McIntosh Labs
Product Description
McIntosh MB20 Bluetooth Transceiver. Phone not included.
Stream to a McIntosh of Any Era.
The MB20 Bluetooth Transceiver is an easy and simple solution to add Bluetooth streaming capabilities to virtually any McIntosh (or non-McIntosh) home audio system of any era. It can quickly turn a vintage McIntosh system that you've treasured for decades, or a family heirloom system that you've inherited, into a modern home music system capable of playing the digital music stored on your phone, in your cloud accounts, or from your preferred streaming services. It is a small (its footprint not much bigger than a smartphone), stand-alone, complete Bluetooth streaming solution that does not require any third-party apps to use.
McIntosh MB20 Bluetooth Transceiver shown with a vintage McIntosh system comprised of MC2205 Stereo Power Amplifier (1975 - 1981), C33 Stereo Preamplifier (1981 - 1986), MCD7005 Compact Disc Player (1987 - 1988), and ML-1C Loudspeakers (1970 - 1977). Phone not included.
As a transmitter/receiver, the MB20 has been designed to provide a superior Bluetooth connection to audio equipment that lacks Bluetooth connectivity. As such, it has been engineered as a Class 1 Bluetooth device. Class 1 devices can typically operate at a range of up to 150 feet (45.7 meters)1 in ideal conditions with limited obstructions. As a Receiver, the MB20 employs an extremely sensitive receiver for better reception, even from Class 2 devices, with the maximum range determined by the capabilities of both actively paired devices. An external antenna helps maximize its range for better performance. As a Transmitter, it has a range 10x greater than that of a typical Class 2 Bluetooth device.
The compact MB20 comes with a variety of analog and digital inputs and outputs to connect it to your home audio system – most notably amongst them being balanced inputs and outputs, making it one of the only Bluetooth transmitter receivers to offer these superior audio connections that help deliver top-quality audio performance. For connecting it to your system via analog cables, it includes 1 stereo set of both balanced and unbalanced inputs, along with a stereo set of balanced and unbalanced outputs. For digitally connecting it to your system, such as for use with an outboard Digital-to-Analog Convertor (DAC), it has 1 each of both coaxial and optical inputs and outputs.2
McIntosh MB20 Bluetooth Transceiver shown with a vintage McIntosh system comprised of MC2205 Stereo Power Amplifier (1975 - 1981), C33 Stereo Preamplifier (1981 - 1986), MCD7005 Compact Disc Player (1987 - 1988), and ML-1C Loudspeakers (1970 - 1977). Phone not included.
The MB20 uses Bluetooth® 5.0 with support for both the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard as well as Qualcomm® aptX™ HD for hi res audio playback. It also features Qualcomm aptX Low Latency for improved audio transmission speed to deliver sound in sync with applicable visual media. When used as a Receiver, the MB20 uses a high-performance 32-bit DAC with 192kHz internal processing for optimum sound quality; when used in combination with a separate outboard DAC, the MB20's digital output is fixed at 96kHz to be compatible with most third-party DACs in order to maximize performance and maintain audio signal integrity. When in Transmitter mode, it uses an equally capable high-performance Analog-to-Digital Convertor (ADC) with 110dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR).
As a transceiver, the MB20 can function as either a Bluetooth Receiver or Transmitter (but not both at the same time). Simply set the switch on the back panel to the proper setting for the desired Receiver or Transmitter usage.
Usage examples:
In Receiver mode, you can stream to the MB20 via Bluetooth from any compatible device with Bluetooth streaming capabilities; this audio can then be played through your McIntosh system regardless of when your amplifier or preamplifier was made.
When in Transmitter mode, you can stream from the MB20 to any device capable of receiving Bluetooth streamed audio. In this setup, you could stream the music stored on physical media, such as CDs or vinyl records, to your wireless Bluetooth headphones or wireless Bluetooth speakers.
If you have more than one audio system in your home that are within range of each other1 then a third option is to add an MB20 to each system and set one to Transmitter mode and the other(s) to Receiver mode. Then you could stream music stored on a physical medium, such as from a CD player or turntable, from one system to the other system(s) in your home. Or if you have the need for a high-performance audio link from one part of your house to another but running cables is not possible, then two MB20s wirelessly connected in this manner could create a full wireless encode/decode bridge.
It comes in a black, custom aluminum chassis with a black glass top panel, letting it fit right in with any McIntosh system. The MB20 will also work with any non-McIntosh home audio system that has the proper inputs and outputs. It includes a wall mount charger with adapters for some of the most common outlets used around the world.3 Contact your local dealer to learn more.
1) The MB20 is a Bluetooth Class 1 device. Actual range of Bluetooth Class 1 technology may be affected by physical obstacles as well as the performance of devices with which the MB20 is intended to connect, particularly Class 2 devices.
2) The MB20 cannot be used as a stand-alone Digital-to-Analog Convertor (DAC).
3) Includes a wall mount charger with a Type A (120V 60Hz) plug for use in the United States; adapters for use with Type F (220 – 240V 50 – 60Hz or "Schuko") and Type I (220 – 240V 50Hz). As defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
Shipping
SHIPPING & PROCESSING
We offer free regular shipping on most orders of $150 and above (before applicable taxes, fees and promotional discounts). Some restrictions may apply.
Televisions, projector screens, seating and furniture are only available for in store pickup or local delivery only. Click to see delivery radius here.
Clearance items and trade-in/consignment items do not qualify for free shipping.
All new products are shipped in their original manufacturer's cartons with appropriate packaging (unless otherwise specified) and are able to be shipped anywhere without concern for damage of the product due to shipping.
All shipments are insured for the value of the transaction from shipping damages.
If the shipment arrives substantially damaged, the shipment should be photographed, refused, and you should contact the store at 905-898-7133 immediately.
Any shortage or internal damage must be reported within 48 hours via email to info@liptons.ca. If internal product damage is found, we will contact you with return and replacement instructions and options.
Processing/Shipping Time
Orders are typically processed within 2 business days. Please note that orders placed after 1pm EST are processed the next business day.
- Standard Delivery for in stock items is between 2-3 business days in Ontario & Quebec, 3-5 business days for Eastern Canada and 4-7 business days for Western Canada. Northern or remote Canadian customers should contact us to confirm shipping availability and costs. During peak sales periods (for example Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day/Week) up to an additional 5 (five) business days may be needed.
- Items not in stock will be shipped to our Newmarket store and then shipped to you. Turnaround time may depend on the manufacturer/distributor. If a manufacturer or distributor has stock of the item, then we can normally expect to receive the product within 10 business days at which point we will immediately ship it to you.
- If we become aware that delivery time to you will exceed 16 business days we will contact you to confirm the order or review options.
Restrictions
The following are our shipping restrictions:
- Shipping available within Canada only
- Free shipping does not apply to express shipping.
- Certain oversize, heavyweight or high-ticket items and brands may not be available for shipping.
- Some remote areas of Canada can only be serviced by air delivery or other higher cost courier. In these cases free shipping is not available and extra shipping charges may apply. If extra shipping charges are required for your order we will contact you to confirm whether you’d like to pay the additional fees or cancel your order. If you don’t respond within 48 hours, your order will automatically be cancelled.
- We do not deliver products to a PO Box address. A street address is required, and products will be delivered with the appropriate courier to handle the item(s) that have been ordered.
Please note that Liptons Audio Video will not be liable for any delay that is due to factors beyond their control including, and not limited to, weather-related events, other uncontrollable shipping delays and breakdowns by the courier services that are beyond our control.
RETURNS, EXCHANGES & WARRANTY CLAIMS
If your product is damaged, defective, or dead on arrival you are eligible for a refund or exchange within 15 days of the product being delivered to you.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase and would like to request an exchange, please note the following:
- All returns and exchanges will only be accepted on products with no damage due to misuse and have all original packaging, accessories, manuals and the original sales receipt.
- Refunds paid by credit card/PayPal will be returned in the same method payment was received when possible. Wire Transfer payments will be refunded in the form of company check or E-Transfer. For exchanges with a difference in value, the balance will be charged or refunded in the same method as the original payment was received.
- Liptons Audio Video reserves the right to assess whether the product is defective or not. Products with physical damage will not be accepted for refund or exchange.
- Exchanges will be offered only on non-special order items with return shipping at the buyer's expense and must be shipped with insurance reflecting the transaction value and must ship via a trackable courier/delivery company. Exchanges will only apply to unopened products received in new condition
- Products with non matching serial numbers to either the packaging or the recorded Serial number associated with the transaction are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
- Products with modified or missing serial numbers/UPC codes or other identifying information are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
- Products that are not returned with all original packaging, equipment, accessories, manuals and software will not be refunded or will be charged a restocking fee at the discretion of Liptons Audio Video.
- Products must be new and show no signs of use. Any sign of use – Including installation, scratches or other signs of use such as physical marking, painted grills, screw holes, cut wires or similar would not be returnable
- Equipment sustaining damage from operation or misuse will be deferred to the manufacturer's warranty and replacement policies.
- Replaced items will be exchanged for the same model
- If a product you purchased from us proves to be defective within 15 days from purchase, we will replace it with an equivalent new unit at no charge. If the item is returned through shipping, the exchange will be processed once we receive the parcels & confirm that the product is not working. Exchange processing will take 10-20 business days from the day we receive the parcel.
Final Sale Items/Exclusions
- Special order items including cut to length cabling and custom furniture
- Headphones/earbuds/in-ear headphones for hygienic reasons
- Turntable cartridges/styli
- Projector lamps
- Installed in-ceiling, in-wall speakers or subwoofers
- No refunds or exchanges on products purchased for commercial use.
- Clearance, consignment items.
Online Order Returns/Exchanges Process
Please contact us to begin our online return process at info@liptons.ca. Once we have received the details about your order, we will generate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and send you the RMA form to be completed and sent back with the parcel.
Pack the item back in its original packaging with all parts, accessories and manuals. We recommend packing the item into an additional box meant for shipping. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. Any damages that incur during return shipping will also be the responsibility of the customer.
In the event the item was offered free shipping, the original shipping charges and handling fees, for the returned item(s), will be deducted from the refund. If the item is refused and returned to Liptons Audio Video without record of cause and evidence of damage any return freight costs will also be deducted from the refund.
In Store Returns & Exchanges
Returns on damaged, defective and DOA products, as well as exchanges can be made in store. Please note our store hours https://liptons.ca/pages/contact and be sure to bring your receipt or online order confirmation.
Product Warranty
All new products carry full manufacturer warranty which varies for each product category and manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty information for exact details.
Demo products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.
Open Box products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.
Used and Consignment pieces will have individually specified warranty. If no warranty is listed, no warranty is available, but the unit has been tested in store and determined to be working properly unless otherwise specified.
Installation Warranty
All Liptons Audio Video installations come with a one-year warranty against workmanship performed by us. Defective equipment covered under manufacturer warranty is subject to a removal and reinstallation charge of one hour at our current installation rates. Installation warranty claims can be made within one year of installation date by phone at 905-898-7133 or email at info@liptons.ca
If you have any questions or concerns regarding product returns, exchanges and warranty claims, please call is at 905-898-7133 or email info@liptons.ca
