McIntosh MC901 1-Channel Dual Mono Power Amplifier

Description

McIntosh MC901 1-Channel Hybrid Drive Power Amplifier

The mc901 is engineered for those who demand absolute authority and purity in sound reproduction. designed specifically for bi-amping, it combines the warmth of vacuum tubes with the precision and control of solid-state power, delivering unmatched performance for high-end 2-channel audio systems.

Ideal for 2-Channel Audio Systems

The McIntosh MC901 is an exceptional Hybrid Drive power amplifier designed specifically for high-fidelity 2-channel audio systems. It uniquely combines a 300-watt vacuum tube amplifier and a 600-watt solid-state amplifier within a single chassis, making it the ultimate solution for bi-amping loudspeakers. The vacuum tube section delivers rich, detailed power to midrange and high-frequency drivers, preserving warmth, texture, and musicality, while the solid-state section provides strong, controlled output to effortlessly drive power-hungry woofers. Built with McIntosh’s advanced engineering, the MC901 features a Quad Balanced design, Autoformer™, Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer, Power Guard®, and Sentry Monitor™ technologies for impeccable performance and protection. Monogrammed heatsinks™ ensure efficient thermal control, while Solid Cinch™ binding posts offer secure, premium-grade speaker connections. This amplifier delivers a seamless blend of precision, musical expression, and power setting a new benchmark for bi-amped audio systems.

McIntosh has been perfecting vacuum tube amplifiers since the 1940s and solid state amplifiers since the 1960s. Our amplifiers have been used at many historic events including presidential inaugurations and Woodstock, as well as in landmark sound systems like the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound and Despacio. From that heritage comes a truly one-of-a-kind home audio amplifier only we could dream of, design and build as the ultimate solution for bi-amping loudspeakers; the McIntosh MC901 Dual Mono Amplifier.

Vacuum tubes do not perform at their best when they are amplifying lower frequencies that are not being used by the loudspeaker. With the MC901, the vacuum tube amp will not be burdened with low end reproduction as the solid state section will drive these frequencies. The two amplifier sections of the MC901 are designed to work together in a synergistic relationship and are specifically engineered to assure that each section only amplifies its intended frequencies. Each amplifier section has its own discrete power supply so neither siphons power or performance away from the other. All of this results in easy bi-amping with unparalleled performance and sound reproduction from your speakers.

Like virtually all McIntosh amplifiers, the MC901 features an iconic "McIntosh Blue" Watt meter, which has come to be recognized around the world as a symbol of quality home audio. And just like the MC901 itself is a new design, so too is its meter with the introduction of our new DualView™ Power Output Meter. The DualView meter features two of our traditional, fast responding mechanical meters stacked above and below each other in a single meter window one meter is dedicated to the 300 Watt vacuum tube amp and the other to the 600 Watt solid state amp. Each meter operates independently of the other and displays the real time power reading of each amplifier section.

While an entirely new design, the MC901 comes with the technology one would expect from a McIntosh amplifier:

• Power Guard^® that monitors and adjusts the input signal in the 600 Watt solid state amplifier section in real time, then makes unobtrusive adjustments to prevent harsh sounding distortion and potential speaker damaging clipping.
• Power Guard Screen Grid Sensor™ (SGS). The 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier section of the MC901 breaks new ground as it's our first amplifier to feature our new Power Guard SGS™ technology. Power Guard SGS helps prevent premature vacuum tube failure by monitoring the screen grid current in the KT88 output vacuum tubes. If the current becomes too high, a circuit in Power Guard SGS is activated which then dynamically attenuates the input signal in real time to keep the vacuum tubes operating at safe levels.
• Sentry Monitor™ observes the output current and shuts the amplifier off if it ever exceeds safe limits.
• Quad Balanced design that cancels virtually all noise and distortion that may have crept into the audio signal.
• Power Control that can send power on/off signals to other connected McIntosh components for easy system power up and shutdown.
• Our patented, gold-plated Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts that easily and securely attach the speaker cables.
• McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ that are connected to advanced high current output transistors efficiently cool the solid state amplifier section.
• Our Power Management System that will turn the entire unit off after a set amount of time when no input signal has been detected.

Although the MC901 may look different than any McIntosh product before it, a quick glance reveals signature McIntosh design cues. The top is highlighted by a series of diagrams printed on glass that outline the basic circuitry and specifications of the unit, along with a glass nameplate trimmed with a circular aluminum ring that's finished to match the front panel endcaps. The sides are adorned with vintage McIntosh-styled die cast aluminum name badges. Two classic McIntosh knobs are located on the front of the polished stainless steel chassis, and direct LED backlighting illuminates the DualView meter, McIntosh logo and the lettering on the black glass front panel.

The uncompromising level of fit and finish that is expected of a McIntosh product completes the MC901. It can be combined with a variety of preamplifiers, turntables, CD players, media streamers, speakers and other specialty products to form a complete home audio system.

Technical Specifications