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What’s the Catch with McIntosh’s Gorgeous New Hi-Fi Component?

The McIntosh MB25 Bluetooth streamer is a slam dunk in every way but one.

McIntosh-MB25McIntosh

By Tucker Bowe

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There’s a growing trend in high-end audio: legacy brands releasing Bluetooth receivers that bring hi-fi systems into the modern streaming age. Naim, NAD and Cambridge Audio have all recently released little boxes that add Bluetooth streaming to an analog setup.

They all work toward the same end, letting users stream music from your smartphone or computer when they’re not listening to vinyl, CDs or the radio.

Streaming gap

Of course, there are many Bluetooth receivers to choose from these days. They can range from fairly inexpensive — there are many in the $60 to $100 range —to pretty darn expensive. McIntosh’s latest option, the MB25, costs $600.

But all these little boxes just add Bluetooth streaming — not Wi-Fi or multi-room streaming — to your hi-fi system. That means they won’t stream true lossless audio and therefore won’t take full advantage of your expensive hi-fi system.

So does it really matter which one you buy? Of course it does. But maybe not in the way you might think.

Some streamers go above and beyond

Take the MB25 as a prime example. McIntosh’s latest wireless streamer does exactly what other Bluetooth streamers do: it adds Bluetooth streaming to a new or vintage hi-fi system.

But the thing that sets the McIntosh MB25 apart is that it’s also a Bluetooth transmitter. This means it can stream music over Bluetooth from your hi-fi system, be it a vinyl record or a CD, to wireless speakers or headphones. A switch on its back panel switches between modes.

Copious connections

Additionally, the McIntosh MB25 has copious analog connections. It has balanced and unbalanced stereo inputs and outputs, as well as coaxial and optical inputs and outputs for those using an outboard Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Basically, the MB25 can be integrated into almost any audio system.

Looks matter

For many audiophiles, aesthetics do matter. Thanks to its signature green glow and black glass front panel, the MB25 will blend right in with existing McIntosh components. (The McIntosh MB25 is effectively a more handsome version of its predecessor, the McIntosh MB20, which lacked the illuminated green logo.)

McIntosh MB25
The McIntosh MB25 is a Bluetooth receiver designed to pair well with the company’s existing modern and vintage components.

How does the MB25 sound?

As far as audio quality, the McIntosh MB25 is still confined to the limitations of Bluetooth. It does support a range of high-fidelity codecs, including AAC and AptX HD — but not Sony’s LDAC, unfortunately.

If audio quality is your number-one priority, look for a streamer that supports high-resolution audio over Wi-Fi. McIntosh used to make one in the MS500—it was priced at $6,500—but it no longer appears to be available.

The McIntosh MB25 costs $600 and will be available in July.

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