In 2023, McIntosh announced its flagship subwoofer, the PS2K. A towering behemoth standing about 6 1/2 feet tall with the ability to push out 2,000 watts of power using four 13-inch drivers each powered by a 500 watt Class D AmplifIer. The PS2K also carries a $50,000 price tag.
As a follow-up for 2024, McIntosh has released a smaller model, the PS1K. However, don’t let that fool you as it carries a $35,000 price tag — the same price as a 2024 Tesla Model 3 after tax incentive.
Although the PS1K won’t actually drive you around, it will drive some of the finest high-end audio and home theater systems in the world. Let’s find out what it offers.
Dual 13-inch Drivers
To start, the PS1K incorporates two 13” drivers featuring McIntosh’s proprietary Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP®) Magnetic Circuit Design. This reduces distortion and improves power handling. In addition, the use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) supports enhanced linearity. The PS1K’s woofers are constructed with multi-layer carbon fiber cones for superior rigidity and sound clarity, resisting high flex outputs.
Amps & Enclosure
In order for the two 13-inch woofers to do their job they are powered by two 500-watt Class D amplifiers for a total of 1,000 watts of output in a sealed box design with a 1.5″ thick enclosure baffle that claims to eliminate port noise and vibration. According McIntosh, the PS1K’s bass is tight and clear for both music and movies, filling large spaces with ease.
The PS1K is designed primarily to complement McIntosh speakers but can used with any high-end system. The PS1K provides several input and output options for easy integration with stereo or home theater setups. With balanced and unbalanced subwoofer connections, adjustable filters, and parametric EQ, the PS1K can be tuned to suit large listening environments and user preferences.
Power Control
Just like its bigger brother, the PS2K, McIntosh’s Power Guard, and Sentry Monitor are built into the PS1K to protect against overloading and short circuits, ensuring reliable, long-term performance. The PS1K’s eco-friendly signal sensing and Power Control technology enhance convenience and power management.
Finish
The PS1K comes with a high-gloss black finish, carbon trim, and an aluminum base. Glide feet for hard floors and spikes are included for carpets to support table placement.
Comparison
| PS1K | PS2K | |
| Price | $35,000 | $50,000 |
| Product Type | Powered Subwoofer | Powered Subwoofer |
| Enclosure Type | Sealed | Sealed |
| Drivers | 2 x 13-inches | 4 x 13-inches |
| Amplifier Type | Class D | Class D |
| Power Output | 2 x 500 watts (1,000 watts total) | 4 x 500 watts (2,000 watts total) |
| Max SPL | > 113 dB | > 120 dB |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 500Hz with LFE 20Hz – 100Hz without LFE | 20Hz – 500Hz with LFE 20Hz – 100Hz without LFE |
| THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) | Amplifier: 0.05% Preamplifier (rear panel outputs): 0.005% | Amplifier: 0.05% Preamplifier (rear panel outputs): 0.005% |
| Filter (Crossover) Frequencies | High Pass: 40 Hz – 100 Hz Low Pass: 40 Hz – 100 Hz | High Pass: 40 Hz – 100 Hz Low Pass: 40 Hz – 100 Hz |
| Equalization | Parametric: Two bands 30 Hz – 100 Hz, variable bandwidth and level +/- 8 dB | Parametric: Two bands 30 Hz – 100 Hz, variable bandwidth and level +/- 8 dB |
| Phase | Continuously Variable | Continuously Variable |
| Input Sensitivity | 500mV unbalanced (0.5V) 1V Balanced) | 500mV unbalanced (0.5V) 1V Balanced) |
| SNR (A-Weighted) | Amp: 115dB Preamp: 100dB | Amp: 115dB Preamp: 100dB |
| Input Impedance | 20,000 Ohms Balanced 10,000 Ohms Unbalanced | 20,000 Ohms Balanced 10,000 Ohms Unbalanced |
| Max Input Signal | 9V Balanced 4.5V Unbalanced | 9V Balanced 4.5V Unbalanced |
| Power Control In | 5-20 VDC Trigger | 5-20 VDC Trigger |
| Connectivity (Inputs) | 1 x Stereo Inputs (Balanced) 1 x Mono In (Balanced) 1 x Mono In (Unbalanced) | 1 x Stereo Inputs (Balanced) 1 x Mono In (Balanced) 1 x Mono In (Unbalanced) |
| Connectivity (Outputs) | 1 x Stereo Out (Balanced) 1 x Mono Out (Balanced) 1 x Mono Out (Unbalanced) | 1 x Stereo Out (Balanced) 1 x Mono Out (Balanced) 1 x Mono Out (Unbalanced) |
| Settings | Low Pass Filter Phase Level Parametric Equalizer (6 bands) Meter Logo Power Auto On/Off LFE/Sub | Low Pass Filter Phase Level Parametric Equalizer (6 bands) Meter Logo Power Auto On/Off LFE/Sub |
| Enclosure Finish | Highly polished Piano Grade Black | Highly polished Piano Grade Black |
| Metal Finish | Anodized Aluminum Base, High Durable Powder Coated Plate Surfaces | Anodized Aluminum Base, High Durable Powder Coated Plate Surfaces |
| Subwoofer Dimensions (WxHxD) | 19-1/4” (48.9cm) x 50-1/16” (128.7cm) x 22-1/2” (57.2cm) | 19-1/4 inches (48.9cm) x 78-5/8 inches (199.7cm) x 22-1/2 inches (57.2cm) |
| Subwoofer Base Dimensions | 25-5/16″ (64.3cm) x 28-7/16″ (21.43cm) | 25-5/16″ (64.3cm) x 28-7/16″ (21.43cm) |
| Weight | 370 pounds (167.8 kg) | 458 lbs (207.7kg) |
Bottom Line
Every audio or home theater system needs a good subwoofer, and there are hundreds to choose from. However, McIntosh would not be living up to its reputation if it didn’t take things to an even higher (or stratospheric) level in both performance and price.
We were surprised when McIntosh introduced the megalithic PS2K subwoofer in 2023 for $50K. Even though it offers undeniable performance, its sheer size limits practicality except in extremely large rooms. So the smaller PS1K subwoofer may be a better alternative for cost-no-object buyers, even though it halves the power output and number of drivers.
Price & Availability
The McIntosh PS1K is available in late October 2024 through authorized dealers with a MSRP of:
- $35,000 USD
- $50,000 CAD
- €41,999 EUR including VAT
- £35,995 GBP including VAT
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Edward Brumbaugh
October 24, 2024 at 11:10 pm
Interesting, look cool and knowing McIntosh, I’m sure they are awesome. Me, personally, I’d buy a pair of SVS PB17 – Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofers and pocket the other $24,000.00 … I could even splurge and run 4 independant PB17s and pocket the other $18K and be better off.
Chris Boylan
October 28, 2024 at 2:56 am
I’ll take the Tesla. Oh wait, I already did.