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Potato score: 86.62

87%

McIntosh Labs PS1K Powered Subwoofer #1
McIntosh Labs PS1K Powered Subwoofer variant 1
McIntosh Labs PS1K Powered Subwoofer variant 2
McIntosh Labs PS1K Powered Subwoofer variant 3
McIntosh Labs PS1K Powered Subwoofer variant 4
McIntosh Labs PS1K Powered Subwoofer variant 5

McIntosh Labs PS1K Powered Subwoofer

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Parametric EQ
Balanced Output
XLR Input
  • (2) 13” Woofers
  • (2) 500 Watt Amplifiers
  • Up to 1,000 Watt Power Rating
  • Adjustable Low & High Pass Filters, Parametric EQ Filters, Level Control, and Phase Adjustment
  • Extra thick enclosure baffle to ensure ultimate rigidity and low vibration

A MASTERFUL BLEND OF PRECISION, POWER, AND PASSION

Experience bass excellence with the McIntosh PS1K Powered Subwoofer. Expertly engineered with a passion for audio excellence, the PS1K enhances your home audio system by delivering deeper, more precise low frequencies.


NO-COMPROMISE DESIGN

Design and construction of the PS1K subwoofer embodies a no-compromise approach. At its core are two 13" woofers (also referred to as drivers), equipped with powerful magnets. These drivers feature our proprietary Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP) Magnetic Circuit Design, which significantly reduces distortion while boosting power handling and efficiency. 


Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was essential in optimizing these drivers, ensuring a sound experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. The drivers are designed for extreme linearity to minimize distortion, with an extra-long voice coil and a suspension system engineered for extended linear travel.


The PS1K also features innovative multi-layer carbon fiber cones in the woofers. These cones, with an integrated voice coil joint, provide unmatched rigidity and power handling. Unlike traditional single-layer carbon fiber cones, which could flex and degrade sound quality, the PS1K’s multi-layer design offers exceptional strength and resists flexing, even during extended excursions.


FEEL THE SOUND

Feel the intensity of your favorite music and movies from the PS1K’s dual 13” woofers, with each powered by a 500 watt Class D amplifier that combine to deliver up to 1,000 watts of total output. These amplifiers are carefully calibrated to minimize distortion, delivering tight, clear bass even in large listening spaces. The woofers are mounted above the amplifier module, which features a power output meter to display the PS1K’s total output. The enclosure’s nearly 1-1/2" (3.8cm) thick baffle ensures rigidity and minimizes vibration, while the sealed box design eliminates port noise.


PERFORMANCE FOR EVERYONE

The PS1K’s sonic and visual synergy with McIntosh speakers is impeccable, but its powerful capabilities also make it an ideal match for high-output speakers from other manufacturers. The PS1K will easily keep pace with the main speakers in any high-end home audio or home theater system and is capable of maintaining performance at high volumes without compromise.


VERSATILITY FOR EASY SYSTEM INTEGRATION

The PS1K excels in both performance and versatility. Whether you’re using a two-channel stereo system or a multi-channel home theater setup, the PS1K offers balanced stereo inputs and outputs, along with balanced and unbalanced subwoofer inputs and outputs. This range of connection options supports nearly any installation, and daisy-chaining allows for multiple PS1Ks in a system. 


Once connected to your preamplifierintegrated amplifier, or home theater processor, the PS1K’s built-in filtering controls let you fine-tune it to your listening preferences. Adjustable Low Pass and High Pass filters allow you to set the crossover frequency, while two fully adjustable parametric EQ filters help mitigate the effects of room acoustics and speaker placement. Level Control and Phase adjustment knobs ensure seamless blending of the PS1K’s output with your existing audio system.


BUILT-IN PROTECTION FOR A LIFETIME OF LISTENING

McIntosh prioritizes the longevity of your audio investment. The PS1K features two of our key protection technologies. Power Guard monitors the audio input signal and makes near-instantaneous adjustments to prevent harsh clipping, all without compromising sound quality. Sentry Monitor, our fuse-less short-circuit protection, disconnects the amplifier’s output stage before current levels become unsafe and automatically resets when conditions normalize.


HARMONY OF SOUND, SIGHT AND CONVENIENCE

With a high gloss black finish, carbon trim, and aluminum base, the PS1K complements our XRT2.1K and XRT1.1K speakers, creating a stunning visual harmony. For convenience, the PS1K includes our Power Control technology for seamlessly turning the subwoofer on or off from other McIntosh components, eco-friendly signal sensing ensures efficient power management, while glide feet for hard floors and spikes for carpeting provide a perfect fit in any space.


Enhance your audio experience with the McIntosh PS1K Powered Subwoofer – a masterful blend of precision, power, and passion. Contact your local dealer to embark on a journey that transcends sound and touches the depths of your soul. At McIntosh, we invite you to discover the art of sound, the ultimate inspiration for life's most memorable moments.


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Overall Score 87/100

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Nicely Roasted

Delivering authoritative, low‑distortion bass, the PS1K pairs twin 13" carbon‑fiber woofers with a Class‑D 1,000‑watt amplifier for tight, room‑filling impact. Its sealed, rigid cabinet plus comprehensive tuning—parametric EQ, variable phase and HP/LP filters—lets it integrate precisely with systems. Reviewers from The Ear and SoundStage Solo highlighted its precision and power.

Pros

  • Authoritative, low‑distortion bass and very high output from dual 13" carbon‑fiber woofers driven by 1,000 W of Class‑D amplification.
  • Extensive tuning and connectivity — two‑band parametric EQ, variable phase, HP/LP filters and balanced/unbalanced I/O enable precise system integration.
  • Flagship-level build and finish: heavy, rigid sealed cabinet with a polished piano‑black finish and anodized aluminium base that minimizes coloration.

&

Cons

  • Ultra-premium price places the PS1K firmly in a luxury bracket, limiting value for many buyers.

Sound Quality

91/100

Bass

92/100

Specs: dual 13" carbon-fiber woofers, 1 kW total power, frequency response to 20 Hz and LFE routing. Expect authoritative extension, low distortion and very high output for a two-woofer design; no third-party listening data provided.

Dynamics

90/100

1 kW amplifier, >113 dB max output and low THD (0.05%) point to excellent headroom, transient control and slam. No independent listening reports to confirm subjective dynamic behavior.

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Integration

78/100

Extensive EQ, two-band parametric PEQ, continuously variable phase and adjustable HP/LP filters give tools for seamless blend, but no reviewer outcome evidence is available. Features ≠ Integration; add outcome evidence or lower Integration.

Build Quality

92/100

Massive 370 lb unit, high-polish piano black finish, anodized aluminum base and powder-coated plates indicate flagship-level fit and finish and a very rigid enclosure consistent with low coloration.

Features Connectivity

88/100

Comprehensive I/O (balanced/unbalanced in/out, stereo and mono options), parametric EQ, variable phase, HP/LP filters and very high input headroom. Excellent toolset for tuning and system integration.

Value for Money

68/100

At a $40,000 price, this is a luxury flagship offering. Performance and build justify a premium for brand/owner expectations, but the cost limits broad value—no reviews claim it as an exceptional bargain.

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