“Scale” version of the absolutely “outside the box” PS2K, the PS1K is a active subwoofer also belonging to the McIntosh Elite which keeps the external appearance, technology and functionalities of its older brother intact, although with a form factor more compact which facilitates its location without ceasing to be an absolute reference model. Consequently, it is a powerful speaker system with a integrated amplification and control electronics in the lower area of the enclosure, with the aim of bringing unparalleled precision and viscerality to the reproduction of movies and music. Everything dazzles in this distinguished (almost 1.3 meters high and 168 kilos in weight!) subwoofer speaker conceived and built without any type of compromise. Thus, as far as the acoustic configuration is concerned, a total of two impressive woofers 330 mm diameter equipped with multilayer carbon fiber cones and massive magnetic motors (very high power magnets, extra-long voice coils, ultra-robust suspensions), developed with the collaboration of Finite Element Analysis (UGLY).
These benefit from the concept “Low Distortion/High Performance” (LD/HP) from McIntosh to minimize distortion while increasing its power delivery capacity and sensitivity. The “muscle” necessary to excite without limitations this superb pair of speakers is provided by two Class D amplifiers of 500 continuous watts, which means a total power of 1,000 watts that are delivered with a absolute reliability even in particularly demanding operating conditions, thanks to the support of widely proven electronic protection schemes “Power Guard” and “Sentry Monitor” from the legendary New York brand. In line with the exclusive character of the PS1K, these electronics are carefully calibrated with the aim of producing extraordinarily clear, firm and precise bass and sub-bass, very opulent listening spaces. We find the same obsession with excellence in the enclosure that houses the complex, built with ultra-rigid panels and high thickness thus minimizing vibrations and, being completely sealed, avoiding potential noise generated by ports (as is the case with those used in bass-reflex systems). This fabulous subwoofer is also a paragon of versatilityThis is corroborated by its generous provision of inputs and outputs and its very wide adjustment possibilities.
Thus, it includes monophonic Line inputs and outputs (LFE) and stereophonic in balanced and unbalanced format, thus facilitating the use in stereophonic and multichannel systems and the daisy chain connection of additional PS1Ks. In the area of control, there are high-pass and low-pass filters and continuous phase adjustment (between 0º and 180º) that allows fine-tune the cutting frequency to the millimeter and ensure a flawless transition with the rest of the equipment’s speakers, while two parametric equalization filters They help to compensate for unwanted effects caused by their location, the room or the furniture. McIntosh’s new active subwoofer, which is developed and manufactured in the USA., is completed with an aristocratic gloss black finish topped by carbon fiber trim, an aluminum base and specific management elements (including several start/deactivation options) that aim to guarantee a perfect fit with electronics from the New York brand, and, of course, the emblematic analogue vu meter with bluish backlighting that constitutes one of its already iconic hallmarks.
