The all-in-one category of HiFi products is one of my favorites, if not my favorite. It enables my entire family to enjoy high quality music together and enables me to listen to my favorite music on a good system when I'm not in my dedicated listening room. All-in-one devices are also my first recommendation for "civilians" who ask me about getting something better than their current systems. It's great to see McIntosh release the RS200. If it performs as well as it should, it's another product I can add to my recommendation list for friends and family. I look forward to getting the RS200 in here for a full workout.
Here is the full text of the press release:
EMBARGOED PRESS RELEASE
NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNTIL FEBRUARY 14, 2019 AT 10:00 AM EST / 15:00 UTC / 16:00 CET
McIntosh Announces RS200 Wireless Loudspeaker System
Next generation home audio wireless speaker system delivers room filling sound
Binghamton, NY – February 14, 2019 – McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for 70 years, is proud to announce the RS200 Wireless Loudspeaker System.
Delivering room filling sound, the RS200 Wireless Loudspeaker System is McIntosh’s next generation home audio wireless speaker. Designed for a modern streaming lifestyle, it comes packed with virtually everything needed to enjoy music streamed from handheld devices, stored online or a local computer, or played from legacy audio sources.
The RS200 offers 650 Watts of total power that is delivered to 8 drivers consisting of (2) 4” x 6” woofers, (4) 2” midranges and (2) 3⁄4” tweeters. In addition, a subwoofer output is included to connect an external powered subwoofer to further enhance low frequencies. As the RS200 can be placed in a variety of locations with unique sonic characteristics, a 3-position EQ switch allows the EQ to be set based on the specific room and the user’s listening preferences.
The RS200 comes loaded with several streaming options, including: Apple® AirPlay® 2; Bluetooth® 5.0 with support for AAC, Qualcomm® aptXTM HD for hi res playback and Qualcomm aptX Low Latency for improved audio transmission speed to deliver sound in sync with visual media; DTS Play-Fi® whole-home wireless audio; and DNLA support.
For non-streaming applications, it has an audio-only HDMI input to connect to TVs that have Audio Return Channel (ARC) capabilities; an optical input to connect TVs without ARC as well as other digital sources; a USB Type-B input to play music from a Macintosh or Windows computer; and a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting analog sources. For enveloping home theater sound, connect a pair of McIntosh Play-Fi compatible RS100 Wireless Speakers (sold separately) to use as surround speakers.
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®, HomePodTM, or Apple TV®. It offers multiroom audio, Siri voice control, and enhanced playback. The RS200 is also an Amazon Works With Alexa certified product. Simply speak to a third-party Alexa control device to operate the RS200 from any room. (The RS200 does not contain any listening capabilities and relies entirely on an Alexa control device for voice control.)
Play-Fi from DTS has built-in interfaces for many leading streaming services including Amazon Prime Music, Pandora®, Qobuz, SiriusXM®, Spotify® and TIDAL to name just a few. Up to four favorite Play-Fi streaming services can be stored via the preset buttons on the top of the RS200; once configured, quickly play the saved streaming services directly from the cloud without needing a mobile device by simply pressing the preset buttons. Users can also stream audio from wired devices connected to the
RS200 to other Play-Fi devices on the same network via Play-Fi Line In Broadcasting. And Play-Fi’s Critical Listening mode allows high resolution audio files to be sent to the RS200 with no transcoding or downsampling.
With its space saving design and room filling sound, the RS200 is versatile enough to accommodate the audio needs of nearly any room or lifestyle. While designed for modern streaming, it features classic McIntosh design elements such as a black glass front panel, illuminated logo, control knobs, and a pair of fast responding blue Watt meters.
Pricing and Availability
Orders for the RS200 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in February 2019.
Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $3,000 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.
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