PS2K

The McIntosh PS2K is a powered subwoofer with 4 13" woofers, each driven by a dedicated 500 Watt Class D amplifier. The 4 drivers use massive magnets and McIntosh's patented Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP®) Magnetic Circuit Design, which reduces distortion while increasing power handling and efficiency.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to optimise the drivers' performance. They are designed for high linearity, with extra-long voice coils and long-excursion suspensions that provide greater linear capability than most drivers.

The multi-layer carbon fibre cones incorporate an integrated formed joint with the voice coil. Their rigidity supports high power handling and allows extended excursion travel without unwanted flexing. Earlier carbon fibre cones were typically made from a single layer and could flex, with a possible effect on sound performance. The PS2K's multi-layer construction addresses this limitation.

The 4 amplifiers provide a total power output of up to 2,000 Watts. They are calibrated to minimise distortion and produce clear, tight bass at high volume levels, including in large listening spaces. The woofers are stacked above the amplifier module, which includes a power output meter showing the PS2K's total output.

The enclosure uses a sealed box design to remove potential port noise. Its baffle is nearly 1-1/2" (3.8cm) thick, providing rigidity and reducing vibration.

The PS2K is designed to work with McIntosh Reference Two-Channel and Reference Home Theatre systems. These systems use the 2,000 Watt, tri-chassis MC2KW monoblock amplifiers with XRT2.1K and XRT1.1K speakers, or the previous-generation XRT2K and XRT1K speakers. The subwoofer is intended to match these McIntosh speakers both sonically and visually.

Its power capability also suits high-output loudspeakers from other manufacturers. The PS2K is designed to maintain its output at the high volume levels available from the main speakers in high-end home audio and home theatre systems.

For system connection, the McIntosh PS2K provides balanced and unbalanced stereo inputs and outputs, together with balanced and unbalanced subwoofer inputs and outputs. These options support a wide range of 2-channel stereo and multi-channel home theatre installations. Daisy-chaining allows more than 1 PS2K to be used in the same system.

Built-in filtering controls allow the subwoofer to be adjusted to the connected amplifier, integrated amplifier or home theatre processor. Adjustable Low Pass and High Pass filters set the crossover frequency, while 2 fully adjustable parametric EQ filters help compensate for effects caused by the room, furniture or loudspeaker placement. Level Control and Phase adjustment knobs allow the PS2K's acoustic output to be integrated with the rest of the audio system.

McIntosh Power Guard® monitors the audio signal entering the amplifiers and makes real-time adjustments where necessary to prevent harsh-sounding clipping. These adjustments are designed to be inaudible and avoid degradation of sound quality. Sentry Monitor™ provides fuse-less short-circuit protection by disengaging the amplifier output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels. The circuit resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal.

The PS2K has a high-gloss black finish with carbon trim and an aluminium base. Its appearance reflects the design of the XRT2.1K and XRT1.1K speakers. McIntosh Power Control technology provides integration with other McIntosh equipment, while eco-friendly on/off signal sensing manages power use. Glide feet are supplied for hard floors and spikes for carpeting.