(September 27, 2024) Last year, McIntosh introduced the PS2K powered sub, a towering beast flexing 2,000 watts of power and four – yes, FOUR – 13" drivers. It's a design comfortable tackling the largest of rooms, and its price tag – a hefty $50K – places it in rock-solid luxury home theater territory. Standing 6.5’ tall and weighing 458 pounds, the PS2K is a statement piece in every sense.
Today, McIntosh is following up that behemoth with the PS1K, which arrives as a compact alternative (loosely speaking) crafted to offer a similar level of performance but with more accessibility in size and handling. It features two 13" drivers powered by dual onboard 500W Class D amplifiers, making it a more versatile option for those who want hard-hitting bass in a smaller form factor.
The PS1K’s sealed box enclosure has a 1.5" thick baffle that stands as a first line of defense against invasive vibrations. It lays the groundwork for other sound-improving technologies, such as McIntosh’s proprietary Low Distortion High-Performance (LD/HP) magnetic circuit and multi-layer carbon fiber cones, which eliminate distortion and improve power handling. And, says McIntosh, extra-long voice coils and custom suspension systems allow for extended linear travel, ensuring clarity and precision even at high volumes.
What does all of that mean for you? Well, according to McIntosh, you can expect to experience tight and clean, hard-hitting bass no matter what kind of content you prefer, including music and movies.
Physically, the PS1K is drenched with McIntosh’s recognizable design preferences. We're talking a polished piano-grade black finish, carbon fiber trim, and an anodized aluminum base. Oh yes, and how can we forget the iconic McIntosh blue meter and the green glow of its nameplate? Both of those are there, too.
While more manageable than the PS2K, it still has an impressive room presence, measuring 50” H x 19.25" W x 22.5" D with a whopping 370 pounds of girth. So, you might not need a forklift to move it into your home, but don't holster your weight belt... and might consider bribing a friend or two to join you for a move-in party.
In terms of performance, the PS1K is factory-rated to play between 20Hz and 500Hz, making it well-suited for a wide range of listening preferences. And if pushing volume levels is your jam, McIntosh says you can take it to reference and beyond (113dB+).
For tuning and control, the sub also offers adjustable Low-Pass and High-Pass filters (40Hz to 100Hz) and two parametric EQ bands for room acoustics and placement optimization. Connectivity includes both balanced and unbalanced inputs, allowing for easy integration into a variety of stereo and home theater setups.
The McIntosh PS1K will be available through authorized dealers starting in late October 2024, with a retail price of $35,000 USD. For more information, visit www.mcintoshlabs.com.
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