McIntosh Labs PS2K Powered Subwoofer
The PS2K delivers clear, tight bass with monumental 2,000-watt authority, pairing four long-excursion carbon-fiber drivers with a rigid sealed cabinet. ecoustics highlights its comprehensive crossover, EQ and phase controls, while balanced connectivity and daisy-chaining make this low-distortion powerhouse a commanding match for reference stereo and cinema systems.
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Nicely Roasted
Bass
84/100
Integration
80/100
Dynamics
85/100
Build Quality
87/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Four dedicated 500W amplifiers and four 13-inch drivers provide formidable high-level output headroom with clear, tight, low-distortion bass.
Flexible integration includes balanced and unbalanced stereo/subwoofer I/O, daisy-chaining, adjustable crossovers, dual parametric EQ, level and phase controls.
Substantial sealed construction, multi-layer carbon-fiber cones and a nearly 1.5-inch baffle are designed for rigidity, low vibration and freedom from port noise.
Cons
Analog filter and EQ dials lack the fine adjustment precision available from digital control systems.
Published coverage lacked independent frequency-response and CEA-2010 output measurements, leaving ultimate extension and maximum output unverified.
Its $50,000 price, 79-inch height and 458-pound weight make it a highly specialized flagship purchase.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Bass
84/100
Coverage consistently describes the intended result as clear, tight bass with exceptionally low distortion, including in very large listening rooms. However, the available articles are launch coverage repeating manufacturer claims, and Audioholics notes that no frequency-response or CEA-2010 output data had yet been published.
Integration
80/100
ecoustics reports that the crossover, parametric EQ, level and phase controls are intended to let the PS2K “harmoniously blend” with an existing system. That is a positive blend outcome, but there is no independent in-room listening account confirming how seamlessly it disappears with different speakers or rooms.
Dynamics
85/100
The four individually powered 13-inch woofers and 2,000-watt total amplification are repeatedly presented as providing serious output headroom. McIntosh says it will not run out of steam at high levels, while ecoustics says it is designed to effortlessly keep up with the company’s Reference stereo and theater systems; independent stress-test listening remains absent.
Build Quality
87/100
The reported construction is exceptionally substantial: a nearly 1.5-inch baffle, sealed enclosure, multi-layer carbon-fiber cones, aluminum base, and dedicated amplification for each woofer. The glossy finish, carbon trim, and supplied glide feet and carpet spikes reinforce its flagship presentation, though the reviews say little about long-term reliability.
Features Usability
88/100
Connectivity is extensive, with balanced and unbalanced stereo and subwoofer inputs and outputs, plus daisy-chaining for multi-sub systems. Adjustable high- and low-pass filters, dual parametric EQ, phase and level controls, Power Guard, and Sentry Monitor make it adaptable, although Audioholics notes that the analog controls lack the precision of digital adjustment.
Value for Money
85/100
At $50,000 in the US, the PS2K is unambiguously a statement-level purchase, and Audioholics notes that it faces competition even within the super-high-end subwoofer market. None of the coverage directly argues that it is a bargain, overpriced, or especially compelling against those peers.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Impedance Nominal
- 8 Ohms
- Power Output
- 2KW (Four 500W, one per woofer)Maximum Output > 120 dB
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz - 500Hz with LFE 20Hz - 100Hz without LFE
- Filter Frequencies
- High Pass: 40Hz - 100HzLow Pass: 40Hz - 100HzPhase: Continuously VariableParametric: Two band 30Hz - 100Hz, variable bandwidth and level +/- 8dB
- Input Sensitivity
- 1V Balanced500mV Unbalanced (0.5V)
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- Amplifier: 0.05%Preamplifier (rear panel outputs): 0.005%
- Voltage Gain
- Amplifier: 31dBPreamplifier: 10dB
- Signal To Noise Ratio
- Amplifier: 115dB A WeightedPreamplifier: 100dB A Weighted
- Input Impedance
- 20K Ohms Balanced10K Ohms Unbalanced
- Maximum Input Signal
- 9V Balanced4.5V Unbalanced
- Number of Woofers
- 4
- Woofer Size
- 13"
- Woofer Type
- Carbon Fiber with extra long excursion and Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP®) Magnetic Circuit Design
- Balanced Input
- 1 Pair Stereo1 Subwoofer (mono)
- Unbalanced Input
- 1 Subwoofer (mono)
- Balanced Output
- 1 Pair Stereo1 Subwoofer (mono)
- Unbalanced Output
- 1 Subwoofer (mono)
- Enclosure Finish
- Highly polished Piano Black
- Metal Finish
- Anodized aluminum baseHigh Durable powder coated plate surfaces
- Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
- 19-1/4” (48.9cm) x 78-5/8” (199.7 cm) x 22-1/2” (57.2cm)Base footprint: 25-5/16" (64.3cm) x 28-7/16" (21.43cm)
- Unit Weight
- 458 lbs (207.7kg)
- Shipping Weight
- 932 lbs (422.7kg)
Manufacturer's Description — McIntosh Labs
- (4) 13” Woofers
- (4) 500 Watt Amplifiers
- Up to 2,000 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 SUBWOOFER WITH OVER-THE-TOP PERFORMANCE
Experience unparalleled bass performance with the McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofer. Crafted with meticulous precision and a profound passion for sound, the breathtaking PS2K is designed to elevate the listening experience of an already awe-inspiring home audio system by adding new depths of low frequency perfection.
BIG POWERFUL WOOFERS
The PS2K subwoofer leaves no room for compromise. Four 13" woofers, or drivers, with massive magnets are the heart and soul of the PS2K. They utilize our patented Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP) Magnetic Circuit Design, which significantly reduces distortion while increasing the driver's power handling and efficiency.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) played a pivotal role in optimizing the drivers' performance, ensuring a sound experience that is simply breathtaking. The drivers have been developed with extreme linearity in order to reduce distortion. The voice coil is extra long, while the suspension is specially designed with a long excursion to give longer linear capability than most drivers.
MULTI-LAYER CARBON FIBER CONES
Witness a new pinnacle in craftsmanship with the PS2K's innovative multi-layer carbon fiber cones. The cones have an integrated formed joint with the voice coil, resulting in extreme rigidity and high power handling capability. While there have been carbon fiber cones available in the past, they were typically made from a single layer of carbon fiber and could still flex quite a bit, which could negatively impact sound performance. We leave no room for acoustic compromises, so the multi-layer cones in the PS2K's drivers are very strong and can resist long, extended excursion travel without any unwanted flexing.
RAW POWER
Feel the passion in your favorite songs and movies as the PS2K's four woofers, each driven by a dedicated 500 Watt Class D amplifier, unite to unleash a total power output of up to 2,000 Watts. The amplifiers are meticulously calibrated to minimize distortion and produce clear, tight bass with astonishingly low distortion in even the most expansive listening spaces.
The woofers are stacked atop the amplifier module, which features a power output meter that shows the total output of the PS2K. The enclosure baffle is nearly 1-1/2" (3.8cm) thick to ensure ultimate rigidity and low vibration, and has a sealed box design to eliminate any potential port noises.
BIG PERFORMANCE FOR ALL
The PS2K is designed to effortlessly keep up with the output levels that can be obtained with our Reference Two-Channel and Reference Home Theater systems. These systems are powered by our 2,000 Watt tri-chassis MC2.1KW monoblock amplifiers and feature our large XRT2.1K and XRT1.1K speakers (or the previous generation XRT2K and XRT1K speakers); the PS2K will be a perfect match both sonically and visually with these McIntosh speakers
With a sleek design that bridges the gap between power and finesse, the PS2K is also the perfect complement to high-output loudspeakers from other manufacturers. With its robust power capabilities, the PS2K subwoofer will not "run out of steam" at the high volume levels achievable from the main speakers in any high-end home audio or home theater system.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION AND ADJUSTABILITY
The PS2K is not only a powerhouse in performance but also a master of versatility. Whether you have a two-channel stereo system or a multi-channel home theater setup, the PS2K offers balanced stereo inputs and outputs, as well as balanced and unbalanced subwoofer inputs and outputs. This variety of connection options will satisfy virtually all installations. Daisy-chaining capabilities are in place so that more than one PS2K can be used in a system.
Once connected to your amplifierintegrated amplifier, or home theater processor, a variety of built-in filtering controls makes it so you can precisely tailor the PS2K to your listening preferences. Adjustable Low Pass and High Pass filters let you set the crossover frequency. Two fully adjustable parametric EQ filters help compensate for unwanted effects caused by the room, furniture, or loudspeaker placement. Finally, Level Control and Phase adjustment knobs allow you to harmoniously blend the PS2K's acoustic output with your existing audio system.
BUILT-IN PROTECTION FOR A LIFETIME OF LISTENING
At McIntosh, we prioritize the longevity of your audio investment. The PS2K comes with two of our indispensable protection technologies. The first is Power Guard, which monitors the audio input signal coming into the amplifiers and if necessary, makes real time, near speed of light adjustments to prevent harsh sounding clipping. These adjustments are imperceptible to your ear so there is no degradation to sound quality.
The second is Sentry Monitor, our fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the amplifier's output stage before current could ever exceed safe operating levels, and automatically resetting when operating conditions return to normal.
CRAFTED TO INSPIRE
The PS2K's high gloss black finish with carbon trim and aluminum base reflects the elegance of our renowned XRT2.1K and XRT1.1K speakers, creating an awe-inspiring visual harmony. Designed with convenience in mind, the PS2K incorporates our Power Control technology for seamless integration with other McIntosh equipment. Our eco-friendly on/off signal sensing ensures efficient power management, while the inclusion of glide feet for hard floors and spikes for carpeting ensures an effortless fit in your space.
EXPERIENCE THE PINNACLE OF BASS PERFECTION
Elevate your audio experience with the McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofer – a masterclass in precision, power, and passion. Contact your local dealer today and embark on a journey that transcends sound, reaching the depths of your soul. At McIntosh, we invite you to discover the art of sound – the ultimate inspiration for life's grandest moments.
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Authorized dealers for McIntosh Labs PS2K Powered Subwoofer
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Acoustic Designs Inc. — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
- Advance Audio — in-store — Wichita, Kansas, United States (website)
- Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
and 225 more verified dealers