McIntosh Laboratory Debuts Two Custom Installation Components Extending Lineís Multi-Zone A/V Capabilities

11-Sep-00

McIntosh Laboratory introduced two fourth-generation multi-zone components to dealers at CEDIA EXPO 2000, the CR16 Multizone A/V Controller and matching MC58 eight-channel amplifier. CR16 Multizone Audio/Video Control System The CR16 allows eight shared program sources (four audio and four video) to be independently distributed to four independent control zones within the home. Sources can be dedicated to a particular zone or shared by multiple zones. For example, one can listen to the tuner in one zone, the CD player in another and watch a DVD movie in yet a third - all at the same time. Each one has its own independent selector, volume control and tone controls. Each zone can accommodate up to four illuminated keypads or zone sensors for convenient access and control. The CR16 also features fixed and variable outputs, along with balanced line outputs, and matched and buffered video switching and buffered video outputs for each input. The output level of each zone can be adjusted electronically.Multiple CR16ís may be cascaded for sophisticated installations involving up to 24 zones. An RS232 port allows the CR16 to be interfaced with popular touch panel remote control systems that can provide control to all four zones and a complete home theatre system simultaneously. There is also backwards compatibility with existing McIntosh sensors, keypads and house wiring, along with single-cable connections to a ""master"" preamp such as the MX132 preamp/processor. In its full implementation, the CR16 can even take the place of an alarm clock by turning on or off audio or video sources to any of the four zones at prescribed times. CR16 has a suggested retail price of $3500, and shares the McIntosh hallmark black glass faceplate and silver edge handle design.MC58 Eight-Channel Power AmplifierThe MC58 is a high current eight-channel design that matches the McIntosh CR16 or any multizone system controller on the market, including previous McIntosh controllers.This unit can be configured for 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4 channel operation. Ideal for whole-house audio applications, in its eight channel mode, the MC58 will produce 8 x 50 watts into 4 ohms and 8 x 30 watts into 8 ohms. Any bridged pair will produce 100 watts into 8 ohms. In its five-channel home theatre mode, the amp will produce 3 x 100 watts (8 ohms) for the front L/C/R speakers and 2 x 50 watts (4 ohms) for surround effects speakers.The MC58 incorporates a single-cable connection for use with CR16 or CR12 multizone controllers. It features the proprietary Power Assurance System, comprising of a suite of technologies that include PowerGuardÆ clipping protection, Sentry MonitorÆ current protection, thermal cutout and turn-on delay. The MC58 also boasts such features as remote power control, fanless convection cooling and gold plated high-current output terminals. The MC58ís suggested retail price is $2,700.For more information, visit www.mcintoshlabs.com.

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