Tag: MCINTOSH

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McIntosh Announces Two Wireless Speakers

The New RS150 and RS250 Feature Easy Streaming Options for Modern Listening

Binghamton, NY – December 10, 2021 – McIntosh is proud to introduce its iconic sonic quality in the new RS150 Wireless Loudspeaker and RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System. The RS150 is a user-friendly and compact wireless speaker delivering a larger-than-life home audio sound performance. The RS250 is McIntosh’s most advanced and powerful home audio wireless speaker system to date.

Both the mono RS150 and stereo RS250 are stand-alone, complete wireless speaker solutions. The new models do not require a dedicated control app. Rather, each feature a variety of built-in streaming “cast-to” technologies including Spotify® Connect, TIDAL® Connect, Apple® AirPlay® 2, Bluetooth®, Chromecast, and Roon Ready – allowing users to easily stream from their smart devices.

The RS150 Wireless Loudspeaker

 Serves as an entry-level experience of McIntosh’s legendary sound and performance standards

 Built in a moderate size that can fit in almost any home listening setting

Updated version of the successful RS100, replacing the predeceasing unit with double the power output (from 60 Watts total power to 120 Watts total power)

 Directly connects to popular streaming apps that use compatible casting technologies

 Woofer enlarged from a 4″ to 5-1/4″ diameter driver, 90 Watts of power and a larger, reengineered encloser resulting in higher output with lower distortion and deeper bass extension

Easily removable speaker grille if user prefers to expose the woofer and tweeter

Bass control has also been added to fine-tune the low-end performance based on unique room characteristics and listening preferences

 The design resembles the traditional McIntosh aesthetic, with a glass front panel on the lower section of the speaker

The RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System

 Includes virtually everything needed to enjoy music streaming from any device

 Features turntable connectivity via the dedicated phono input

 Ability to connect to television via an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) input for better audio performance when watching favorite shows, movies, or sports, the system further includes that connects to ARC compatible TV’s

 Offers a sizeable 650 Watts of total power that is delivered to two 4″ x 6″ woofers, four 2″ midranges, and two ¾” tweeters

 The midranges and tweeters are front firing, while the woofers are down firing with the sound emanating from under the main chassis just above the base plate

 The woofer enclosure has been reengineered to reduce distortion with improved bass control to fine tune the low-end performance

 To enhance low frequencies even more, it can be connected to an external powered subwoofer

 To enjoy non-streaming music, the RS250 has an optical input to connect digital sources and a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting other music sources, also featuring a ¼” headphone jack on the front panel permits personal listening

 The RS250 is versatile enough to serve as the hub of a modern home audio and entertainment system

Shared Features of the RS150 and RS250

 Both can conveniently be controlled directly from favorite streaming apps that use compatible casting technologies.

 Compatible with TIDAL HiFi’s Hi-Res playback of 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution digital music files

 With their built-in high-resolution streaming capabilities, both are Roon Ready endpoint devices

*Roon Ready network devices have Roon’s streaming technology built in, and are certified by Roon Labs to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming.

 Use Bluetooth 5.0 with support for both the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard as well as Qualcomm® aptX™ HD for hi res audio playback, and Qualcomm aptX Low Latency for improved synching between audio and video

 A new illuminated digital output meter uses the same trusted circuits found in McIntosh’s analog meters to collect and process the audio signals; it then digitizes the results and outputs them into a pulsating, gradated bar that shares the curved shape of their familiar analog meters

 Include a wired ethernet port while also supporting Wi-Fi protocols a, b, g, n, and ac.

 Units are Google Assistant compatible for voice control

*Google Assistant voice control requires use of a third-party Google Assistant device with voice recognition (sold separately). The RS150 and RS250 do not have voice recognition capabilities. The RS150, RS250, and Google Assistant device must be on the same network.

Pricing and Availability
Orders for the RS150 and RS250 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers. Shipping to the United States and Canada is expected to begin in December 2021 for RS150, and January 2022 for RS250. Shipping to the rest of the world will follow shortly thereafter for each product.

Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded):

RS150: $1,200 USD
RS250: $3,000 USD

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AV News

McIntosh Announce 8K Upgrade for MX123 AV Processor

Binghamton, NY – September 8, 2021 – McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for over 70 years, is proud to announce an 8K compatibility upgrade for the MX123 A/V Processor.

Since it was launched in October 2019, the MX123 has become a must have audio and video processor for countless home theaters. It launched with 4K/60Hz compatibility, but as technology has progressed and as McIntosh adheres to its philosophy of continuous product improvement, all new MX123 A/V Processors shipping from the McIntosh factory starting in September 2021 will support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video resolutions and refresh rates. The MX123 will also be able to upscale lower resolutions to 8K. Of its 10 HDMI inputs and outputs, one of the inputs and two of the outputs will have 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support (all 10 will continue to support 4K/60Hz). The three HDMI ports that are 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz compatible will also offer many other advanced features including Quick Media Switching (QMS); Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM); Quick Frame Transport (QFT); and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

All 10 of the HDMI ports support HDCP 2.3; Rec. 2020; 4:4:4 color spacing; Dynamic Lip-sync; and 3D Video pass-through. And all 10 will also now support a myriad of high dynamic range formats such as HDR (static HDR); Dynamic HDR; HDR10+; HLG; and Dolby Vision (including low latency).

In addition to these exciting video upgrades, the MX123 will continue to offer an impressive list of audio capabilities: 13.2 audio channels; Dolby Atmos (including Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer); DTS:X Pro; Auro-3D; Sony’s 360 Reality Audio; MPEG-H Audio; IMAX Enhanced; eARC/ARC; Apple AirPlay 2; Bluetooth; Spotify Connect; and Audyssey MultEQ XT32. To facilitate integration into home automation systems, it also has Connects with Control4 Certification from Control4 and Works with Crestron Home certification from Crestron.

Pricing and Availability
MX123 8K units will start shipping from the McIntosh factory to their global dealer network beginning in September 2021. Orders can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers. The 4K version of the MX123 is no longer available from McIntosh.

Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $8,500 USD.

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AV News

McIntosh Announces MC901 Dual Mono Amplifier

A one-of-a-kind, ultimate solution for bi-amping loudspeakers: a 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier and a 600 Watt solid state amplifier on one chassis!

Legendary home audio company McIntosh has been perfecting vacuum tube amplifiers since the 1940s and solid state amplifiers since the 1960s. Their 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 they could dream of, design and build as the ultimate solution for bi-amping loudspeakers: the new McIntosh MC901 Dual Mono Amplifier.

The MC901 is a monoblock amplifier that drives a single speaker. But it is unlike any other monoblock amplifier. What makes the MC901 so unique is that it’s two amplifiers combined into one. Adding to the uniqueness is that each amplifier is of differing design philosophies: the MC901 consists of a 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier attached to a 600 Watt solid state amplifier on one unified chassis.

The 300 Watt vacuum tube portion powers the speaker’s mid and upper drivers via eight KT88 output tubes, plus four 12AT7 and two 12AX7A signal tubes; the solid state section delivers 600 Watts of dedicated power to the power hungry woofers. The 300 Watt vacuum tube amp in the MC901 uses McIntosh’s patented Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer – the same technology McIntosh was founded on in 1949 – to deliver its full 300 Watts into almost any speaker regardless if it has 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance. Similarly, the 600 Watt solid state amp delivers its full 600 Watts into a 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance speaker via McIntosh’s Autoformer™ technology.

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 the speakers.

Prior to the MC901, bi-amping a speaker required two separate amplifiers. It also required an external crossover, along with a lot of trial and error, to properly configure the two detached amplifiers so they worked together as best as possible. The MC901 solves this issue thanks to its internal, adjustable crossover with the controls easily accessible on the top of the unit. These adjustable crossover filters allow the user to optimize the performance of both amplifier sections to their listening preferences. Relative gain levels for each amplifier section can be adjusted from -6dB to + 3dB. A direct feed can also be connected to each amplifier section, thus bypassing the filters.

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 audio. And just like the MC901 itself is a new design, so too is its meter with the introduction of McIntosh’s new DualView™ Power Output Meter. The DualView meter features two of McIntosh’s 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® in the 600 Watt solid state amplifier section, Sentry Monitor™, Quad Balanced design, Power Control, Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts, McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™, and McIntosh’s eco-friendly Power Management System.

A brand new technology in the 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier section of the MC901 is Power Guard Screen Grid Sensor™ (SGS). 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.

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.

Pricing and Availability
Orders for the MC901 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in December 2019.

Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $17,500 USD

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AV News

McIntosh Announces Three New Home Theater Products(MX170, MX123 & MC255)

Binghamton, NY – October 9, 2019 – McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for 70 years, is proud to announce three new home theater products: the MX170 and MX123 A/V Processors and the MC255 5-Channel Home Theater Amplifier.

MX170 A/V Processor

12 HDMI ports with HDCP2.2 and 18Gbps bandwidth for full 4K Ultra HD and 4:4:4 color

Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, eARC and RoomPerfect

Video: Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG

Experience movies in the comfort of home with the brilliance of 4K Ultra HD, the vividness of High Dynamic Range (HDR), and the immersiveness of 3D surround sound like never before with the new McIntosh MX170 A/V Processor. Complete with the latest in home theater technology, the MX170 has everything needed to deliver a breathtaking audio and cinema experience.

When it comes to the video requirements of a modern home theater, the MX170 comes with everything necessary. It has 8 HDMI inputs and 4 HDMI outputs that are powered by the newest and most powerful HDMI processors available. Each HDMI port is HDCP 2.2 and has 18Gbps of bandwidth to fully support 4K Ultra HD picture quality and full 4:4:4 color spacing. Audio Return Channel (ARC) capabilities are featured on 3 of the outputs, while the 4th features Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality. eARC offers improved bandwidth so higher resolution audio can be sent from the TV to the MX170 to deliver the best sound quality possible.

HDR formats HDR10, Dolby Vision™ and HLG are also fully supported by the MX170. When watching a video mastered in one of these formats, a dramatic improvement in color, contrast and brightness can been seen. A special HDBaseT output is included to prevent signal loss or degradation when there is a long distance between the MX170 and the screen. It also has 3D video pass-through, putting the viewer right in the middle of the action when watching their favorite 3D movies.

On the audio side, the new MX170 is compatible with all the leading object-based, 3D surround sound formats including Dolby® Atmos, DTS:X™ and Auro-3D® to give a truly immersive experience. It includes sophisticated RoomPerfect™ room correction technology that will measure and adjust the audio output to compensate for the specific acoustic properties of the room. The MX170 combined with RoomPerfect will produce a home theater surround sound system with optimized frequency response, calibrated speaker volumes, and bass control that perfectly combines the speakers with the subwoofer(s). Added flexibility in speaker selection and placement is another benefit.

To produce this immersive home theater experience, the MX170 features balanced outputs for a 15.1 surround sound speaker configuration. This allows for a multitude of speakers in the theater to create an enveloping cinematic soundstage. If the theater doesn’t have that many speakers, 4 of the outputs can be used to bi-amp some of the speakers or to drive additional subwoofers.

The MX170 comes with a full suite of digital inputs including 4 optical, 3 coaxial and 1 USB that each accept up to 24-bit/192kHz signals, plus 1 digital balanced input. There’s also a complete complement of analog audio inputs comprised of 2 balanced and 4 unbalanced inputs, a phono input and a 7.1 multichannel unbalanced input. It features some of the latest analog to digital convertor technology to maximize the audio quality of analog sources. All analog and digital devices can be custom named to simplify system operation; their volume levels can be matched to eliminate jarring changes in volume when transitioning between sources. Bass and treble controls offer further audio fine-tuning.

The MX170 takes advantage of the latest advancements in processing power to run cooler while performing better than any previous McIntosh home theater processor. Its easy to use and robust setup program allows for great customization and optimization based on each user’s needs. It has the timeless McIntosh look of a black glass front panel, control knobs, illuminated logo and custom aluminum end caps. It can be paired with a variety of amplifiers and speakers to make a complete home theater system.

MX123 A/V Processor

10 HDMI ports, HDCP2.3, 18Gbps bandwidth for full 4K Ultra HD, 4:4:4 color and Rec. 2020

Audio: 13.2 discrete channels, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, eARC, AirPlay2, Audyssey MultEQ XT32

Video: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, IMAX Enhanced

The new McIntosh MX123 A/V Processor marries a long tradition of uncompromising McIntosh sound quality with the latest home theater technologies to produce an unsurpassed luxury home entertainment experience. It is compatible with all the leading home theater surround sound and object-based 3D audio formats including Dolby® Atmos, DTS:X™ and Auro-3D®. It’s also fully compatible with modern 4K Ultra HD video sources and can upscale lower resolutions to 4K Ultra HD for the best possible picture quality.

The MX123 features upgraded digital audio processing capabilities that results in 2 more discrete audio channels, bringing the MX123 to 13.2 discrete audio channels compared to 11.2 channels in the previous model. These 13.2 discrete channels are available via both balanced and unbalanced audio outputs that can be used in a variety of home theater speaker configurations; 2 additional unbalanced outputs offer further connection flexibility. DSD and ALAC playback support have been doubled to DSD128 and ALAC 192kHz for better high resolution audio performance.

For video, the MX123 has 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs. All HDMI inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3, making the MX123 compliant and compatible with digital content protection specifications for well into the future. They all also have 18Gbps of bandwidth to support High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats Dolby Vision™, HDR10 and HLG; 4K Ultra HD at 50/60Hz; 4:4:4 color spacing; Rec. 2020; and 3D video pass-through. Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality is included on 1 of the HDMI outputs. eARC offers improved bandwidth so the MX123 can receive higher resolution audio from a TV to produce the best possible sound quality. Additional connections include: 4 digital audio inputs; 1 balanced and 8 unbalanced analog stereo audio inputs (including 1 dedicated as a Moving Magnet phono input to connect a turntable); an unbalanced 7.1 multi-channel audio input; 3 component and 4 composite video inputs; 1 USB Type A input; 2 unbalanced analog stereo outputs; and 2 composite and 1 component video outputs.

An exciting new feature on the MX123 is IMAX® Enhanced. IMAX Enhanced is a set of stringent performance standards established by IMAX and DTS® to create a consistent and higher bar for image and sound performance on premium devices. It utilizes a sophisticated, advanced algorithm designed to produce the highest-quality, sharpest 4K HDR images. IMAX and DTS will also partner with award-winning Hollywood sound mixers to use a special variant of the DTS:X codec technology included in the MX123 to deliver an IMAX signature sound experience at home.

Streaming options on the MX123 have been upgraded from the previous model. The MX123 now includes Apple® AirPlay 2® along with Bluetooth® and Spotify Connect for easy streaming from mobile devices. AirPlay 2 is an Apple technology designed to control home audio systems and speakers in any room – with a tap or by just asking Siri – right from an iPhone®, iPad®, HomePod™, or Apple TV®. It offers multiroom audio, Siri voice control, and enhanced playback. TuneIn is also included for further music streaming options. To assist with streaming performance and reliability, wireless connectivity has been improved to include 2.4/5GHz dual band support.

Audyssey MultEQ® XT32 is included and will calibrate the MX123 to a home theater’s unique acoustical properties, letting it deliver the clearest and most balanced earth-shattering sound possible. Each discrete audio channel has its own 32-bit premium Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) to produce the best audio quality. Bass and treble tone controls plus a 9-band equalizer offer additional fine-tuning. The MX123 also has the flexibility to create 2 additional zones and send select audio and/or video to each zone.

The MX123 can be paired with a variety of home theater amplifiers and speakers to create an enviable and enjoyable cinema experience in the comfort of one’s home. Front panel buttons or a comprehensive remote control allow for easy system operation. It’s complete with McIntosh design fundamentals of a backlit black glass front panel with an illuminated logo, control knobs, an easy to read display, and aluminum end caps.

MC255 5-Channel Home Theater Amplifier

TripleView™ Power Output Meter

More than twofold increase in dynamic headroom

Up to 250 Watts per channel

Give home theaters the power they deserve with the new McIntosh MC255 5-Channel Home Theater Power Amplifier.

The MC255 features McIntosh’s striking new TripleView™ Power Output Meter that independently indicates the real time power reading of the amplifier’s three front channels. Instead of three separate meter windows each housing a single meter as found on McIntosh previous 5-channel amplifier, the easy-to-read, 15” (38 cm) wide TripleView features three of McIntosh’s traditional mechanical meters in a single meter enclosure. While a totally new design, each of the three peak responding pointers in the TripleView meter have the same enticing motion that McIntosh meters are known for and function at the same high level as any of their meters. The enchanting look and welcoming glow of the TripleView meter is sure to draw interest from friends and family, but its trademarked blue lighting can be turned off so as not to compete with the TV or movie screen.

Besides the new TripleView meter, the MC255 has received many other performance upgrades to deliver an unforgettable cinema experience. Filter capacity has been increased by 50% which has more than doubled dynamic headroom from 1.7dB to 3.6dB – a key feature in a home theater amplifier – as well as improving the performance of low frequencies. When using just the front left, center and right channels, power output has been increased by 25% from 200 Watts per channel (WPC) to 250 WPC. When using all 5 channels, each will receive a healthy 200 WPC. Regardless of how many channels are used, the full 200 or 250 Watts is delivered to either 4 or 8 Ohm speakers via McIntosh’s Dynamic Power Manager® (DPM) technology.

The MC255 runs cool and quiet thanks to four of McIntosh’s Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors that efficiently and silently cool the amplifier; as a result, noisy cooling fans are not needed. A quiet, specially wound toroidal isolation power transformer also helps keep noise to a minimum. Speaker terminals have been updated to McIntosh’s standard gold-plated binding posts that prevent corrosion and ensure a quality signal is sent to the speakers. Traditional McIntosh knobs now adorn the front panel to control the meter lights and power function. Direct LED backlighting has been added to the front panel for improved color accuracy and durability. McIntosh’s eco-friendly power management system that will turn the amplifier off after a set amount of time when no input signal has been detected is also now included.

While the MC255 has received many upgrades, it also comes with hallmark McIntosh technologies such as Power Guard® that prevents potential speaker damage caused by clipping and over-driving of the amplifier, and Sentry Monitor™ that protects against short-circuits by disengaging the output stage should the current ever exceed safe operating levels (it then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal). Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are included to connect the MC255 to the rest of the home theater system.

The MC255 can be used to power a conventional 5-channel home theater; it can be paired with either McIntosh’s MI128 8-Channel or MI254 4-Channel Digital Amplifiers in home theaters that have additional surround sound speakers for use with object-based 3D audio formats such as Dolby® Atmos, DTS:X™ and Auro-3D®; or it can be used in a two zone configuration with the three front channels used at 250 WPC in one zone and the two surround sound channels used at 200 WPC in a second audio zone.

The MC255 bears the classic McIntosh design of a black glass front panel with the TripleView meter, illuminated logo, control knobs, and aluminum end caps.

Pricing and Availability
Orders for the MX170, MX123 and MC25 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin to the United States in October 2019 and the rest of the world shortly thereafter.

Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded):

MX170: $15,500 USD
MX123: $8,000 USD
MC255: $8,000 USD

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McIntosh Announces MC257 7-Channel Power Amplifie

Bring home theater dreams to life with the sound quality and power only McIntosh can deliver.

Binghamton, NY – September 25, 2019 – McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for 70 years, is proud to announce the MC257 7-Channel Home Theater Power Amplifier.

Bring home theater dreams to life with the new McIntosh MC257 7-Channel Home Theater Power Amplifier. Experience the latest blockbusters and favorite movies at home like never before with the sound quality and power only McIntosh can deliver.

The MC257 is highlighted by McIntosh’s new eye-catching TripleView™ Power Output Meter that independently indicates the real time power reading of the amplifier’s three front channels. The easy-to-read, 15” (38 cm) wide TripleView meter design is a streamlined approach to the three individual meters found on McIntosh’s previous generation 7-channel home theater amplifier. While a totally new design, each of the three pointers in the TripleView meter have the same inviting motion that McIntosh meters are known for and perform at the same high level as any of their meters. The captivating look and glow of the TripleView meter is sure to be a conversation starter, but its trademarked blue lighting can be turned off so as not to compete with the TV or movie screen.

In addition to the new TripleView meter, the MC257 features many other upgrades. When using just the front left, center and right channels, power output has been increased by 25% from 200 Watts per channel to 250 Watts per channel. When using all 7 channels, each will receive a healthy 200 Watts per channel. Regardless of how many channels are used, the full 200 or 250 Watts is delivered to either 4 or 8 Ohm speakers via McIntosh’s Dynamic Power Manager® (DPM) technology. Filter capacity has been increased by 20% which has produced an amazing 94% increase in dynamic headroom from 1.7dB to 3.3dB as well as improving low frequency performance – both key features in a home theater amplifier, especially when listening to an energetic soundtrack.

Also new to the MC257 are five McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ which are connected to advanced high current output transistors to efficiently and silently cool the amplifier; as a result, noisy cooling fans that can interfere with the movie soundtrack are not needed. A quiet, specially wound toroidal isolation power transformer also helps keep noise to a minimum. Speaker terminals have been updated to McIntosh’s standard gold-plated binding posts. McIntosh’s power management system that will turn the amplifier off after a set amount of time when no input signal has been detected has also been added. Finally, the front panel is now lit by direct LED backlighting for improved color accuracy and durability.

Besides all these upgrades, the MC257 comes with steadfast McIntosh technologies like Power Guard® to prevent potential speaker damage caused by clipping and over-driving of the amplifier. Sentry Monitor™ technology that protects against short-circuits by disengaging the output stage should the current ever exceed safe operating levels (it then resets automatically when operating conditions return to normal) is also included. Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are included to connect the MC257 to a home theater processor.

The MC257 can be utilized in many ways: it can power a 7-channel home theater by itself; it can be paired with either McIntosh’s MI128 8-channel or MI254 4-channel digital amplifiers in home theaters that have more than 7-channels; or it can be used in 5-channel home theaters with 2 of its channels available to power a second audio zone.

The MC257 sits on a polished stainless steel chassis and bears the classic McIntosh design of a black glass front panel with the TripleView meter, illuminated logo, control knobs, and aluminum end caps.

Pricing and Availability
The MC257 replaces the MC207 amplifier. Orders for the MC257 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin to the United States in September 2019 and the rest of the world shortly thereafter.

Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $10,000 USD

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McIntosh Announces C2700 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

Cutting edge digital music capabilities combined with time tested vacuum tube performance

McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for 70 years, is proud to announce the C2700 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier. Following a long line of revered McIntosh vacuum tube preamplifiers comes the new C2700 Tube Preamplifier. Using their well-established vacuum tube topology, the C2700 also features McIntosh’s advanced DA2 Digital Audio Module technology to combine cutting edge digital music capabilities with time tested vacuum tube performance.

A worthy successor to McIntosh’s popular DA1 Digital Audio Module, the DA2 features an expanded set of capabilities. The DA2 offers 7 digital inputs including all the same connections found on the DA1 (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT) plus a new audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection. TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output can be connected to the C2700 to enjoy TV sound through a home audio system. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback. The C2700 remote can control the TV’s power and volume when CEC communication is enabled in both the preamplifier and the TV. Besides these new HDMI (ARC) features found in the DA2, its USB input has increased DSD playback support up to DSD512 compared to the DSD256 limit of the DA1.

The DA2 is powered by a next generation, audiophile-grade, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that has improvements in both dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The coax and optical inputs in the DA2 can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for playback of high resolution audio. Finally, the DA2 has a McIntosh exclusive MCT input that offers a secure DSD connection to any of their MCT series of SACD/CD Transports to deliver the best possible sound quality of the high definition audio from SACDs.

For analog music, the C2700 has 9 inputs comprised of 3 balanced connections, 4 unbalanced connections, along with 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono inputs for connecting a turntable or two. With a total of 16 inputs, the C2700 has a virtually infinite number of inputs to connect music sources. The C2700’s dual chassis design keeps the analog and digital sections separate to prevent signal corruption. Outputs include 3 variable balanced and 3 variable unbalanced plus 1 fixed unbalanced connection.

Bass and treble tone controls are included and can be adjusted in 2dB increments. The ¼” headphone jack is powered by McIntosh’s High Drive Headphone Amplifier which can power almost any pair of headphones; Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) is included and brings an added dimension to a personal listening session when activated. Home Theater Pass Through allows the C2700 to be seamlessly integrated into a home theater system. Power Control ports easily turn other connected McIntosh components on and off, while the Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components.

All the C2700’s audio technology is packed inside the timeless McIntosh design highlighted by a black glass front panel backlit by direct LED lighting, blue meters, rotary knobs, an illuminated logo, aluminum end caps and a polished stainless steel chassis. The 6 alluring vacuum tubes can be viewed through a glass panel located on the top of the preamplifier. It can be paired with an assortment of amplifiers, CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers, room correction devices and speakers to complete a home audio system.

Pricing and Availability
Orders for the C2700 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin to the United States in August 2019 and the rest of the world shortly thereafter.

Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $8,000 USD

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McIntosh Announces C49 Preamplifier

Prepared for the Future of Digital Music

Binghamton, NY – May 21, 2019 – McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for 70 years, is proud to announce the C49 Preamplifier.

Be prepared for future digital music technologies with the C49 Preamplifier. The C49 features our DA1 Digital Audio Module, which can be replaced by newer McIntosh digital audio modules that accommodate new digital technologies. This will allow the C49 to be kept up to date with digital music formats and viable well into the future.

The C49 comes with a multitude of inputs. For analog, it has 2 balanced, 3 unbalanced, 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet. On the digital side, it has 6 inputs housed in the DA1 module: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 proprietary MCT (for use with our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports). The DA1 is powered by an 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that is used in Quad Balanced mode; it supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz for playback of high resolution audio. In total, the C49 has 13 inputs, and each can be given user-friendly names to simplify system setup and control.

For outputs, the C49 has 2 balanced variable outputs, 2 unbalanced variable outputs, and 1 unbalanced fixed output. The outputs are designed for easy use when bi-amping speakers so that neither the highs or lows are inadvertently turned off. Audio sources can be fine tuned via the bass and treble tone controls. The C49 can be seamlessly integrated into a home theater system via Home Theater Pass Through. Power Control ports allow for the easy turn on/turn off of other connected McIntosh components, while the Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components. Our High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) is also included.

The C49 comes complete with classic McIntosh design staples such as a black glass front panel, knobs, an illuminated logo and aluminum end caps. Pair it with a variety of amplifiers, turntables, CD players, tuners, speakers, and room correction devices to make a complete home audio system.

Pricing and Availability
Orders for the C49 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin to the United States in May 2019 and the rest of the world shortly thereafter.

Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $5,000 USD

About McIntosh
Founded in 1949, McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. is known for offering distinguished quality audio products, superior customer service and the ultimate experience in music and film. All McIntosh products are handcrafted at the Binghamton, NY factory by over 150 employees with a passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home entertainment experience for discriminating consumers around the world, with the iconic “McIntosh Blue” Watt Meters globally recognized as a symbol of quality audio. Since its inception, McIntosh has been powering some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture. From President Lyndon Johnson’s inauguration speech to Woodstock to the famous Grateful Dead “Wall of Sound,” McIntosh has not only witnessed history, it has shaped it. With McIntosh, customers have the ability to create their own premium audio experience – and truly live their music. Visit www.mcintoshlabs.com to learn more.

Categories
AV News

McIntosh Announces Eleven Products as Roon Tested

Press Release:
Preamps and Integrated Amps among those to receive Roon Tested designation

Binghamton, NY – March 13, 2019 – McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for 70 years, is proud to announce that 11 of its products have received Roon Tested designation.

Roon is a rich and engaging way to browse, organize, and listen to music. Artist photos, credits, bios, reviews, lyrics, tour dates, and composers are located automatically, then interconnected by links to build a surfable digital magazine. Roon is also a multi-room, multi-user networked audio platform, it offers features such as bit-perfect playback, DSD and PCM upsampling, multichannel support, and Signal Path display.

The McIntosh products receiving Roon Tested designation are: C47, C52, C2600 and D1100 Preamplifiers; MA5300, MA7200, MA8900 and MA9000 Integrated Amplifiers; MAC7200 Receiver; MHA150 Headphone Amplifier; and MXA80 Integrated Audio System. All of these models utilize a powerful 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) used in Quad Balanced mode. Their coax and optical inputs will decode music up to 24-bit/192kHz; their USB inputs accept even higher PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and support up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz.

Products designated as Roon Tested have been profiled and tested by both Roon and McIntosh for maximum compatibility. Roon will recognize these devices and send them audio optimized for their capabilities. The device settings in Roon are optimized to improve the customer experience. No fiddling with checkboxes or dropdowns, Roon Tested devices are automatically identified and configured out of the box.

“Many McIntosh customers have requested support for Roon, and today we are happy to announce that all of our current model preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers with digital audio are now Roon Tested,” said McIntosh President Charlie Randall. “All of these products were already full-featured units, and now with adding Roon Tested capabilities they will bring even more value and enjoyment to their owners.”

“We’re excited to be working with the team at McIntosh to give their customers the best experience possible of their McIntosh equipment and Roon,” said Rob Darling, Roon Director of Strategy. “Being Roon Tested will make it easier for McIntosh users to enjoy music while taking the technology of their systems to its fullest potential, from streamlining first-run set up to removing the complexity of configuring Roon DSP Upsampling so they can take advantage of the incredible high-res performance offered by McIntosh’s digital designs.”

How to get started
New users will need to create a Roon account, then download and install the application. Existing Roon users can trigger their system to acquire the McIntosh device icons and optimized settings by restarting their Roon Core beginning on March 13. Then they can use the Identify My Device feature in Device Settings to apply the new information.

Categories
AV News

WHAT HI-FI? SHOW 2019 – MUMBAI (SHOW REPORT – PART 1)

8Th Floor

STATEROOM – 1

VINSHEK MARKETING

BRANDS SHOWCASED –

WATERFALL AUDIO

SONANCE

CORNERED AUDIO

GALLO ACOUSTICS

In typical exhibition fashion, the above brands were scattered all over the room, with demoes of Waterfall Audio happening side by side. Rest of the equipment from the above brands lay as static displays thereby covering all available room.

STATEROOM – 2

A.K. INTERNATIONAL

BRANDS SHOWCASED –

FOCAL

NAIM

Here the theme was static display & static display only! Covering almost the entire range of Focal loudpseakers from wall to wall, they had kept a couple of Naim Muso & Muso QB, at the centre of the room, as probably the only thing that could be showcased of Naim currently, since A.K. International have just been honoured with the distributorship of the Focal/Naim brands in India.

We were especially sad to see only & not hear anything in this room.

STATEROOM – 3

KEI

BRANDS SHOWCASED –

PIONEER

ELAC

FYNE AUDIO

JVC

NAD

PSB

TOTEM ACOUSTIC

BLUESOUND

KEI used the entire area in their room + used the lobby outside to their advantage in showcasing as much gear of their vast portfolio of brands as possible. Here it was Pioneer that got the entire lobby space dedicated to the reference CD player, couple of streamers post which it was their AVRS all the way. The star of the display albeit single & static facing the elevators was the Fyne Audio F1-10, which was kept as bait to attract visitors to their room. We hope to hear the same in the coming months as has been promised to us by KEI’s bossman.

Inside the room, NAD, ELAC, PSB, Fyne Audio products were on display along with an entire Bluesound wall showcasing the entire bluesound range of products. Star of the room and rightly so was the JVC DLA-NX9, the world’s first 8k E-Shift Projector that was on demo on an ALR Screen with Totem’s Tribe III On Wall speakers on each side with their Storm Subwoofers under each of them. A Pioneer UDP-LX500 Bluray Player & NAD M32 Integrated Amp were placed under the screen.

Overall, we can say KEI utilised their allotted space very wisely and to their advantage the most.

STATEROOM – 4

AUDIO EXCELLENCE + LAKOZY IMPEX & SERVICES +

SOUND & VISION

BRANDS SHOWCASED –

LEGACY AUDIO

PARASOUND

STORM AUDIO

SUPRA CABLES

SIM2

SCREEN RESEARCH

The coming together of 3 distributors to showcase their brands in a super hi end home theatre costing 1.5 Crores was going to be something special and thankfully we were not disappointed. After going through the static displays, we needed entertainment and entertainment is what we got! The bossman of Sound & Vision was in command of providing the demos of the set up and mercifully he knew how to go about the same, with each scene highlighting the capabilities of the sound & vision (Pun heavily intended!)  Needless to say, this room was awarded our “Star of the Show – Home Theatre” (Cost No Bar)

Kudos to the trio for pulling off an amazing installation albeit with all the compromises a hotel venue can throw at you. We hoped that this was going to be the way the rest of the rooms will follow, sadly not!

GRAND CRU SALON

MCINTOSH GROUP

BRANDS SHOWCASED –

MCINTOSH

SONUS FABER

Having re-launched themselves very recently in the Indian market, McIntosh Group had to showcase themselves well and also use this show as a spring board for not only launching themselves officially as their direct presence in the Indian market, but to also scout for prospective distributors & dealers, to cover their portfolio of brands and products pan India, that include Audio Research & Sumiko. Time will tell, what will be the outcome and how will they proceed and be successful so let’s hope for the best and wait and watch. Besides a yet again static display of some of the McIntosh Amps, Powered Speaker, they also showcased Sonus Faber Olympica III speakers with Mcintosh MA8900 Integrated Amplifer playing music via USB from a laptop. Alongside this setup was a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica II speakers on static display.

To be honest the demo set up sounded below average and we were quite disappointed to say the very least.

ALHAMBRA

PREETI TRADING CORPORATION

BRANDS SHOWCASED –

ATI

ASCENDO

ACCUPHASE

DENON

DYNAUDIO

MONITOR AUDIO

ROKSAN AUDIO

This was a massive room and yet again, used to fill up to the maximum with various static and demo products strewn or sprinkled intermittently all over the place. In one word – CHAOS!

To say that we could not hear anything to even remotely enjoy would be a gross understatement, what with demos going on simultaneously, be it stereo or home theatre, hence we shall refrain to comment on the same.