First-Ever Live Public Demo Features Two Classic Reissues; Also Showing New Luxury Class MR88 AM/FM/XM/HD Tuner and MXA60 “Executive System”
McIntosh Laboratory will provide attendees of the sixth annual Audio Karma Fest in Livonia Michigan (May 2-3, 2009) with the first-ever live public demonstration of its special limited-edition 60th Anniversary “Classic System,” which features reissues of legendary components including the MC75 monoblock tube amplifier (modeled after the original 1961 version) and the C22 preamplifier (originally introduced in 1962). Both components, which will be demonstrated in McIntosh’s Room #355 at Audio Karma Fest, have been updated for use in today’s home entertainment universe. Currently available at select retailers, only 120 of the limited-edition systems will be available for purchase in North America.
For maximum impact, the 60th Anniversary Classic System will drive a pair of McIntosh’s recently introduced XR200 floor-standing loudspeakers (MSRP: $8,000 each). Source components that will provide content for the demonstration include McIntosh’s ultimate quality MT10 turntable (MSRP: $9,500) and MCD500 SACD/CD Player (MSRP: $6,500).
In addition to the demonstration of its 60th Anniversary classic system, McIntosh will demonstrate its new MR88 AM/FM/XM/HD Tuner (MSRP: $4,000) for the first time in public. Available for purchase in May, the MR88 provides users with unparalleled excellence in reception of traditional AM and FM broadcasts, as well as HD Radio. With the capability to control a subscription based outboard XM Satellite Radio Tuner (sold separately) the XM Ready MR88 accesses the power of satellite radio to complete a palette of unprecedented choice for the consumer. With these new expanded programming options, the MR88 is capable of delivering the ultimate fidelity. The MR88 features a visually striking front-panel dial scale in classic McIntosh glass styling for AM and FM tuning. When transmitted by the radio station, the two line multifunction fluorescent display indicates various text information such as artist name, station call sign, song title and music genre. The MR88’s Smooth Acting Weighted Tuning mechanism with Glass Dial and Illuminated Pointer recall the classic McIntosh tuner designs of the 1960’s and 1970’s.
MXA60: McIntosh’s First Integrated Audio System
Also on display at Audio Karma will be McIntosh’s first-ever tabletop integrated audio system, the MXA60 “Executive System.” Scheduled for availability in the third quarter of 2009, the ultimate-quality tabletop system features a high-performance 75-watt-per-channel amplifier, state-of-the-art CD/SACD/MP3 player, vacuum tube preamplifier, as well as an AM/FM/RBDS Tuner and loudspeaker system with two-way bass reflex. The MXA60 is scheduled for availability in the third quarter of 2009.
“Classic System” – Two Components that Defined the Age of High Fidelity
McIntosh president Charlie Randall noted: “Our 60th Anniversary classic system has been generating a great deal of excitement among audiophiles since we introduced it at CES in January, and we are delighted to be able to give the many dedicated enthusiasts and music lovers who will be attending Audio Karma Fest the first-ever live demonstration. This anniversary system reflects everything that has typified McIntosh throughout our history, namely providing discriminating customers with components that deliver the ultimate in listening luxury and performance, combining both classic McIntosh style with some of today’s most advanced audio technologies.”
The McIntosh MC75 75-watt per channel monoblock amplifier was introduced in 1961, just three years after the BBC began its first regular broadcasts in stereo sound. The debut of this ultimate-quality monoblock amp reflected McIntosh’s early and continuing commitment to pushing the limits of performance and providing customers with the very best solutions in audio. Largely true to the original design, the new Limited Edition MC75 offers many circuit updates that improve reliability while retaining the alluring sonic character of the original.
Introduced in 1962, the McIntosh C22 Tube Preamplifier ushered in the era of the audio preamp as the “control center”. Designed to function as a superb line stage, phono
preamp, equalizer and input switch, the C22 raised the bar for competing preamplifiers, and forged a standard of features and flexibility for future McIntosh preamp designs that endures to this day. The 60th anniversary C22 recreates the look and feel of the original with its backlit glass and brushed anodized aluminum front panel, and sees the addition of a number of circuit enhancements that bring the design current with recent McIntosh preamplifier specifications.
About McIntosh Laboratory
McIntosh Laboratory celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2009, and the company’s unswerving commitment to excellence, innovation and quality continues to define the state-of-the-art in high fidelity and bring discriminating consumers around the world an elevated home entertainment experience. McIntosh luxury audio and video products are designed and manufactured at the company’s Binghamton, New York headquarters. Its products reflect unmatched levels of performance, superlative engineering and hand craftsmanship. Built to last for decades, McIntosh components demand nothing less than an equal level of commitment to customer support and service. McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. is a D&M Holdings company.
