1,200 watts, 71kg, and $12,500 USD. The new MC1.25KW Quad Balanced Power Amplifier is one of McIntosh’s most advanced amplifiers to date, and the brand’s most powerful single-chassis monoblock amplifier, redesigned from top to bottom. It directly replaces its predecessor, the MC1.2KW and offers 1,200 watts of pure power into a single channel with a nearly imperceptible distortion (0.005%).
The astonishing amount of power is fully available to 2-, 4- or 8-Ohm speakers courtesy of McIntosh’s Autoformer technology, which delivers the maximum power regardless of the speaker it is partnered with. The MC1.25KW has been updated to include a 50 percent increase in filter capacity improving the performance of bass frequencies as well as increasing dynamic headroom.
The audio Autoformer and power transformer remain located just behind the front panel but are now contained in new glass-topped enclosures. Between them, lies new circular glasswork housing the amplifier’s name badge adorned with a decorative trim-ring.
Towards the rear of the unit are four 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 the listening session: no warm-up is required.
The heatsinks are capped with ventilation trim plates which along with the circular trim ring are made from aluminum and are finished to match the front panel handles. The polished stainless steel chassis rests on four newly redesigned feet which feature a chamfered edge.
Further benefits include an updated power transformer, heavier gauge internal wiring, upgraded circuit components and the addition of McIntosh’s eco-friendly power management system that turns the amp off after a set amount of time when no input signal has been detected. The A/C inlet has been repositioned to provide additional clearance so a wider assortment of power cable can more easily be used.
The MC1.25KW retains a fast-responding 27.9 cm blue Watt meter which accurately shows the amp’s power output. The signature black glass front panel with control knobs, illuminated logo and aluminum end caps with handles complete the aesthetic. 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, Sentry Monitor, Quad Balanced design, Power Control and patented Solid Cinch speaker binding posts. Both balanced and unbalanced outputs are included to make bi-amping or tri-amping speakers easier; they can also be used to send the audio signal to a secondary system if the preamplifier does not have enough outputs or to connect a powered subwoofer.
Orders can be placed now with authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in November (US) and December (global).
www.mcintoshlabs.com
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McIntosh Launches its Most Powerful Single-Chassis Monoblock Amplifier
November 9 2017, 05:00
1,200 watts, 71kg, and $12,500 USD. The new MC1.25KW Quad Balanced Power Amplifier is one of McIntosh’s most advanced amplifiers to date, and the brand’s most powerful single-chassis monoblock amplifier, redesigned from top to bottom. It directly replaces its predecessor, the MC1.2KW and offers 1,200 watts of pure power into a single channel with a nearly imperceptible distortion (0.005%).