Description and Review

The MC1.25KW Quad Balanced Power Amplifier is McIntosh's newest & one of their most advanced amplifiers. Redesigned from top to bottom, it replaces the venerable MC1.2kW as their most powerful single chassis monoblock amplifier. A simple glance at this 158 pound (71.7 kg) amp is enough to convey its power and performance capabilities, but when you hear it - then you’ll truly understand what it can do.

The MC1.25KW outputs 1,200 Watts of pure power into a single channel with a nearly imperceptible total harmonic distortion of 0.005%. This astonishing amount of power is fully available to 2, 4 or 8 Ohm speakers via Autoformer™ technology. A pair of these amps can anchor a home audio system that can rival nearly any stereo system in the world.

Updates and enhancements abound in the MC1.25KW. A 50% increase in filter capacity improves the performance of low end frequencies as well as increasing dynamic headroom. The top of the amp showcases an updated yet unmistakable McIntosh industrial design that will fit right in with current McIntosh products or those made decades ago. The audio Autoformer and power transformer remain located just behind the front panel but are now contained in new glass topped enclosures. In between them is new circular glasswork housing the amplifier’s name badge that is adorned with a decorative trim ring.

The rear of the unit features 4 McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™. Made from high quality materials with excellent thermal conductivity properties, these heatsinks are so efficient at dissipating heat that they warrant bearing the McIntosh “Mc” logo. They connect to advanced high current output transistors that eliminate thermal equilibrium lag time so that the first musical note played sounds just as good as songs played later in your listening session. The heatsinks are capped with handsome ventilation trim plates. These trim plates and the circular trim ring are made from aluminum and are finished to match the front panel handles. The AC receptacle has been repositioned to provide additional clearance so a wider assortment of power cords can more easily be used. All of this sits atop a polished stainless steel chassis which rests on 4 new redesigned feet that feature a chamfered edge. Other updates include an updated power transformer, heavier gauge internal wiring, upgraded circuit components, and the addition of McIntosh's power management system that will turn the amp off after a set amount of time when no input signal has been detected.

With all the changes and improvements made in the MC1.25KW, one thing that hasn’t changed is the large, fast responding 11” (27.9 cm) blue Watt meter that accurately shows the amp’s power output. Also unchanged is the signature black glass front panel with control knobs, illuminated logo, and aluminum end caps with handles. The front panel and meter have new direct LED backlighting for improved appearance and colour accuracy.


Other exclusive McIntosh features included in the MC1.25KW include:

Power Guard that monitors & adjusts the output signal at the speed of light and makes real time adjustments to prevent harsh sounding and potentially speaker damaging clippingSentry Monitor™ - fuse-less short-circuit protection circuit that disengages the output stage before current exceeds safe operating levels.

■ Power Output: 1,200 Watts into a 2, 4 or 8Ωspeaker
■Total Harmonic Distortion:  0.005% maximum from 20Hz to 20kHz
■Signal to Noise Ratio: 124dB Balanced 120dB Unbalanced
■Dynamic Headroom:  2.2dB
■Damping Factor: Greater than 40 Wideband
■Frequency Response: +0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20kHz  +0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100kHz
■Inputs & Outputs:
--1 Balanced input
--1 Unbalanced input
--1 Balanced output
--1 Unbalanced output
■Overall Dimensions (WxHxD) 17-3/4” (45.09cm) x 12-5/16” (31.27cm)
x 22” (55.88cm)
■Weight:  158 lbs (71.7kg) net,  184 lbs (83.4kg) in shipping carton.

#McIntoshMC1.25kW #MonoblockAmplifier #1200Watts

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