Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Contains four 13-inch woofers and 2,000 watts of total power
- The design uses McIntosh's patented Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP) Magnetic Circuit Design, which significantly reduces distortion while increasing the driver's power handling and efficiency
- Each of the PS2K's four drivers is powered by its own 500-watt Class D amplifier
- Features Power Guard and Sentry Monitor protection technologies
Product Considerations
- Analog dials are used to adjust frequency and Q, lacking the precision of digital control
- Frequency response and CEA-2010 max output stats are not revealed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs REL No. 32: The REL sells for $10,000 each
- Vs Magico Titan 15: The Magico sells for $32,000 each
- Vs Wilson Audio Subsonic: The Wilson Audio sells for $39,000 each
- Vs JL Audio Gotham V2: The JL Audio sells for $20,000 each
- Vs Perlisten D215S: The Perlisten sells for $10,000 each
Takeaway: The McIntosh PS2K subwoofer is a powerful and meticulously designed product, made to elevate the listening experience with new depths of low frequency perfection. The PS2K will complement high-output loudspeakers, without running out of steam–even at high volumes.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
PS2K
reviews
[{"title":"McIntosh’s PS2K Monster $50K Subwoofer Is Absurd!","link":"https://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/mcintosh-ps2k","source":"Audioholics","datePublished":"2023"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- 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 - 100Hz, Low Pass: 40Hz - 100Hz
- Number of Woofers: 4
- Woofer Size: 13"
- Input Sensitivity: 1V Balanced, 500mV Unbalanced (0.5V)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: Amplifier: 0.05%, Preamplifier: 0.005%
- Signal To Noise Ratio: Amplifier: 115dB A Weighted, Preamplifier: 100dB A Weighted
- 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)
- Unit Weight: 458 lbs (207.7kg)
- Shipping Weight: 932 lbs (422.7kg)
Description
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.
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. 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.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- McIntosh products blend classic, retro aesthetics, reminiscent of their 1970s designs, with modern materials and cutting-edge internal components, offering a unique visual appeal.
- The brand's amplifiers are known for their substantial power output, often exceeding specifications, and their ability to drive a wide range of speakers across varying impedance levels due to their unique Autoformer technology.
- McIntosh offers a high degree of customization and control through features like multi-band equalizers, adjustable input sensitivity, and advanced settings accessible via dedicated apps or web interfaces.
- They distinguish themselves with a focus on long-term reliability and customer satisfaction, with products built to last for decades and supported by a dedicated dealer network.
Select products
Select product comparisons
MHT300
- Positioning: Positioned as a versatile home theater receiver in McIntosh's lineup, suitable for custom installations or standalone display.
- Description: Supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, making it ideal for modern home theaters. Unlike other McIntosh products, it offers 7.2 channel audio with expandability to 7.2.4, providing flexibility for future upgrades. This makes it perfect for users looking to integrate advanced video capabilities and immersive audio in a custom home theater setup.
MHA200
- Positioning: A compact, high-quality headphone amplifier designed for personal audio enthusiasts.
- Description: Uses vacuum tube amplification, delivering a warm and detailed sound that is distinct from solid-state amplifiers like the MC462. Its compact size and multiple impedance settings make it versatile for various headphone types.
MC462
- Positioning: A powerful stereo amplifier, offering robust performance for high-end home audio systems.
- Description: Features a Quad Balanced design with McIntosh Autoformers, providing 450 Watts per channel with low distortion. Compared to the MC1502, it offers a solid-state solution with increased dynamic headroom.
MC1502
- Positioning: A high-power vacuum tube amplifier, ideal for audiophiles seeking classic tube sound.
- Description: Delivers 150 Watts per channel using vacuum tubes, offering a rich, warm sound that contrasts with the solid-state clarity of the MC462. Its Unity Coupled Circuit ensures consistent performance across various speaker impedances.
MC901
- Positioning: A unique dual mono amplifier, combining both vacuum tube and solid-state technologies.
- Description: Integrates a 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier with a 600 Watt solid-state amplifier, providing the best of both worlds for bi-amping loudspeakers. This hybrid approach is unlike any other McIntosh product.
MC21KW
- Positioning: A flagship monoblock amplifier, representing the pinnacle of McIntosh's power amplification.
- Description: Delivers 2,000 Watts of power, making it suitable for the most demanding audio setups. Its tri-chassis design and advanced technologies like Autoformer and Power Guard set it apart from other amplifiers.
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Avg. Product Price
$40,001-$75,000
Used For Sale
543
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
2
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
77
Founding Year
1949
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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Brand Page
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McIntosh
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What if you spend more?
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What competes at this price?
Wilson Audio
Subsonic
41000
/
Released
The Wilson Audio Subsonic is the fraternal twin of the WAMM Master Subsonic. It features the same subwoofer drivers and the same internal volume. The differences lie in the finish details. The metal work in the WAMM Master Subsonic features the prismatic finish that mirrors (no pun intended) the WAMM's main array gantry. On the Wilson Audio Subsonic, the metal work is from Wilson's main line finish process—the same level of metal finish that has adorned Wilson products throughout the line.
Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Subsonics allow the listener to not only hear the bass, but also to feel it, making the experience more immersive and powerful
- Measurements showed very flat, very smooth response, plus or minus maybe 1 dB using pink noise
- The blend is beautiful
Product Considerations
- Each subwoofer is $41,000 US, the crossover is another $5,500, and an amplifier is also needed
Takeaway: The subsonics offer a unique and immersive listening experience, allowing one to not only hear, but also feel the music, making it more powerful and realistic. If one wants the best sound and has the budget, the subsonics could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
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