’s community of genuine audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Just as when the MC2.1KW's predecessor the MC2KW enthralled listeners at the 2005 CES show, this powerhouse amplifier "redefines industry standards for amplification and power" at its debut as said by Fidelity Magazine.

The MC2.1 KW comes with significant upgrades including large filter capacitors to improve low-end support and dynamic headroom performance, as well as the flexibility to switch between solid state and vacuum tube signals. With multiple speaker terminals for bi- and tri-wiring and an unprecedented amount of power, there is little limit to the clarity of sound backed by a “seminal audio brand,” according to Digital Trends.

The MC2.1KW McIntosh Amplifier Reviews Are In: Transforming HiFi for the Better

McIntosh MC2.1KW Amplifier

Following its debut, the MC2.1KW amplifier quickly secured a spot on the coveted "Best Speakers, Headphones, & Audio Gear of CES 2024" list by trusted outlet Gear Patrol. As remarked by Forbes, "With its highly polished stainless-steel chassis and immaculate metal casework, the MC2.1KW looks positively stunning." The MC2.1KW holds its own when it comes to both style and unparalleled sound innovation.

It’s no surprise then that a similar sentiment was corroborated by Home Theater Review, "The MC2.1KW Monoblock Power Amplifier is not just a sonic powerhouse but also a visual masterpiece. Its stainless steel chassis, polished to a gleaming mirrored finish, and impeccable metal casework create a luxurious and timeless design…making it a true work of art."

Popular Science awarded the McIntosh MC2.1KW amplifier with the "Best of CES" distinction, remarking, "Based on just one listening session drawing only 200 of the available 2,000 Watts of power, you could put on Wagner to Metallica to "Who Let the Dogs Out" and we’d be so into it we wouldn’t even care when the Terminators kicked in the door." With a wide dynamic range and support across the frequency spectrum, these high-octane amplifiers are built for audio across any and all genres.

The amplifier is revered for its rare combination of pure, flexible strength and balanced clarity. Perhaps it's best captured by Ian White in Ecoustics, "Thanks to [McIntosh's] Autoformer and its unique ability to output full power at three separate impedances, the full 2,000 Watts of power can be delivered into a speaker no matter if its impedance is 2, 4 or 8 Ohms."

As said by McIntosh President Charlie Randall on the MC2.1KW’s debut, "The perfect product to commemorate McIntosh’s 75th anniversary, the MC2.1KW is the embodiment of our passion, and it invites audio enthusiasts to embark on an extraordinary journey through sound with one of our most powerful amplifiers yet."

75th Anniversary Edition

McIntosh MC2.1KW Amplifier

To celebrate its 75th anniversary and the MC2.1KW amplifier debut, McIntosh is unveiling a limited run of anniversary edition MC2.1KWs, featuring a 75th anniversary badge and limited to 75 per country where McIntosh is sold.

Learn more about the MC2.1KW 1-Channel Solid State Amplifier and head to the McIntosh Dealer Locator to find your nearest dealer.