Introducing The New Distribution McIntosh Amp Line: MI128 & MI254
McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for over 65 years, has debuted two new custom install friendly distribution amplifiers.
The new distribution amplifiers consist of the MI254 and MI128 Power Amplifiers. The MI254 is a 4-channel amplifier outputting 250 watts-per-channel, while the 8-channel MI128 outputs 120 watts-per-channel. Each employ highly sophisticated closed loop digital switching amplifiers that are paired with extremely robust power supplies to produce performance levels that are rarely achieved in distributed audio.
Both have the same installer-friendly physical dimensions and are 2U rack mountable (mounting ears are removable for non-rack installations). As highly efficient Class D amplifiers, they do not require noisy cooling fans to maintain nominal operating temperature. In addition to distributed audio use, the MI254 is well suited for home theaters to drive surround sound speakers and could be integrated into virtually any existing home theater system.
On the front panel, both feature multi-color LED indicators to display the status of each channel. The MI254 also includes two blue McIntosh Watt Meters that display the summed power output of channels 1 + 2 and channels 3 + 4. On the back, the MI254 uses McIntosh's standard 5-way speaker binding posts while the MI128 uses 2-pole Phoenix style push-in speaker terminals. The MI128 also includes back panel volume controls for volume balancing, along with 2 digital audio inputs (either coax or optical), and channel summing circuits for easy mono signal distribution.
The MI254 and MI128 share many common features, including: elements of classic McIntosh industrial design and engineering principles as evidenced by the inclusion of signal overload technology that prevents overdriving the speakers; BUS input & outputs to easily distribute a stereo signal to multiple outputs and/or multiple amplifiers; individual channel inputs; 12 Volt triggering capabilities; and eco-friendly on/off signal sensing that automatically turns the unit off if no input signal has been detected for a set amount of time.
"We are excited to return to the custom install category with these new amplifiers," says Charlie Randall, McIntosh President and CEO, referencing the company’s previous multi-room offerings. "Many of our traditional home audio products have been used for distributed audio applications by talented CI installers. We are happy to once again offer products specifically designed for custom installation." Dan Wakefield, McIntosh Vice-President of North American Sales, adds "The performance of McIntosh home audio products is legendary and goes back nearly 70 years. We’re thrilled to bring that level of performance back to the CI channel."
Contact us today to learn more about integrating McIntosh's new distribution amplifiers into your custom audio installation!
