McIntosh Connect

Name: McIntosh Connect
Rating: 3.6 (11 reviews)
Author: McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

Music

Free

11 Ratings
Ages

4+
Years
Category

Music
Developer

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Language

EN
English
Size

49.7
MB

McIntosh Connect offers a refined, intuitive interface for controlling supported McIntosh products, currently the CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix, C55 Solid State Preamplifier, and C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier. Each product provides a tailored in-app experience designed to highlight and control its most essential features. Key Features (all features may not be compatible with all products): • Guided Product Discovery & Onboarding • Volume Control • Input Selection • Input Renaming & Configuration • Tone Adjustment • Output Switching • Balance Control • Input Trim Level • Network Setup & Configuration • Firmware Update Management • Multi-Zone Audio Control (CR106 only) • Experience Creation & Recall (CR106 only) Supported Products: • CR106 2-Channel, 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix • C55 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier • C2800 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Firmware Updates Made Easy Stay current with the latest enhancements. McIntosh Connect automatically checks for firmware updates and simplifies installation, ensuring your system performs at its best. Control of Connected Source Components McIntosh Connect also enables indirect control of select McIntosh source components via the Data Ports on supported preamplifiers. Proper configuration is required; please refer to your product’s Owner’s Manual for setup instructions.

Ratings & Reviews

3.6

out of 5

11 Ratings

Works fairly well, needs polish
05/06/2024

CriticalListeningSkills
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!
Works fairly well, needs polish
05/06/2024

CriticalListeningSkills

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!
The Sound of One Hand Clapping…
06/10/2025

The Ghost of Common Sense Past
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…

Developer Response
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear of the issue you had with your RS150. Currently, the McIntosh Connect app only supports the C55 and C2800 preamplifiers. The RS150 does not require any dedicated control app. Instead, it has a variety of built-in casting technologies such as Spotify® Connect, TIDAL® Connect, Apple® AirPlay® 2, Bluetooth®, Chromecast, and Roon Ready, letting you easily stream to the RS150 from your smart devices.
The Sound of One Hand Clapping…
06/10/2025

The Ghost of Common Sense Past

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…
Developer Response 06/24/2025
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear of the issue you had with your RS150. Currently, the McIntosh Connect app only supports the C55 and C2800 preamplifiers. The RS150 does not require any dedicated control app. Instead, it has a variety of built-in casting technologies such as Spotify® Connect, TIDAL® Connect, Apple® AirPlay® 2, Bluetooth®, Chromecast, and Roon Ready, letting you easily stream to the RS150 from your smart devices.
Will only allow one product to connect
04/07/2025

Lars1866
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.

Developer Response
We’re sorry you’ve experienced difficulty linking additional preamps; McIntosh Connect does support use with multiple products simultaneously. To link additional devices with the app, tap the name of your preamp at the top of the screen to access the device selection page; this can be found just below the McIntosh logo. From there, you should see an entry for each preamp you’ve already linked. At the bottom of this list, tap the ‘+’ button to set up a new device. Once you’ve set up your other device(s), you can return to this device selection page at any time to access any device you’ve previously linked.
Will only allow one product to connect
04/07/2025

Lars1866

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.
Developer Response 04/14/2025
We’re sorry you’ve experienced difficulty linking additional preamps; McIntosh Connect does support use with multiple products simultaneously. To link additional devices with the app, tap the name of your preamp at the top of the screen to access the device selection page; this can be found just below the McIntosh logo. From there, you should see an entry for each preamp you’ve already linked. At the bottom of this list, tap the ‘+’ button to set up a new device. Once you’ve set up your other device(s), you can return to this device selection page at any time to access any device you’ve previously linked.
Anything for RS150 or RS250
03/12/2025

TT KH
Anything for me to set up or register?

Developer Response
Thank you for your feedback. Currently, the McIntosh Connect app only supports the C55 and C2800 preamplifiers.
Anything for RS150 or RS250
03/12/2025

TT KH

Anything for me to set up or register?
Developer Response 04/14/2025
Thank you for your feedback. Currently, the McIntosh Connect app only supports the C55 and C2800 preamplifiers.