MC1.25KW Monoblocks 75th Anniversary

The McIntosh MC1.25KW 75th Anniversary monoblock power amplifier

The McIntosh MC1.25KW 75th Anniversary Edition is a single-chassis monoblock power amplifier produced to mark McIntosh's 75th anniversary in 2024. McIntosh was founded in 1949 under the guidance of Frank McIntosh. The Anniversary Edition has the same performance specifications, functionality and dimensions as the standard MC1.25KW.

Its identifying details include a dual anodised, laser-engraved badge on the top, displaying the 75th Anniversary logo, and handles engraved with the inscription "75 years". The MC1.25KW is a Quad Balanced Power Amplifier and replaces the MC1.2KW as McIntosh's most powerful single-chassis monoblock amplifier.

Output is 1,200 Watts into a single channel, with total harmonic distortion of 0.005%. McIntosh Autoformer™ technology makes the full output available with 2, 4 or 8 Ohm speakers. A pair of MC1.25KW amplifiers can be used to anchor a home audio system.

A 50% increase in filter capacity improves low-frequency performance and increases dynamic headroom. The updated industrial design places the audio Autoformer and power transformer behind the front panel in new glass-topped enclosures. Between them is circular glasswork containing the amplifier name badge, with a decorative trim ring around it.

At the rear are 4 McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™, made from materials with high thermal conductivity. They dissipate heat from the advanced high-current output transistors, which remove thermal equilibrium lag time. Ventilation trim plates cap the heatsinks, while the plates and circular trim ring are made from aluminium and finished to match the front-panel handles.

The AC receptacle has been repositioned to provide additional clearance for a wider range of power cords. The amplifier uses a polished stainless steel chassis on 4 redesigned feet with chamfered edges. Other updates include a revised power transformer, heavier-gauge internal wiring, upgraded circuit components and a power management system that switches the amplifier off after a set period when no input signal is detected.

The front panel retains the signature black glass finish, control knobs, illuminated logo and aluminium end caps with handles. The 11” (27.9 cm) blue Watt meter provides a fast response and shows the amplifier's power output. Direct LED backlighting has been added to the front panel and meter for improved appearance and colour accuracy.

• Power Guard® monitors and adjusts the output signal in real time to prevent harsh-sounding and potentially speaker-damaging clipping.
• Sentry Monitor™ is a fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels, then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal.
• Quad Balanced design cancels virtually all noise and distortion that may have entered the audio signal.
• Power Control sends power on and off signals to connected McIntosh components, including CD players, turntables, tuners and media streamers, for system power-up and shutdown.
• Patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts attach speaker cables securely to help prevent them coming loose and causing a short. The binding posts are gold-plated to prevent corrosion and maintain signal transmission over the speaker cables.
• Balanced and unbalanced outputs support bi-amping or tri-amping. They can also send the audio signal to a secondary system where the preamplifier does not have enough outputs, or connect to a powered subwoofer.

Price shown is for a pair.