The maker of the world’s most revered amplifiers has now turned its attention to smaller systems for the streaming generation, and the RS200 is a power packed table top loudspeaker array.
Now available through Soundgroup in New Zealand for $5999, the RS200 is primarily designed to be used with music streamed from handheld devices or stored on your computer, but can also handle legacy audio sources like CDs and turntables. In fact, their blurb also recommends connecting it to televisions for better sound.
The RS200 offers 650 Watts of total power that is delivered to 8 drivers consisting of (2) 4โ x 6โ woofers, (4) 2โ midranges and (2) ยพโ tweeters. In addition, a subwoofer output is included to connect an external powered subwoofer to further enhance low frequencies. As the RS200 can be placed in a variety of locations with unique sonic characteristics, a 3-position EQ switch allows you to set the EQ based on your room and listening preferences.
The RS200 comes loaded with several streaming options. It features Apple AirPlay 2,ย Bluetooth 5.0 with support for AAC, Qualcomm aptX HD for hi res playback and Qualcomm aptX Low Latency for improved audio transmission speed to deliver sound in sync with visual media, DTS Play-Fi whole-home wireless audio, and DLNA support.
For non-streaming applications, it has an audio-only HDMI input to connect to TVs that have Audio Return Channel (ARC) capabilities; an optical input to connect TVs without ARC, or digital sources such as CD Players; a USB Type-B input to play music from your Macintosh or Windows computer; and a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting various analog music sources.
McIntosh reckon that the RS200 will sound better than a soundbar when connected to a TV, and better still when it’s used as a centre channel with the addition of two RS100 McIntosh speakers.
Because it features AirPlay 2 the RS200 can be controlled by iPhone, iPad, HomePod or Apple TV with either a tap or asking Siri. It’s also an Amazon Works With Alexa certified product, meaning that you can designate the RS200 as the ‘preferred speaker’ in the Alexa app for simple voice commandds.
Play-Fi from DTS has built-in interfaces for many leading streaming services including Amazon Prime Music, Qobuz, SiriusXMยฎ, Spotifyยฎ and TIDAL to name just a few (list subject to change). You can save up to four of your favorite Play-Fi streaming services via the preset buttons on the top of the RS200; once configured, you can quickly play the saved streaming services directly from the cloud without needing a mobile device by simply tapping the preset buttons. You can also stream audio from wired devices connected to the RS200 to other Play-Fi devices on your network (such as the RS100 Wireless Speaker) via Play-Fi Line In Broadcasting. And Play-Fiโs Critical Listening mode allows you to send your high resolution audio files to the RS200 with no transcoding or downsampling.
With its space saving design and room filling sound, the RS200 is versatile enough to accommodate the audio needs of any room in your home. While designed for modern streaming, it features classic McIntosh design elements such as a black glass front panel, illuminated logo, control knobs, and a pair of fast responding blue Watt meters.
- The above product news incorporates elements from the McIntosh press release.