The MB20 Bluetooth Transceiver is an easy and simple solution to add quality Bluetooth streaming capabilities to virtually any McIntosh (or non-McIntosh) home audio system of any era. It can quickly turn a vintage McIntosh system, or an inherited family heirloom system, into a modern home music system capable of playing the digital music from today’s smartphones, cloud accounts, or from preferred streaming services.
As a transmitter/receiver, the MB20 has been designed to provide a superior Bluetooth connection to audio equipment that lacks Bluetooth connectivity. It has been engineered as a Class 1 Bluetooth device. Class 1 devices can typically operate at a range of up to 150 feet (45.7 meters) in ideal conditions with limited obstructions. As a Receiver, the MB20 employs an extremely sensitive receiver for better reception, even from Class 2 devices, with the maximum range determined by the capabilities of both actively paired devices. An external antenna helps maximize its range for better performance. As a Transmitter, it has a range 10x greater than that of a typical Class 2 Bluetooth device.
The compact MB20 comes with a variety of analog and digital inputs and outputs to connect it to any home audio system, including balanced inputs and outputs. It includes one stereo set of both balanced and unbalanced inputs, along with a stereo set of balanced and unbalanced outputs. For digitally connectivity, such as for use with an outboard Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), it offers both coaxial and optical inputs and outputs.
The MB20 uses 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. It also features Qualcomm aptX Low Latency for improved audio transmission speed to deliver sound in sync with applicable visual media. When used as a Receiver, the MB20 uses a high-performance 32-bit DAC with 192kHz internal processing for optimum sound quality; when used in combination with a separate outboard DAC, the MB20's digital output is fixed at 96kHz to be compatible with most third-party DACs in order to maximize performance and maintain audio signal integrity.
When in Transmitter mode, is uses an equally capable high-performance ADC with 110dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR); As a transceiver, the MB20 can function as either a Bluetooth Receiver or Transmitter (but not both at the same time). Users simply need to set a switch on the back panel to the proper setting for the desired Receiver or Transmitter usage.
In Receiver mode, users can stream to the MB20 via Bluetooth from any compatible device with Bluetooth streaming capabilities; this audio can then be played through any McIntosh system, regardless of when it was made. When in Transmitter mode, users can stream from the MB20 to any device capable of receiving Bluetooth streamed audio. In this setup, it becomes possible to stream the music stored on physical media, such as CDs or vinyl records, to wireless Bluetooth headphones or wireless Bluetooth speakers.
If more than one audio system is within range of each other in the home, then a third option is to add an MB20 to each system and set one to Transmitter mode and the other(s) to Receiver mode. This allows streaming music from a CD player or turntable, from the living room system to other systems in the home. Two MB20s wirelessly connected can create a full wireless encode/decode bridge to connect systems where it is not practical to run cable connections between them.
The MB20 comes in a black, custom aluminum chassis with a black glass top panel, letting it fit right in with any McIntosh system but it will also work with any non-McIntosh home audio system. It includes a wall mount charger with adapters for some of the most common outlets used around the world.
Orders for the MB20 can now be placed now with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in May 2021 to the United States and Canada, and to the rest of the world shortly thereafter.
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