The McIntosh MB20 Bluetooth Transceiver is an easy way to add wireless Bluetooth streaming to virtually any home audio system, from any era. The MB20 Transceiver modernises home audio systems, enabling them to not only go wireless, but allow music to be sent and received. In receiver mode, music lovers can stream to the MB20 via Bluetooth from any compatible device, including smartphones, tablets and laptops. In transmitter mode, users can stream from the MB20 to any device capable of receiving Bluetooth streamed audio. In this configuration, users can wirelessly stream music from physical media, including CD and vinyl, to Bluetooth headphones and speakers that are within range.
The MB20 has been designed to provide a superior Bluetooth connection and is a Class 1 device. It uses Bluetooth 5 and offers support for a wide range of transmission codecs, including the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard, as well as aptX HD. It also features aptX Low Latency, for improved audio transmission speed to deliver sound in sync with applicable devices.
As a transmitter, the MB20 has a range 10x greater than a typical Class 2 Bluetooth device. It also employs an extremely sensitive receiver for better reception, even from Class 2 devices; an external antenna helps maximise the MB20’s range for even better performance. When used as a receiver, the MB20 deploys a 32-bit/192 kHz DAC. The device can also be used with existing DACs, too (the MB20’s digital output is then fixed at 96 kHz for compatibility).
The MB20 is also one of very few Bluetooth devices to offer audiophile-quality balanced connections (inputs and outputs), making it ideal for adding high-performance Bluetooth to high-fidelity home audio systems. When in transmitter mode, the MB20 uses a high-performance analogue-to-digital convertor (ADC) with a 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The MB20 has both coaxial and optical digital inputs and outputs for its DAC and ADC sections.
The MB20 comes in a black aluminium chassis with a black-glass top-panel to complement any existing McIntosh system. The MB20 is also compatible with any non-McIntosh home audio system with conventional inputs and outputs. It includes a wall-mount charger with adapters for some of the most common outlets used around the world. The MB20 will cost £649 MB20 and will be available in June 2021 (UK) and May (United States and Canada).