McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofer Owner’s Manual

McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofer

Product Information

Product Specifications:

• Brand: McIntosh
• Model: PS2K
• Power: Powered Subwoofer
• Manufacturer: McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
• Address: 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699
• Phone: 607-723-3512
• Website: www.mcintoshlabs.com.

Product Usage Instructions

Introduction:
Welcome to McIntosh’s PS2K Powered Subwoofer. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the features and instructions to ensure maximum performance and enjoyment from your equipment.

Safety First:
Read the safety instructions included in the Important Additional Operation Information Guide. Ensure the safety cover on the rear surface is not removed under any circumstances.

Important Information:

1. A specific Power Control Cable is available from the McIntosh Parts Department for connecting to the PS2K.
2. The Power Control Input operates within a 5 to 20 DC Voltage range, and the Power Control Output requires a source connection to send a signal.
3. Avoid connecting speaker-level output terminals from any receiver or amplifier to the PS2K inputs to prevent damage.
4. The PS2K must be connected to a dedicated AC outlet on a dedicated circuit. Consult your McIntosh dealer and electrician for proper installation.

Packing and Unpacking:
Refer to the unpacking instructions located in an envelope attached to the shipping crate. Ensure you have sufficient manpower available to handle the heavy PS2K safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use any power control cable with the PS2K?

A: It is recommended to use the specific Power Control Cable available from the McIntosh Parts Department to ensure proper functionality.

Q: What should I do if I accidentally remove the safety cover?

A: If the safety cover is removed, contact McIntosh for guidance. Do not make any other electrical connections to the terminals inside.

Q: Can I connect multiple sources to the Power Control Input simultaneously?

A: No, only one source should be connected to the Power Control Input at a time for optimal performance.

Thank You from all of us at McIntosh
You have invested in a precision instrument that will provide you with many years of enjoyment. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the features and instructions to get the maximum performance from your equipment.
If you need further technical assistance, please contact your dealer who may be more familiar with your particular setup including other brands. You can also contact McIntosh with additional questions or in the unlikely event of needing service.

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

• 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903
• Technical Assistance 607-723-3512
• Fax 607-724-0549
• Customer Service 607-723-3515 Fax 607-723-1917
• Email support@mcintoshlabs.com
• Web: www.mcintoshlabs.com.

Please Take A Moment
For future reference, you can write down your serial number and purchase information here. We can identify your purchase from this informa-tion if the occasion should arise:

• Serial Number: __
• Purchase Date: ___
• Dealer Name: ___

Introduction

The McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofer is designed for Home Theater and Music Reproduction. It has four 13-inch LD/HP woofers, each powered by its 500-watt amplifier, plus built-in High and Low Pass Filters and two Parametric Equalizer Filters for subwoofer room correction. The PS2K PS2K-powered subwoofer complements the capabilities and the remarkably low distortion of McIntosh Power Amplifiers and loudspeaker systems. Each component in the PS2K has been carefully designed for durability, efficiency, and above all, low distortion. The McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofer will reproduce music accurately and function as an excellent Powered Subwoofer.

Safety First
Please read the safety instructions included in a separate document called Important Additional Operation Information Guide.

Safety Cover
The PS2K is factory-equipped with a clear safety cover on the rear surface. Do not remove this cover for any reason, and never make any other electrical connection to the terminals inside.

Important Information

1. The following Connecting Cable is available from the McIntosh Parts Department: Power Control Cable Part No. 170202 Six foot, 2 conductors shielded, with two 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plugs.
2. The PS2K’s Power Control Input will function within a 5 to 20 DC Voltage range. The Power Control Output will only send a signal if a source is connected to the Power Control Input.
3. To avoid damage, do not connect the speaker level output terminals from any receiver, amplifier or integrated amplifier to the inputs of the PS2K Powered Subwoofer.
4. The PS2K needs to be connected to a dedicated circuit with an AC outlet. The type and size of the dedicated AC circuit with outlet needs to be per the local electrical wiring codes. Always contact your McIntosh dealer and certified electrician for additional information and assistance.

Note: 20 Amp, 120 volt AC circuit for use in the United States and Canada only.

Packing and Unpacking the PS2K

Warning:
The PS2K is very heavy. Please refer to the Unpacking instructions located in an envelope attached to the shipping crate. Be sure to have the appropriate manpower available to handle it safely.

The PS2K is finished in a highly polished but durable paint. However, it can be scratched, so please ensure all sharp objects like rings, belt buckles, watches, etc are removed before handling. Also please note the PS2K has no protective covers or grilles over the woofers. So please ensure not to reach and grab the product woofers. Once removed and placed in your listening area, the protective film may be removed by slowly peeling off, all around the speaker. Also, remove the protec-tive rubber ring on the metal base. Packing the PS2K is the reverse of unpacking, so please be sure to save all instructions and materials.

Performance Features

• Woofers with Patented LD/HP® Technology The McIntosh Low Frequency Loudspeaker Elements feature the patented LD/HP Magnetic Circuit Design. This design, when compared to conventional Loudspeaker Drivers, reduces distortion significantly. It also increases power handling and efficiency.
  The die-cast basket has an open-air area under the voice coil/spider assembly to prevent displacement noise. The carbon fibre cone with a corrugated rubber surround has a six-layer high-temperature voice coil and is rigid to perform as a near-perfect air piston.
  Altogether these advances in woofer design construction and materials produce the very important first several octaves of music, with a high degree of accuracy and superb transient response. This performance level rivals woofers twice the size of the PS2K woofer.

• Gold Plated Input Connectors
  The PS2K Input Connectors are gold-plated for superior corrosion resistance and high electrical conductivity.

• Low Harmonic and Intermodulation Distortion The PS2K Loudspeaker System is capable of reproducing the full dynamic range of a symphony orchestra with very low audible distortion of any kind.

• Sealed Enclosure
  The PS2K uses acoustic suspension design techniques. This type of loading was pioneered decades ago and uses a linear air spring of the enclosure to keep distortion low, the suspension under control at all times, and provide an extended low-frequency output below resonance.

• Large Woofer with Integral Heat Sink Massive dual magnets with thick front and back plates provide an incredible heat sink for the voice coil. The voice coil itself is wound on a 3” diameter aluminium bobbin to further aid in the dissipation of heat. The ability to dissipate heat greatly improves the driver’s capacity to perform at high power levels and not suffer from power compression.

• Rigid Woofer Framework
  A black powder-coated, die-cast aluminium basket is used as the framework for the driver. Such a framework is necessary to keep the driver’s moving components aligned during the long excursions a subwoofer can produce.

• Rigid Woofer Cone
  The PS2K uses a custom-designed unified carbon fibre cone, dust cap, and coil mounting technology. This provides exceptional cone rigidity to ensure no cone breakup under the most demanding conditions. Additionally, the corrugated style cone suspension provides extended linear cone travel over most woofer designs.

• High Power and Low Distortion
  The PS2K’s four 500 Watt Amplifiers have very low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). This 0.05%THD rating combined with the low distortion of the McIntosh LD/HP Driver provides an exceptionally smooth and clean low-frequency response.

• Power Guard
  The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents the PS2K’s Amplifier from being overdriven into clipping, with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable Loudspeaker.

• Signal Sensing Circuitry
  In addition to the McIntosh Remote Power Control feature, the PS2K utilizes signal-sensing circuitry. This signal-sensing circuitry is beneficial when the PS2K is to be located at a great distance from the pre-amp and running an additional Power Control Cable for remote turn-on is not feasible.

• Phase Control
  The continuously variable phase control provides precise adjustment for the subwoofer phase.

• Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs/Outputs Balanced connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without compromising sound quality.

• Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection circuits ensure the PS2K will have a long and trouble-free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits guard against overheating.

• Parametric Filter
  The Parametric Filter provides simple peak or dip filtering to the subwoofer output for room effect correction. These filters may be used independently from any other room correction methods.

• Signal Pass Through
  Signal Pass through is used for easy chaining of one PS2K to another.

Front View Features

Connector Information

XLR Connectors
Below is the pin configuration for the XLR balanced output connectors on the PS2K. Refer to the diagram for the connection:

• PIN 1: Shield/Ground
• PIN 2: + Input/Output
• PIN 3: – Input/Output

Power Control Connectors
The PS2K POWER CONTROL INputs and OUTputs on the rear panel send and receive power on/off signals when connected to other McIntosh components. A 3.5mm stereo mini plug is used for the connections.

Meter illumination can also be controlled via the Power Control Input’s source.

RCA Connectors

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your PS2K Powered Subwoofer.

A Note on Placement:
It is important to keep your McIntosh unit out of direct sunlight and only use appropriate gentle cleaners because the Organic Anodize can become discoloured over time.

While most products will maintain their classic dark features for their lifetime some situations can accelerate discolouration. The most pervasive culprit is UV light, especially light directly from the sun, or high-intensity spotlights. Even high-intensity short-term exposure can result in discolouration. Chemicals can also alter the finish of the Anodize. Aggressive cleaners will take their toll over time and etch away the Anodize finish.

Installation

Locating the PS2K
The optimal method for selecting speaker locations includes the use of a real- time spectrum analyzer (RTA) operated by an experienced system installer. An uncompromising installation would take into consideration the floor, wall and ceiling coverings, the type and placement of furniture and can even include the architectural design of the room and its construction materials. Frequencies 80Hz and below reproduced by the PS2K Powered Subwoofer are non- directional and will sound best located toward the front of the room and away from corners. It is not necessary to aim the front of the PS2K directly at the listener.

Signal Flow Block Diagram

Rear Panel

• A. LOW PASS FILTER allows for an adjustable cut-off frequency between 40Hz and 100Hz to the subwoofer. This setting is typically set to match the HIGH-PASS FILTER setting below.
  The LOW PASS FILTER is always used if connected to Left and Right Inputs. To apply the LOW PASS FILTER the TYPE Switch must be set to SUB.

• B. HIGH PASS FILTER allows for an adjustable cut-off frequency between 40Hz and 100Hz from the normal left and right loudspeakers. This lowers distortion, prevents overloading the left and right loudspeakers, and provides optimal blending with the Subwoofer output.
  To use the HIGH PASS FILTER, connect the L and R output of a pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier to the left and right inputs of the PS2K and connect the L and R outputs of the PS2K to your power amplifier(s) and set the crossover frequency depending on the size and or specifications of your loudspeakers. Suggested settings would be 40 Hz for very large loudspeakers like an XRT 2.1K or XRT 1.1K, 60 Hz for medium-sized loudspeakers such as an XR100, or 80 Hz for smaller speakers such as XR50.
  If setting the PS2K for Home Theater use, the AVR will typically have these settings internal. If this is the case, then no L or R connection or setting is required on the PS2K.

• C. PHASE Knob sets the acoustic output phase to provide optimum blending into your system relative to its input. This knob is to help avoid phase cancellation (characterized by a loss of bass information) between the PS2K and any other low-frequency producing speaker in the system. Careful listening while turning the PHASE knob will help you determine if this effect will be beneficial to the system.

• D. LEVEL Knob sets the gain/balance of the subwoofer’s output to match the rest of the system. Start with the LEVEL Knob in the centre position and perform the system level calibration on the A/V Control Center or Surround Decoder for the subwoofer level. If the subwoofer level can not be set, adjust the PS2K’s LEVEL Knob to provide adequate range during calibration.

• E. STEREO INPUTS and OUTPUTS
  Stereo Inputs are used in a two-channel music system, or any system where a pre-amplifier or AVR is not applying LOW or HIGH PASS FILTERs to any loudspeaker output channel. In this case, connect the pre-amplifier or AVR Left and Right outputs to the PS2K Left and Right Inputs. Stereo outputs are used to connect to the Left and Right amplifier inputs of an Integrated amplifier, AVR, or Left and Right loudspeaker amplifier after the HIGH PASS FILTER is applied. Never connect the speaker level outputs of an AVR or 2-channel integrated amplifier to the Stereo inputs of the PS2K.

• F. MONO INPUTS
  If connected to the output of another PS2K or other subwoofer, then select SUB on the TYPE Switch. If connected to the LFE output of a pre-amplifier or AVR that can apply a custom filter set, then select LFE on the TYPE Switch.

• G. MONO OUTPUTS connect to the input of another PS2K or other subwoofers in a system. When the TYPE Switch is set to SUB the output will be the sum of both the stereo and mono inputs and the internal LP filter of the PS2K is applied. If connected to the subwoofer output of an integrated amplifier then select SUB on the TYPE Switch.

• H. PARAMETRIC EQUALIZERS provide adjustments for room effect compensation. The filters are applied only to the subwoofer output. The available filter adjustments are Frequency, Bandwidth, and Level.
  The best way to set the parametric filters is with the use of a spectrum analyzer and a noise source. This will allow pinpoint accuracy of the settings. However, if unable to use such a sophisticated instrument, one may play typical music and listen for boominess or lack of output in music or other signal material.
  Troubleshooting the Parametric Filter

  • If there is a lack of output, set the P1 filter’s level to + dB position.
  • If a boomy sound is heard, set the P1 filter’s level to the – dB position.
  • Set bandwidth to the centre position. Now play the signal material and adjust the frequency control until a correction is heard. Adjust the frequency knob until it is centred on the effect. Next, adjust the level control until the sound is more uniform. Further adjustment of the bandwidth control localizes the correction to only that band where the action is desired.
  • The P2 filter may be adjusted similarly if the sound output is boomy or lacking character.
  • Note:
  1. Each filter is fully independent of the other, so one may be adding and the other subtracting from the nominal output of the PS2K, or both adding or subtracting.
  2. Both Parametric filters can be bypassed by placing their LEVEL control at 0dB.

• I. Input TYPE Switch

  • If receiving audio with filters already applied to its signal, set the switch to LFE.
  • If receiving unfiltered audio, set the type to SUB.

• J. POWER CONTROL IN and OUT
  Connect a Power Control Cable to the INput from a Control Center or Preamplifier to automatically turn on the PS2K when the Control Center or Preamplifier is on. Connect a Power Control Cable to the OUTput to send the signal to additional subwoofers or other McIntosh components to automatically turn them on as well. For the OUTput to function, a source must be connected to the Power Control Input

• K. LOGO Switch controls the Logo lighting for home theater purposes.

• L. METER Switch controls the PS2K’s Meter Lighting On/Off. When in the ON position, the PS2K will also accept power control signals to control the Meter lighting.

• M. POWER Switch
  When set to the OFF position, the PS2K can only be turned on by a Remote Power Control signal. When set to the ON position, the PS2K will stay on depending on the position of the AUTO ON/OFF switch. Using an active Power Control signal will disable this circuitry.

• N. AUTO ON/OFF Switch
  When set to ENABLE, the PS2K will time out with the absence of audio after 30 minutes. If Audio is detected, the PS2K will trigger back ON. Using an active Power Control signal will disable this circuitry.

• O. CIRCUIT BREAKER should never activate under normal conditions. If the breaker does activate, the tip of the breaker will pop out. Reset the breaker by pushing in on the tip.

• P. AC Input is used to connect the PS2K to an AC outlet.

How to Connect

The McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofer may be turned On or Off by two different methods. The preferred method is to utilize the Power Control Signal from a McIntosh A/V Control Center or Audio Control Center. If the Power Control Signal is not available, the PS2K has built-in signal-sensing circuitry which will automatically turn on the Powered Subwoofer.

1. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh A/V Control Center or Audio Control Center Power Control Out Jack to the McIntosh PS2K POWER CONTROL IN Jack.

2. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh PS2K POWER CONTROL OUT Jack to the McIntosh Power Amplifier Control In Jack.
   Notes: If two or more McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofers are being used in the same system, connect the POWER CONTROL OUT from the first PS2K to the next PS2K POWER CONTROL IN Jack and then onto the McIntosh Power Amplifier.

   • The PS2K’s Power Control Input will function with 5 to 20 Volts of DC applied.
   • The PS2K Power Control output requires the connection of a switched Power Control input to function.

3. Connect a Balanced Audio Cable from the McIntosh A/V Control Center or Audio Control Center Subwoofer Out to the McIntosh PS2K MONO INPUT(S).
   Notes: If two or more McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofers are being used in the same system, connect a second Audio Cable from the first PS2K MONO OUTPUT(S) to the next PS2K MONO INPUT(S).

4. Connect the PS2K power cord to an active AC outlet.

Connection Diagram: Subwoofer/LFE Outputs

Home Theater Connection

• Typical AVRs or AV processors will apply custom subwoofer filter settings.
• Connect an AVR, Subwoofer, or LFE output to the mono subwoofer input of the PS2K. The TYPE Switch should be set to LFE.

Home Music System Connection
Connection to a pre-amplifier or music processor / integrated amplifier is made from the subwoofer output to the mono subwoofer input of the PS2K.

• If the pre-amplifier or music processor has an available adjustable crossover setting, use it and set the TYPE Switch to LFE. If the pre-amplifier or music processor does not have an adjustable setting, set the TYPE Switch to SUB.

To connect multiple PS2Ks to an A/V Processor in a single system use the following connections:

• The TYPE Switch should be set to SUB, this allows for the signal path to go through the system’s LOW PASS FILTER.
• The LOW PASS FILTER should be set to the L and R loudspeaker’s rated low-frequency point. This is typically 40 Hz for large loudspeakers, 60 Hz for medium-sized loudspeakers, and 80-100 Hz for small loudspeakers.
• The HIGH PASS FILTER should be set to match the LP filter setting used above.

Connection Diagram: Two Channels

Home Music System Connection
Connection to a pre-amplifier or music processor / integrated amplifier without a dedicated subwoofer output is made from the Left and Right line level outputs to the Left and Right inputs of the PS2K. Using this method allows filtering of low frequencies from the normal Left and Right loudspeakers in your system, thus relieving them of the low frequency burden reducing their distortion and optimally blending the output of the subwoofer and loudspeakers.

• The LOW PASS FILTER should be set to the L and R loudspeaker’s rated low-frequency point. This is typically 40 Hz for large loudspeakers, 60 Hz for medium-sized loudspeakers, and 80-100 Hz for small loudspeakers.
• The HIGH PASS FILTER should be set to match the LP filter setting used above.

Note:
More than one PS2K may be chained in a music system setup. In this case, follow the chain from the first PS2K to the second as described previously and set the TYPE to SUB. Set the LP filter to match the lead PS2K and adjust parametric filters as necessary for smooth performance.

Specifications

• System Driver Complement
  • Four 13 inch extra long excursion Carbon Fiber
  • Woofers (incorporating LD/HP)
• Impedance
  • 8 ohms Nominal
• Power Output
  • Amplifier: 2 KW (Four 500W, one per woofer)
  • Maximum Output > 120 dB
• Filter Frequencies
  • High Pass: 40 Hz – 100 Hz
  • Low Pass: 40 Hz – 100 Hz
  • Phase: Continuously Variable
  • Parametric: Two bands 30 Hz – 100 Hz, variable bandwidth and level +/- 8 dB
• Input sensitivity (Rated Output)
  • 500mV unbalanced (0.5V)
  • 1V Balanced
• THD
  • Amplifier: 0.05%
  • Preamplifier (Rear Panel Outputs): 0.005%
• Voltage Gain
  • Amplifier: 31dB
  • Preamplifier: 10dB
• Signal to Noise ratio (A-weighted)
  • Amp: 115dB
  • Preamp: 100dB
• Input Impedance
  • 20,000 Ohms Balanced
  • 10,000 Ohms Unbalanced
• Maximum Input Signal
  • 4.5V Unbalanced
  • 9V Balanced
• Power Control In
  • 5-20 VDC Trigger
• Power Requirements
  • 120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.0 amps
  • 240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.0 amps

General Specifications

Note: the PS2K has been tested and certified for indoor use only.

• Enclosure Finish
  • Highly polished Piano Grade Black
• Metal Finish
  • Anodized Aluminum Base, High Durable Powder
  • Coated Plate Surfaces
• Overall Dimensions
  • Width is 19 1/4 inches (48.9cm)
  • Height is 22 1/2 inches (57.2cm)
  • Depth is 78 5/8 inches (199.7cm)
  • The base is 25 5/16 inches by 28 7/16 inches
• Weight
  • 458 pounds (207.7 kg) net
  • 932 pounds (422.7 kg) in shipping carton
• Shipping Carton Dimensions
  • Width is 36 inches (91.4cm)
  • Depth is 54 inches (137.2cm)
  • Height is 89 inches (226.1cm)

Trademarks of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.:
The following are Registered Trademarks of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. in multiple jurisdictions around the world: the written McIntosh logo; the McIntosh Globe logo; the Mc logo; Power Guard; Power Guard Screen Grid Sensor; Power Guard SGS; LD/HP; Dynamic Power Manager; the 4DPM8 logo; HXD; the HXD logo; Behind The Sound; Legendary Performance. The following are Trademarks of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. in multiple jurisdictions around the world: Autoformer; Sentry Monitor; Solid Cinch; McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks; Hybrid Drive; DualView; TripleView; Made of Sound. The foregoing trademarks, registered and otherwise, are not to be used, reproduced, or registered in any way without the express written permission of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

Packing Instructions

• In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown in the unpacking instructions.
• Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only if they are all in good serviceable condition. If a shipping carton or any of the interior part(s) are needed, please call or write the Customer Service Department of McIntosh Laboratory. Refer to page 2. Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers.

Part List

• 1 034735 Packing List Envelope
• 1 034720 Protective Bag
• 1 752871 Manual Pack
• 1 241286 Unpack Instructions

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

• 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, NY 13903
• www.mcintoshlabs.com.

The continuous improvement of its products is the policy of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. who reserve the right to improve design without notice.

Printed in the U.S.A.

© 2024 McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
McIntosh Part No. 24122100

References

• McIntosh: Home Audio Systems for Music & Home Theater

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