Both the McIntosh RS150 mono speaker and the 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, Chromecast, and Roon Ready, also with Bluetooth to allow 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, in a moderate size that can fit in almost any home listening setting. An updated version of the successful McIntosh RS100, replacing the preceding unit with double the power output (from 60 Watts total power to 120 Watts total power) and now directly connecting to popular streaming apps that use compatible casting technologies.
The woofer in this new design was enlarged from a 4" to 5.25" diameter driver, making the RS150 closer to a bookshelf monitor, with 90 Watts of power dedicated to the lower frequencies, and a larger, reengineered enclosing area resulting in higher output with lower distortion and deeper bass extension. An easily removable speaker grille allows user to expose the woofer and the tweeter, which in this case looks better. Bass control has also been added to fine-tune the low-end performance based on unique room characteristics and listening preferences. Still, the design resembles the traditional McIntosh aesthetic, with a glass front panel on the lower section of the speaker.
The RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System is a versatile audio hub for a modern home, which includes virtually everything needed to enjoy music streaming from any device. It even 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. For users who want to enjoy non-streaming music, the RS250 has an optical input to connect digital sources, and a 3.5mm AUX input, also featuring a 1/4" headphone jack on the front panel.
The soundbar-like design offers impressive power delivered to two 4x6" woofers, four 2" midranges, and two 3/4" 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 in the RS250 design has been reengineered to reduce distortion with improved bass control to fine tune the low-end performance. To enhance low frequencies even more, the RS250 can also be connected to an external powered subwoofer.
Shared features of the McIntosh RS150 and RS250 include the ability to be controlled directly from favorite streaming apps, support for TIDAL HiFi's Hi-Res playback of 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution digital music files, and high-resolution streaming capabilities as Roon Ready endpoint devices. Both models support Wi-Fi 802.11ac, and use Bluetooth 5.0 with support for both the 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. Both models are also Google Assistant compatible for voice control, when connected to a third-party Google Assistant device with voice recognition.
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) is $1,200 USD for the RS150, and $3,000 USD for the RS250.
www.mcintoshlabs.com
