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Potato score: 89.95

90%

McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System #1
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 1
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 2
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 3
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 4
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 5
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 6
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 7
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 8
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 9
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 10
McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System variant 11

McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System

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View at McIntosh Labs
Built-in Power Amplifier
Built-in DAC
Spotify Connect
TIDAL Connect
AirPlay 2
Bluetooth
Chromecast Built-in
Roon Ready
Wi-Fi
Multi-Room Audio
Network Audio
  • Easily add streaming music to any room
  • Built-in casting: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Roon Ready
  • Control playback directly from your favorite compatible streaming apps - no dedicated control app needed
  • 650 Watts of total power
  • New, quick responding LED digital meters

The RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System is our most advanced and most powerful home audio wireless speaker system. Similar to the mono RS150 Wireless Loudspeaker, the stereo RS250 is a stand-alone, complete wireless speaker solution.


A variety of casting technologies are integrated into the RS250, such as Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and Roon Ready. With all of these built-in technologies, you can easily stream to the RS250 from your smart devices. A worthy successor to the RS200 Wireless Speaker System, the RS250 does not need a special control app; instead, it can conveniently be controlled directly from your favorite streaming apps that use compatible casting technologies.


Created with streaming music in mind, the RS250 includes virtually everything you need to enjoy music streamed from your handheld devices, online music services, or a local computer. And in a case of old meets new, a turntable can be easily connected via the dedicated phono input for listening to your vinyl collection. You can even connect it to your TV for better sound performance when watching your favorite shows, movies, or sports.


The RS250 offers a sizeable 650 Watts of total power that is delivered to two 4" x 6" woofers, four 2" midranges, and two 3/4" tweeters. The midranges and tweeters are front firing, while the woofers are down firing with the sound emanating from under the main chassis just above the base plate.


The woofer enclosure has been reengineered to reduce distortion, and a more user-friendly bass control has been added that can be used to fine tune the low-end performance. To enhance low frequencies even more, the wired subwoofer output can be used to connect an external powered subwoofer.


For improving the sound from your TV better than a soundbar can, the RS250 has an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) input that connects to ARC compatible TVs. ARC allows compatible TVs to send audio data to the RS250 via an HDMI cable, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable and making it easier to bring improved sound to your television viewing. For TVs that are not compatible with ARC, an optical input is included which can be used to connect it to the RS250.


The RS250 is compatible with TIDAL HiFi Lossless Quality playback (up to 1411 Kbps). It also supports file streaming of up to 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution digital music files. Thanks to its built-in high-resolution streaming capabilities, the RS250 is also a Roon Ready endpoint device. Roon Ready network devices have Roon’s streaming technology built in, and are certified by Roon Labs to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming.


For streaming via Bluetooth, the RS250 utilizes Bluetooth 5.0. It supports both the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard as well as Qualcomm aptX HD for hi res audio playback. It also includes Qualcomm aptX Low Latency, which improves audio transmission speed to deliver sound in sync with applicable visual media. Another included streaming option is Apple AirPlay 2, a technology designed to control home audio systems and speakers in any room – with a tap or by just asking Siri – right from an iPhone, iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV. It offers multiroom audio, Siri voice control, and enhanced playback.


To enjoy non-streaming music, the RS250 has an optical input to connect digital sources such as CD Players; a Moving Magnet phono input; and a 3.5mm AUX input for connecting various other music sources. A 1/4" headphone jack conveniently located on the front panel permits personal listening sessions. To connect the RS250 to your network, it has a wired ethernet port and supports Wi-Fi protocols a, b, g, n, and ac. It is also Google Assistant compatible for voice control. Simply speak to your Google Assistant control device to operate your RS250.


The RS250 includes a pair of our new, quick responding illuminated digital output meters. Exclusive to the RS150 and RS250, these meters are more than simple LED indicators. These fast-responding meters use the same trusted circuits found in our analog meters to collect and process the audio signals; they then digitize the results and output them into pulsating, gradated bars that shares the curved shape of our familiar analog meters.


The RS250 is versatile enough to accommodate the audio needs of almost any room in your home. It is designed primarily for streaming audio but has enough thoughtful features and connectivity to allow it to serve as the hub of a modest home audio and home entertainment system. It features classic McIntosh design elements such as a black glass front panel, illuminated logo, and control knobs. Contact your local dealer to learn more.


1) The HDMI ARC input will only play audio from a compatible TV. It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source. 2) Requires use of a third-party Google Assistant device with voice recognition (sold separately). The RS250 and Google Assistant device must be on the same network.


The RS250 is compatible with AirPlay 2. iOS 11.4 or later is required. To wirelessly stream music to the RS250 via Apple AirPlay 2, a wireless router is required. Router not included. Apple, AirPlay, Apple TV, Apple Watch, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPhone, and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The trademark “iPhone” is used in Japan with a license from Aiphone K.K. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries. Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Non-McIntosh-Provided Services: Embedded and/or non-embedded services, e.g. those listed above, are necessary for full functionality, are provided by companies unrelated to McIntosh, and are beyond McIntosh’s control. McIntosh cannot and does not warrant against interruption, discontinuance, unsatisfactory performance, reduced Product functionality, or damages of any kind attributable to such services or their providers. All services may not be available in all regions; certain services may not yet be enabled for all apps; subscriptions may be required.


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Overall Score 90/100

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Nicely Roasted

McIntosh Labs RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System — power and polish in a compact all‑in‑one

The McIntosh RS250 puts a very McIntosh take on the all‑in‑one speaker: 650 Watts of dedicated amplification, multi‑driver active crossovers and a voicing that prioritises weighty, controlled bass, rich mids and refined treble. Reviewers note the system’s physical presence and feature set — including a phono input and HDMI (ARC) — that make it equally suited to music and TV duties. See Jay Garrett / StereoNET for the product announcement and details.

Sonically the RS250 delivers deep, controlled low end from its pair of long‑throw woofers, very present and detailed midrange from multiple titanium mid drivers, and extended, non‑fatiguing treble courtesy of fluid‑filled titanium domes. The system’s amp headroom and DSP tuning yield lively dynamics and impressive imaging for a stand‑mount form factor. Build quality is textbook McIntosh — high‑gloss cabinetry, mechanical grille and illuminated meters — making it a convincing centerpiece for living rooms and modest media setups. For buyers who want plug‑and‑play luxury with vinyl, HDMI ARC and modern streaming (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, aptX HD), the RS250 is a strong, well‑rounded proposition; just weigh software/streaming preferences and the premium price before committing.

Pros

  • Authoritative, well‑controlled bass and extension for a compact active speaker — long‑throw woofers and a dedicated woofer amplifier deliver palpable low‑end weight.
  • Clear, present midrange and refined treble — multiple titanium mid drivers and fluid‑filled dome tweeters give vocals and instruments strong detail and body.
  • Premium build and aesthetic — high‑gloss cabinetry, mechanical grille and McIntosh styling (illuminated meter) make it a statement component.
  • Extensive connectivity for modern systems — phono input, HDMI ARC, optical/AUX, Ethernet/Wi‑Fi plus AirPlay 2, Chromecast, aptX HD and streaming service support.

&

Cons

  • Streaming platform/software can feel clunky for some users (issues noted with DTS Play‑Fi workflows and playback transfer), which may limit the out‑of‑the‑box convenience for certain streaming habits.
  • Premium pricing narrows value to buyers who prioritise McIntosh styling and integrated features — a strong package, but not a budget‑level proposition.

Sound Quality

91/100

Bass

91/100

40 Hz rated extension with two long-throw 4x6" woofers and a 250 W dedicated woofer amp section yields notably deep, controlled low end for the cabinet size; delivers bass extension and authority 'for its size'.

Mid

92/100

Four 50 mm titanium inverted-dome midranges driven by a hefty 400 W section imply strong, detailed, and present mids with good body and articulation across vocals and instruments.

Treble

90/100

Twin 20 mm fluid-filled titanium dome tweeters and dedicated power provide extended, refined treble with good detail and low risk of harshness given McIntosh voicing and driver spec.

Soundstage Imaging

89/100

Multiple midrange/tweeter elements and active amplification support broad, layered imaging with solid focus and depth for a stand-mount form factor; likely strong placement flexibility.

Dynamics

92/100

High total system power (650 W) and dedicated amp sections for drivers promise excellent macro and micro dynamics with ample headroom for dynamic peaks.

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Build Quality

93/100

McIntosh-level fit and finish (high-gloss cabinetry, mechanical grille) plus substantial weight indicate premium cabinetry, solid bracing and high-quality components.

Features Connectivity

80/100

Passive baseline applied.

Value for Money

80/100

At ~$3,000 the RS250 offers a rich feature set (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, aptX HD, HDMI ARC, phono input) and active amplification; good value for an integrated McIntosh wireless active speaker but premium pricing limits 'no-brainer' status.

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