McIntosh Multi-Channel Distribution Amplifiers and Series of In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers
McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for 70 years, will exhibit its new line of Custom Install products for the first time in Europe at ISE 2019 in Amsterdam. The new line of Distribution Amplifiers and In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers will be on display in the McIntosh booth #14-C150 throughout the show. An assortment of other McIntosh products – including the new MC2152 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Amplifier, C70 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, and XRT1.1K Loudspeaker – will also be on display.
“We are excited to return to the custom install category with these new amplifiers and speakers,” said Charlie Randall, McIntosh President and CEO, referencing the company’s previous multi-room offerings. “Many of our traditional home audio products have been used for distributed audio applications by talented CI installers. We are happy to once again offer products specifically designed for custom installation.”
Distribution Amplifiers
The new distribution amplifiers consist of the MI254 and MI128 Power Amplifiers. The MI254 is a 4-channel amplifier outputting 250 WPC into 8 Ohms or 300 WPC into 4 Ohms, while the 8-channel MI128 outputs 120 WPC into 8 Ohms or 150 WPC into 4 Ohms. Each employ highly sophisticated closed loop digital switching amplifiers that are paired with extremely robust power supplies to produce performance levels that are rarely achieved in distributed audio. Both have the same installer-friendly physical dimensions and are 2U rack mountable (mounting ears are removable for non-rack installations). As highly efficient Class D amplifiers, they do not require noisy cooling fans to maintain nominal operating temperature. In addition to distributed audio use, the MI254 is well suited for home theaters to drive surround sound speakers and could be integrated into virtually any existing home theater system.
On the front panel, both feature multi-color LED indicators to display the status of each channel. The MI254 also includes two blue McIntosh Watt Meters that display the summed power output of channels 1 + 2 and channels 3 + 4. On the back, the MI254 McIntosh’s standard 5-way speaker binding posts while the MI128 uses 2-pole Phoenix style push-in speaker terminals. The MI128 also includes back panel volume controls for volume balancing, along with 2 digital audio inputs (either coax or optical), and channel summing circuits for easy mono signal distribution.
The MI254 and MI128 share many common features, including: elements of classic McIntosh industrial design and engineering principles as evidenced by the inclusion of signal overload technology that prevents overdriving the speakers; BUS input & outputs to easily distribute a stereo signal to multiple outputs and/or multiple amplifiers; individual channel inputs; 12 Volt triggering capabilities; and eco-friendly on/off signal sensing.
In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers
In addition to the amplifiers, a new line of Custom Install speakers will be displayed at ISE 2019: the WS500 and WS300 In-Wall Speakers, and the CS200 In-Ceiling Speaker. All three speakers are voice matched to each other to create a seamless and cohesive aural experience.
The versatile WS500 and WS300 can be adapted to many custom install uses in both 2-channel home audio and home theater installations. Both are 3-way speakers that are fully enclosed to deliver incredible performance in any environment, plus their controlled air chamber minimizes distortion and response irregularities. The WS500 features two 6.5″ woofers, two 2″ inverted Titanium dome midranges and one 3/4″ Titanium dome tweeter, while the WS300 has one 8″ woofer, two 2″ inverted Titanium dome midranges and one 3/4″ Titanium dome tweeter. Both the WS500 and WS300 feature newly designed shallow woofers that allow for each speaker to be just 9.3cm (3.625”) deep, permitting them to fit in almost any wall. The woofers utilize a long throw, high power design with molded carbon reinforced cones with molded elastomeric surrounds for high linearity.
The 3-way CS200 In-Ceiling Speaker features an 8″ woven glass fiber woofer, two 2″ inverted Titanium dome midranges and one 3/4″ Titanium dome tweeter. The midranges and tweeter are housed in a rotating array so the already incredible sonic performance of each speaker can be maximized in each individual space.
Each speaker will come with all required hardware and mounting mechanisms for post construction installations; rough-in kits will also be available. The grilles on each speaker magnetically attach, are paintable and will leave little to no visible edge of the mounting flange so the speakers can virtually disappear into their surroundings. Each speaker is designed to handle up to 250 Watts of power.
Pricing and Availability
Each of our new Custom Install products are now available to order. Suggested retail price in USD (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded):
MI254: $4,500
MI128: $3,500
WS500: $3,000
WS300: $2,500
CS200: $1,500
