RS250

The McIntosh RS250 is a wireless streaming speaker system with 650 Watts of total power, extensive network connectivity and inputs for digital, analogue and television sources. It is designed primarily for streaming audio, while also serving as the hub of a modest home audio and home entertainment system.

Streaming is available through Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast and Roon Ready network functionality. The RS250 can be controlled directly through compatible streaming applications, so it does not require a dedicated control app. It can receive music from handheld devices, online music services and a local computer.

The RS250 supports TIDAL HiFi playback of 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution digital music files at up to 9216 Kbps. As a Roon Ready endpoint device, it incorporates Roon streaming technology and is certified by Roon Labs for network streaming operation.

Bluetooth 5.0 supports the high-bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard and Qualcomm aptX HD for high-resolution audio playback. Qualcomm aptX Low Latency is also included to improve audio transmission speed and keep sound synchronised with applicable visual media. Apple AirPlay 2 provides multiroom audio, Siri voice control and enhanced playback from an iPhone, iPad, HomePod or Apple TV. Google Assistant compatibility provides voice control through a Google Assistant control device.

The speaker system has 2 4" x 6" woofers, 4 2" midranges and 2 3/4" tweeters. The midranges and tweeters fire forwards, while the woofers fire downwards, with sound emerging from beneath the main chassis just above the base plate. The woofer enclosure has been re-engineered to reduce distortion, and the bass control can be used to fine-tune low-frequency performance. A wired subwoofer output is provided for connection to an external powered subwoofer.

For television use, an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) input connects to compatible ARC televisions. Audio data is sent to the RS250 through the HDMI cable, removing the need for a separate audio cable. An optical input is included for televisions without ARC compatibility.

Other connections include an optical input for digital sources such as CD players, a Moving Magnet phono input for a turntable and a 3.5mm AUX input for other music sources. A 1/4" headphone jack on the front panel supports personal listening. Network connections are provided by a wired Ethernet port, while Wi-Fi supports protocols a, b, g, n and ac.

The RS250 includes 2 illuminated digital output meters. Exclusive to the RS150 and RS250, these are fast-responding meters rather than simple LED indicators. They use circuits found in McIntosh analogue meters to collect and process audio signals, then digitise the results into pulsating, graduated bars following the curved shape of the analogue meters.

Classic McIntosh design elements include a black glass front panel.