RS150

The McIntosh RS150 is a standalone wireless speaker and complete home audio system that can be streamed to directly from smart devices. It does not require a dedicated control app, with built-in support for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast and Roon Ready.

As the replacement for the RS100 Wireless Loudspeaker, the RS150 brings several updates to operation and performance. Compatible streaming apps can control the speaker directly through their supported casting technologies. Google Assistant compatibility also allows voice control through a Google Assistant control device.

The woofer is powered by 90 Watts and the tweeter by 30 Watts, doubling the previous power output. The woofer has increased in diameter from 4" to 5-1/4", while its enclosure has been enlarged and reengineered. These changes provide higher output, lower distortion and deeper bass extension. Bass control is included for fine-tuning low-frequency performance to suit room characteristics and listening preferences.

The RS150 supports TIDAL HiFi Hi-Res playback of 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution digital music files at up to 9216 Kbps. Its built-in high-resolution streaming platform also makes it a Roon Ready endpoint device. Roon Ready network devices have Roon streaming technology built in and are certified by Roon Labs for network streaming quality and performance.

Bluetooth 5.0 provides support for the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard and Qualcomm aptX HD for hi-res audio playback. Qualcomm aptX Low Latency is also included to improve audio transmission speed and keep sound in sync with applicable visual media.

An illuminated digital output meter is fitted to the front of the McIntosh RS150. This feature is exclusive to the RS150 and RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System. Its fast-responding circuit collects and processes audio signals using the same circuits found in McIntosh analogue meters, then digitises the results and displays them as a pulsating, gradated bar following the curved shape of the familiar analogue meters.

The lower section of the front panel uses glass, giving the speaker a closer visual relationship with traditional McIntosh design. Above it, the removable speaker grille covers the woofer and tweeter.

Network connections are provided through a wired Ethernet port, with support for Wi-Fi protocols a, b, g, n and ac.