The MC1.25KW Quad Balanced Power Amplifier is one of our most advanced amplifiers. Redesigned from top to bottom, it replaces the venerable MC1.2KW as our most powerful single chassis monoblock amplifier. A simple glance at this 158 pound (71.7 kg) amp is enough to convey its power and performance capabilities, but when you hear it – then you’ll truly understand what it can do.
The MC1.25KW outputs 1,200 Watts of pure power into a single channel with a nearly imperceptible total harmonic distortion of 0.005%. This astonishing amount of power is fully available to 2, 4 or 8 Ohm speakers via our Autoformer™ technology. A pair of these amps can anchor a home audio system that can rival nearly any stereo system in the world.
The MC1.25KW is a fantastic amplifier with "unlimited dynamics, crushing power, accuracy, speed, authority, precise control, purity and transparency." Recipient of Reference Award. - Hi-Fi Voice
Updates and enhancements abound in the MC1.25KW. A 50% increase in filter capacity improves the performance of low end frequencies as well as increasing dynamic headroom. The top of the amp showcases an updated yet unmistakable McIntosh industrial design that will fit right in with current McIntosh products or those made decades ago. The audio Autoformer and power transformer remain located just behind the front panel but are now contained in new glass topped enclosures. In between them is new circular glasswork housing the amplifier’s name badge that is adorned with a decorative trim ring.
The rear of the unit features 4 of our McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™. Made from high quality materials with excellent thermal conductivity properties, these heatsinks are so efficient at dissipating heat that they warrant bearing the McIntosh “Mc” logo. They connect to advanced high current output transistors that eliminate thermal equilibrium lag time so that the first musical note played sounds just as good as songs played later in your listening session. The heatsinks are capped with handsome ventilation trim plates. These trim plates and the circular trim ring are made from aluminum and are finished to match the front panel handles.
The MC1.25KW will drive most speakers "with divine power and control... [and] a dynamic contrast we have never heard before." Highly Recommended: 6 Stars - Lyd & Bilde
The AC receptacle has been repositioned to provide additional clearance so a wider assortment of power cords can more easily be used. All of this sits atop a polished stainless steel chassis which rests on 4 new redesigned feet that feature a chamfered edge. Other updates include an updated power transformer, heavier gauge internal wiring, upgraded circuit components, and the addition of our power management system that will turn the amp off after a set amount of time when no input signal has been detected.
Regardless of genre, music "was presented with ease and a silk-smooth refinement," yet the MC1.25KW's "pace, rhythm, and timing were spot on... expertly engineered, skillfully assembled, full of top-quality parts, and made of some of the best materials available... Enthusiastically recommended!" - SoundStage Ultra
With all the changes and improvements made in the MC1.25KW, one thing that hasn’t changed is the large, fast responding 11” (27.9 cm) blue Watt meter that accurately shows the amp’s power output. Also unchanged is the signature black glass front panel with control knobs, illuminated logo, and aluminum end caps with handles. The front panel and meter have new direct LED backlighting for improved appearance and color accuracy.
Other exclusive McIntosh features included in the MC1.25KW include:
Power Guard® that monitors and adjusts the output signal at the speed of light and makes real time adjustments to prevent harsh sounding and potentially speaker damaging clipping
Sentry Monitor™ - our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels and then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal
Quad Balanced design that cancels virtually all noise and distortion that may have crept into the audio signal
Power Control to send power on/off signals to other connected McIntosh components (such as CD Players, turntables, tuners and media streamers) for easy system power up and shutdown
Our patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts that easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose and possibly causing a short; the binding posts are also gold-plated to prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent over your speaker cables
Both a balanced and unbalanced output are included to make bi-amping or tri-amping your speakers easier; they can also be used to send the audio signal to a secondary system if your preamplifier does not have enough outputs or to connect a powered subwoofer. Contact your local dealer to learn more.
Specifications
Electronic Specifications
Power Output per Channel
1200 Watts @ 2, 4 or 8 Ohms
Number of Channels
1
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005%
S/N below rated output
Balanced: 124dB Unbalanced: 120dB
Dynamic Headroom
2.2dB
Damping Factor
>40 Wideband
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency Response
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz
Control
Remote Power Control
Yes
Multi-Channel DB25 Cable
N/A
General Specifications
Circuit Configuration
Quad Balanced
Circuit Design
Solid State
Mono Bridge
N/A
Mono Parallel
N/A
Output Type
Autoformer™
Meters
Yes
Meter Light Switch
Yes
Balanced Input
1
Front Panel
1/2" Glass with handles
Illumination
Direct LED
Chassis Style
Polished stainless steel & black painted steel
Connectivity
Speaker Binding Post Type
Patented Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts
Weights & Dimensions
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
17-3/4" (45.09cm) x 12-5/16" (31.27cm) (including feet) x 22" (55.88cm) (including the front panel and cables)
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