McIntosh MB25
Compact McIntosh Bluetooth transmitter-receiver, designed to add aptX HD audio streaming to an existing hi-fi system, McIntosh or otherwise.
Description
The MB25 is a Bluetooth transmitter-receiver from McIntosh, designed to bring wireless streaming to an already established audio system, whether a vintage set-up or a more recent one. Operating without any third-party app, it stands as a standalone unit capable of working in both transmit and receive modes, thereby serving as a bridge between a smartphone, a streaming service or a cloud account and a hi-fi chain lacking Bluetooth connectivity.
The unit is built around Bluetooth 5.0 with support for the A2DP, SBC, AAC, aptX Low Latency and aptX HD codecs, allowing high-resolution audio transmission with reduced latency depending on the codec used. It features a 32-bit DAC for receiver mode and an analogue-to-digital converter for transmitter mode, with a harmonic distortion of 0.005% and a signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB, both figures reflecting minimal signal alteration. The frequency response spans from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and the stated range reaches approximately 45 metres, a useful point for use at a distance from the source. The maximum output level reaches 5 V balanced and 2.5 V unbalanced, depending on the type of connection chosen.
This compact unit, housed in an aluminium chassis with an illuminated black glass front panel, is aimed at those wishing to modernise an existing amplifier or hi-fi system without changing equipment, by adding high-fidelity Bluetooth streaming and input selection control in transmit mode.
Technical specifications
| THD+N | 0.005% |
| Signal to noise ratio | 100 dB |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Max. output level | 5 V balanced and 2.5 V unbalanced |
| Supported codecs | A2DP, SBC, AAC, aptX Low Latency and aptX HD |
| Range | approximately 45 m |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 340 x 63 x 100 mm |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
What to check before buying used
The external aerial and its connector are worth checking, as a poor contact can noticeably reduce the stated range. Both modes, transmit and receive, should also be tested, along with pairing with several Bluetooth devices, to ensure the module works correctly in both directions. The illuminated glass panel and Power Control button should be checked visually; a scratch or a lighting fault does not affect operation but remains visible in use.
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