Class D comes to McIntosh.........

[jdwk]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marksp...th-a-slew-of-new-audio-products/#11df42f2504f


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McIntosh is introducing two new highly efficient Class D distribution amplifiers, the four-channel MI254 Power Amplifier (250W into 8 Ohms) and eight-channel MI128 Power Amplifier (120W). Each unit employs closed-loop digital switching amplifiers paired with heavy-duty power supplies. Class D amplifiers don’t require noisy cooling fans, which make them ideal for a wide range of custom installation applications. The MI254 is designed for driving home cinema speakers and can be integrated into virtually any existing home system. Both products feature McIntosh’s trademark front-panel LED indicators to show channel status. The MI254 goes a stage further by including two blue McIntosh Watt Meters displaying the summed power output of channels 1 + 2 and channels 3 + 4.

The powerful McIntosh MI254 features the iconic McIntosh blue power meters.

McIntosh

 

[jlovda]

• MI254: $4,500 / £5,995
• MI128: $3,500 / £4,495
• WS500: $3,000 / £2,995
• WS300: $2,000 / £2,495
• CS200: $1,500 / £1,495

 

[jdwk]

anybody here have one and care to share their thoughts?

 

[KentTeffeteller]

• MI254: $4,500 / £5,995
• MI128: $3,500 / £4,495
• WS500: $3,000 / £2,995
• WS300: $2,000 / £2,495
• CS200: $1,500 / £1,495

No discrete transistors, no tubes, or autoformers for this price. The answer is NO!! NO!!! NO!!! What does this do for me that a MC 2100 or MC 2105 do better for me, which are more repairable, better supported with age, better sounding, and do their jobs without fuss or frippery!

 

[jdwk]

No discrete transistors, no tubes, or autoformers for this price. The answer is NO!! NO!!! NO!!! What does this do for me that a MC 2100 or MC 2105 do better for me, which are more repairable, better supported with age, better sounding, and do their jobs without fuss or frippery!

yeah, thats my first thought too, I'd never replace any of the mac stuff I have with these but I thought maybe there could be a place for Mac gear like this......interesting turn they took.

 

[CruzBay]

Looks like they're aiming at the distributed home audio sect with the return of rack mounting.

 

[Westy56]

I may be an old curmudgeon, but the Mc look has been going down hill since the omission of the 2255 style meters.

 

[SiliconTi]

I guess these make sense for the market they are targeting. Most "distributed audio" systems are far from hi-fi to begin with.

 

[damacman]

I may be an old curmudgeon, but the Mc look has been going down hill since the omission of the 2255 style meters.

what's wrong with the MC500 or MC452? Both just gorgeous in every sense of the word ...

 

[TSmith8605]

The MI254 looks pretty nice to me - I like the wide, low aspect ratio and the blue meter contrasting with the black.

But I guess I have no application for one of these.

Also, I've not heard a good class D amp in my home system, so I cannot comment on their sound. I do have such amps in two of my cars and I find them OK, but maybe a step back from previous A/B car amps.