MCINTOSH LAUNCHES NEW MB25 BLUETOOTH RECEIVER TO ADD STREAMING CONVENIENCE TO LEGACY SYSTEMS

McIntosh Laboratory has launched the McIntosh MB25 Bluetooth Receiver, which upgrades the previous model, the MB20.

Streaming music directly from a smartphone to a home audio system via Bluetooth offers convenience; however, with the MB25 Bluetooth Receiver, McIntosh says enthusiasts can now seamlessly integrate Bluetooth streaming capabilities into virtually any high-end home audio system from any era, whether it includes McIntosh products or not.

MCINTOSH MB25 BLUETOOTH RECEIVER

The MB25 transforms any audio system into a versatile home entertainment hub. With the ability to function as either a receiver or transmitter, the MB25 is compatible not only with Bluetooth streaming devices, but also physical media sources such as CDs and vinyl records making it fit with a vintage analogue stereo or a new digital system.

DIGITAL AND ANALOGUE CONECTIVITY

For use with an outboard Digital-to-Analogue Convertor (DAC), it has both coaxial and optical inputs and outputs to digitally connect it to an audio system. Analogue connectivity options, such as balanced and unbalanced stereo inputs and outputs are also included.

Designed as a compact, standalone unit with a relatively small footprint, the MB25 requires no third-party apps for operation. It has Class 1 Bluetooth technology, with a transmission range of up to 150 feet (45.7 metres)1 and enhanced by an external antenna, the MB25 performs both transmitting and receiving audio signals.

UPGRADES

The successor to the MB20, the MB25 retains all of MB20’s features while introducing enhancements for an elevated user experience. Upgrades include: An illuminated front glass panel that provides insights into audio signal rates and connection types and flexibility to select the desired input in transmit mode, giving users greater control over their audio experience. It also has Power Control so the MB25 can be easily turned on and off with the rest of a McIntosh audio system.

BLUETOOTH 5.0 TECHNOLOGY

With Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the MB25 supports high-fidelity codecs such as Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) and Qualcomm aptX HD. It is also equipped with a high-performance 32-bit DAC for receiver mode and a premium Analogue-to-Digital Converter (ADC) for transmitter mode.

RECEIVE OR TRANSMIT

As a transceiver, the MB25 can function as either a Bluetooth Receiver or Transmitter at any given time, (but not simultaneously) by simply setting the switch on the back panel to the proper setting for the desired usage.

In Receiver mode, users can stream audio from compatible Bluetooth devices to the MB25, and then use output connections to play the audio through their sound systems. Alternatively, in Transmitter mode, users can stream the music from physical media sources, such as CDs or vinyl records, to Bluetooth-enabled headphones or speakers

For multi-system integration within the home, the MB25 offers a convenient solution to enable wireless audio distribution between systems with ease, by simply connecting an MB25 to each system. In fact, the MB20 can be used in conjunction with an MB25 to achieve a multi-room, multi-system configuration.

MCINTOSH DESIGN

Encased in a custom aluminium chassis with a black glass front panel with an illuminated logo, the MB25 is designed for seamless integration with both McIntosh and non-McIntosh systems, the MB25 includes a wall mount power supply with adapters for global compatibility.

MCINTOSH MB25 BLUETOOTH RECEIVER AVAILABILITY AND PRICE

The MB25 Bluetooth Receiver will be available in July with an SRP £850.

HiFi PiG Says: A versatile successor to the MB20, the McIntosh MB25 offers new connectivity options to legacy systems.