McIntosh Connect

I’ve owned numerous McIntosh products over the decades and have never had an issue (well, there is the SACD transport in my main system, which can’t play SACDs, and I want to take it to Binghamton, but have received pushback), they’re reliability and sound quality keeps bringing me (and so many others) back again and again. I’ve recently purchased the RS150 Bluetooth loudspeaker for my gym (needs to be set up away from a wall, FYI) and tried to add this app for possible tweaks and software updates. It will not connect (after, say 30 tries), everything flashing on the speaker and my phone, phone on top, on the side, behind… Nothing. So I’m deleting the app. Stick to hardware (and be accommodating to those willing to drive 7+ hours to your factory for a potential repair). Full disclosure, I picked up a new SACD player this past weekend at ABT Electronics near Chicago to hold me over on my main system. So, there’s that. Big fan…

I have 3 preamps in 2 separate locations but app will only work with the initial preamp that was connected. McIntosh support states that is the way it works. No option to add another unit and suggested getting a different phone for each unit.

I doubt there are many people out there currently using a C2800 or C55, and probably even fewer messing with the companion app. It works well enough on my C2800, but some important notes: You can’t disconnect it from WiFi using the iOS app, or at least I couldn’t. I had to factory reset my C2800 and delete the product from the app, then set it all up again. Some of the menus aren’t very intuitive. For example, it would be ideal to have a master volume control available at all times, regardless of which section you’re in. Tabbing around to change the volume while using the source control menu is a little cumbersome. It’d be nice to be able to rename inputs from the app instead of the front panel. I kind of expected that to be a feature, as it would make renaming considerably easier, but I suppose that was my fault. I know it’s probably asking a lot, but — at least for an iPad or other tablet — it would be really cool to have a “virtual output meter”. Doesn’t have to be perfect, or perfectly in line with the meters on the unit itself… but a lot of the fun of McIntosh is seeing meters swing. Seeing one on the app (like the old AP1 player) would be the icing on the cake. I realize that this is the first (public) release, but I think there’s room for improvement. All said though, well done McIntosh!