For those seeking the pinnacle of low-end audio performance, the new McIntosh PS1K subwoofer offers a bold solution. Despite its smaller size compared to the PS2K model, the PS1K is engineered to deliver tight, room-filling bass and is armed with dual 13-inch drivers and 1,000 watts of Class D amplification. But with a price tag of $35,000, this high-end subwoofer comes with more than just powerful sound—it’s a serious investment in home audio.
Here’s a closer look at what the PS1K brings to the table.
At the core of the PS1K’s design are two 13-inch drivers that utilize McIntosh’s proprietary Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP) Magnetic Circuit Design. This technology helps reduce audio distortion while improving power handling capabilities, ensuring that the subwoofer performs with clarity even at high output levels.
The drivers also feature multi-layer carbon fiber cones that contribute to the rigidity and durability of the speakers. The material minimizes flexing, especially at higher outputs, which translates into more accurate bass reproduction.
Additionally, the McIntosh PS1K benefits from Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a computational design tool that aids in optimizing the linearity of the drivers. This ensures that the subwoofer remains consistent in its performance, producing tight and precise low-frequency sound without introducing unwanted noise or distortion. Whether used in music or home theater applications, the PS1K’s dual-driver setup helps maintain clarity in bass-heavy environments.
The McIntosh PS1K is powered by two 500-watt Class D amplifiers, which together provide 1,000 watts of total power output. This substantial power allows the subwoofer to fill large spaces effortlessly with deep, controlled bass. According to McIntosh, the subwoofer excels in both music and home cinema setups, delivering room-filling bass that is tight, clear, and impactful without distortion.
The enclosure is a sealed box design, which helps prevent unwanted port noise and vibrations, commonly found in other subwoofer designs. McIntosh has taken additional steps by using a nearly 1.5-inch thick enclosure baffle to further dampen vibrations, contributing to the overall clean bass response. This construction should ensure that the PS1K performs optimally, even in demanding environments where loud, low-frequency sound can often cause undesirable effects like resonance or distortion.
While the PS1K has been designed with McIntosh speakers in mind, it is versatile enough to be integrated into a wide range of high-end audio and home theater systems. It offers balanced and unbalanced subwoofer connections to support different setups. Adjustable filters and a parametric EQ further enhance its adaptability, allowing users to fine-tune the subwoofer to their specific listening environment.
This flexibility makes the PS1K suitable for both casual listening spaces and more dedicated home theaters, as users can adjust the subwoofer to meet the demands of their room acoustics and personal preferences.
McIntosh has equipped the PS1K with several built-in protection technologies to ensure reliable performance and longevity. The company’s Power Guard and Sentry Monitor features are integrated to prevent overloading and short circuits. These systems act as safety measures, allowing the subwoofer to operate at peak performance without the risk of damage from power surges or excessive strain.
In addition to these protections, the PS1K comes with eco-friendly signal sensing and Power Control technology, which helps manage power consumption efficiently. The subwoofer automatically enters standby mode when not in use, helping to save energy without sacrificing readiness when it’s needed.
McIntosh has long been known for its combination of performance and aesthetics, and the PS1K is no exception. The subwoofer features a sleek high-gloss black finish, carbon fiber trim, and an aluminum base, making it as visually striking as it is functional. Glide feet for hard floors and spikes for carpets are included, ensuring stable placement regardless of the flooring type.
As expected from McIntosh, the PS1K comes with a premium price tag. Set to retail at $35,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies such as £35,995 or €41,999, inclusive of VAT), the McIntosh PS1K enters the market as one of the more expensive subwoofers available. The PS1K is slated for availability in late October 2024 through authorized McIntosh dealers.
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