McIntosh Laboratory Introduces Fourth-Generation Multizone A/V Controller And Eight-Channel Amplifier

New CR16 Control System And MC58 Amp Push The Envelope For Multizone Components For Both Consumers And Custom Installers

12-Jan-00

McIntosh Laboratory, a world leader in home entertainment systems for over 50 years, introduces the CR16 Multizone A/V Control System and matching MC58 8-Channel Amplifier, two fourth-generation multizone components, at the 2001 International Consumer Electronics Show. Both products advance the envelope of performance and ease-of-use in this burgeoning field. Shown in prototype form at CEDIA EXPO 2000, the CR16 and MC58 are now actual products, and are due to ship this quarter.CR16 Multizone Audio/Video Control System The originator of distributed audio/video systems, also known as ""multizone A/V"" in 1981, McIntosh builds upon its heritage with the CR16. The CR16 allows eight shared program sources - four audio and four audio/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. Users can listen to the tuner in one zone, the CD player in another, and watch a DVD movie in yet a third zone - all at the same time. Each zone has an independent selector, volume control and tone controls. Each zone can accommodate up to four illuminated keypads or zone sensors for convenient access and control. Fixed and variable outputs, along with balanced line outputs give the consumer and custom installer maximum configuration flexibility. High end audio features like balanced line outputs make the CR16 a true conduit to the master preamp and sources they serve.High quality matched and buffered video switching and buffered video outputs for each input allow the quality of the video signals to be every bit the equivalent of the high fidelity audio section. The output level of each zone can be adjusted electronically, ensuring that prescribed zones will never be any louder or softer than the owner desires.Multiple CR16s may be cascaded for sophisticated installations involving up to 24 zones. An RS232 port allows the CR16 to interface with popular touchpanel remote control systems that can provide control to all four zones and a complete home theatre system simultaneously. Backward compatibility with existing McIntosh sensors, keypads and house wiring, along with single-cable connections to a ""master"" preamp such as the MX132 Preamp/Processor, ensures the CR16's expanded application and broad functionality.In full implementation, the CR16 can even take the place of your alarm clock by turning audio or video sources on or off in any of the four zones at prescribed times. With an MSRP of $3500, the addition of a CR16 means the investment made in one's home theatre and music listening components can be amortized throughout the entire home for minimal cost and installation expense. The CR16 shares the unique black glass faceplate and champagne gold edge extension design that is the McIntosh hallmark.MC58 Eight Channel Power AmplifierFor many years, the McIntosh CR12 and MC7108 have formed the definitive multizone A/V duo, distinguished not only by their musical excellence but also by operating ease and adaptability. Now the two veterans give way to a well equipped protÈgÈ. The MC58 is a high-current eight-channel design that is the perfect companion for the McIntosh CR16 or any multizone system controller on the market, including previous McIntosh controllers.The versatile MC58 can be configured for four to eight-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 speakers.The MC58 incorporates a single-cable connection for use with CR16 or CR12 multizone controllers. Wide power bandwidth, ultra-low distortion and the exclusive McIntosh Power Assurance System characterize this and all McIntosh power amplifiers. The proprietary Power Assurance System is comprised of a suite of technologies that include PowerGuardÆ clipping protection, Sentry MonitorÆ current protection, thermal cutout and turn-on delay. This system, combined with such features as remote power control, fanless convection cooling and gold-plated high-current output terminals provides decades of flawless musical enjoyment. The CR16 A/V control system and MC58 amplifier will be available in the first quarter of 2001 at suggested retail prices of $3,500 and $2,700, respectively.For more information about McIntosh Laboratory, visit www.mcintoshlabs.com.

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