ISE 2019 sees the return to custom installation of high-end audio gear maker McIntosh, as it debuts a CI range of distribution amplifiers, together with in-wall and in-ceiling speakers.
“We are excited to return to the custom install category with these new amplifiers and speakers," the company says. "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.”
The distribution amplifiers in question are the 4-channel MI254 power amplifier (250W into 8 ohms) and 8-channel MI128 power amplifier (120W). Both employ closed-loop digital switching amplifiers and robust power supplies, a combination the company claims produces performance levels rarely achieved in distributed audio.
The Class D amps do not require cooling fans, making them ideal for a wide range of CI applications. The MI254 is ideal for driving home cinema speakers, and can be easily integrated into any home system. Both models feature front panel LED indicators for channel status, and the MI254 adds x2 blue McIntosh watt meters displaying the power output of channels 1 + 2 and channels channels 3 + 4.
At the back the MI254 features standard McIntosh 5-way binding posts, while the MI128 uses 2-pole Phoenix-style push-in speaker terminals. The MI128 also includes back panel volume controls, x2 coax or optical digital inputs and channel-summing circuits for easy mono signal distribution. Further features of the MI254 and MI128 include signal overload technology, BUS input and outputs, individual channel inputs, 12V trigger and on/off signal sensing. Both are 2U rack-mountable, and the mounting ears are removable for non-rack installations.
Meanwhile the McIntosh CI speakers come in 3 flavours-- the WS500 and WS300 in-wall speakers and the CS200 in-ceiling speaker. All three are voice-matched to each other for seamless integration. The WS500 and WS300 are 3-way speakers adaptable for both two- and multi-channel installation, and feature fully-enclosed controlled air chambers to minimise distortion and response irregularities.
The WS500 features two 6.5-inch woofers, two 2-inch inverted titanium-dome midranges and one 3/4-inch titanium dome tweeter, while the WS300 has one 8-inch woofer, two 2-inch inverted titanium dome midranges and one 3/4-inch titanium-dome tweeter. The woofers in both speakers are just 93mm deep, allowing them to fit in any wall, and utilise a long-throw, high-power design with moulded carbon-reinforced cones with elastometer surrounds for high linearity.
The three-way CS200 in-ceiling speaker features an 8-inch woven glass fibre woofer, two 2-inch inverted titanium-dome midranges and one 3/4-inch titanium dome tweeter. The midranges and tweeter are housed in a rotating array for increased flexibility.
All speakers include all required hardware and mounting mechanisms for post construction installation, with rough-in kits also available. The grilles on each speaker magnetically attach, are paintable and leave little to no visible edge on the mounting flange, meaning the speakers virtually disappear into the surroundings. Each speaker handles up to 250W of power.
The McIntosh Custom Install range is available now to order.
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