McIntosh MB25 Premium Bluetooth® transceiver

Name: McIntosh MB25
Brand: McIntosh
SKU: 958MB25
Price: 700.0 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)

Item # 958MB25

The MB25 maintains the same fantastic features of its predecessor, with more user options for control.

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The MB25 maintains the same fantastic features of its predecessor, with more user options for control.

Item # 958MB25

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by Crutchfield's Archer A.

McIntosh's popular Bluetooth transceiver, revised

McIntosh's MB25 continues its predecessor's legacy as a high-quality Bluetooth transceiver. You can add it to your existing stack of McIntosh gear — new or old— or to any home audio system. It sends and receives Bluetooth signals, meaning you can tie it into just about any piece of home gear in some fashion or another. Want to stream your vinyl records to your headphones? Go for it. Want to listen to music from your phone using an older stereo receiver? Have at it.

Extra controls for an easy experience

The MB25's front panel features some user-friendly additions over the last generation. A nifty "input" button lets you select which input you'd like to use when the MB25 is transmitting audio. There are also indicators for verifying digital source quality and the active Bluetooth codec. It all radiates with the cool, vintage green glow McIntosh is well-known for

Analog and digital inputs and outputs for your gear

The MB25's input connections accommodate just about any wired audio source you might want to send out over Bluetooth, including your turntable, CD player, and more. These include optical and coaxial digital, and XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced analog inputs.

There are similar analog and digital connections on the output side, which let you plug the MB25 into just about any receiver, amplifier, or home audio system to add clean, high-quality Bluetooth audio from sources like a phone or tablet.

Product highlights:

works as a Bluetooth transmitter or receiver
rear button to toggle between transmission and reception modes
Bluetooth 5.0 with high-quality aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, and AAC audio streaming
- aptX HD and AAC decoding provides high-quality music streaming from compatible devices
- aptX Low Latency decoding helps sync audio and video on compatible devices
range: up to 150 feet
built-in 32-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter
supports digital audio input signals up to 24-bit/192kHz
digital output is fixed at 24-bit/96kHz
black aluminum chassis with black glass front panel
front-panel "input" button for selecting source
easy-to-read LED indicators for source quality and Bluetooth codec
front-panel "power" and "pair" buttons

Connections:

analog stereo RCA inputs and outputs
analog stereo balanced XLR inputs and outputs
coaxial digital input and output
optical digital input and output

Other info:

Bluetooth antenna included
weight: 2.5 lbs
9-1/2" W x 2-1/2"H (3-7/8"H with antenna upright) x 3-15/16"D
warranty: 1 year
MFR # MB25
Item # 958MB25

What's in the box:

McIntosh MB25 owner's manual

Bluetooth transceiver
AC power adapter with USB-A output port (DC output 5V 2.4A)
3 Power adapter plugs (EU / GB / AUS)
39" USB cable (USB-A on one end and USB-C on other end)
4.25" Antenna
Magnetic antenna with 39" cable (SMA plug)
Owner's Manual
Warranty Certificate
Warranty Registration Card

Featured review

Added the MB25 to my older vintage 1980 Mac system and the sound quality with streaming Hi-Def supplier is fantastic. I would recommend this product without reservation.

Jan from Saint Charles, IL

See all 18 reviews

Customer Q&A

How is this different form the McIntosh MB20?

Greetings Aaron. Thank you for your question. the Specifications are the same across the board. Could be different hardware inside. The front panel though looks like it got all the upgrades.

Researched by Crutchfield's Mark G.

The McIntosh MB25 replaces these items:

McIntosh MB20

Product Research

Features

Overview: The McIntosh MB25 Bluetooth Transceiver can be used as either a transmitter or receiver. It can be used to stream content from your phone to your home audio system, including many vintage audio products that lack Bluetooth or digital connectivity. The MB25 features five analog and digital inputs, including Bluetooth 5.0, and four analog and digital outputs. It also includes a power control input and output to make it easy to turn on or off with the rest of your system. The Transceiver is housed in a sleek aluminum chassis with a black glass front panel with an illuminated McIntosh logo. The MB25 has a small footprint: Width 9-11/16", Height 2-1/2", Depth 4-3/16" (5-3/4" with plugs); Weight 2.5 pounds.

Bluetooth 5.0: The MB25 features built-in Bluetooth 5.0 with support for wireless audio streaming. It supports SBC and AAC codecs, as well as Qualcomm's aptX, aptX Low Latency, and aptX HD. aptX Low Latency improves the speed of the wireless audio transmission to keep the audio in sync with the accompanying video on the screen. aptX HD lets you enjoy 24-bit/48kHz high-resoution audio by increasing the bit rate up to 576 kbps. On the rear panel, there is a button for switching between Low Latency to High Definition.

Bluetooth Transceiver: The MB25 can perform as a Bluetooth Receiver or as a Bluetooth Transmitter, but not at the same time. This Class 1 Bluetooth device has a transmission range of up to 150 feet in ideal conditions, which is ten times that of a typical Class 2 device, such as most cell phones. You can transmit audio from sources connected to the MB25 via an analog or digital connection to a Bluetooth-enabled speaker, headphone, receiver, or amplifier. As a receiver, you can wirelessly stream audio to the MB25 via Bluetooth from any compatible device with Bluetooth streaming capabilities, including smartphones, tablets, desktop or laptop computer. The receiver is extremely sensitive to provide better reception, even from Class 2 devices. The MB25 has a rear-panel RX/TX button to switch between receiver and transmitter modes.

Audio Conversion: The McIntosh MB25 is equipped with a high-performance 32-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for its receiver mode to output the audio in high fidelity. The digital output is at 96kHz for connecting to an external DAC. In transmitter mode, it has a premium Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) for superior sound quality and signal integrity.

Note: The MB25 cannot be used as a stand-alone Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC).

Front Panel Controls/Display: The MB25 has an illuminated front glass panel that indicates the input source, audio signal rates, and Bluetooth codec. Front-panel controls included Power for turning the unit on or off, and Pair for pairing the unit to a new device. An LED indicates the Bluetooth mode: Standby (White), Receiver (Blue), Transmitter (Green), or Discovery (Flashing Blue or Green). When a device is paired, the active Bluetooth codec is displayed: aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC, or SBC. The Input button lets you select the desired input: Analog Unbalanced (RCA), Analog Balanced (XLR), Digital Optical, or Digital Coax. If the selected input is digital, the sample rate will illuminate: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, or 192kHz.

Connectivity: The MB25 features a wide variety of inputs and outputs for greater connectivity:

Analog Inputs: The MB25 has two analog inputs--balanced XLR pairs and unbalanced RCA pairs--for connecting an SACD/CD player or turntable (with built-in phono preamp).
Digital Inputs: The unit has both optical (Toslink) and coaxial (RCA) digital inputs. The MB25 can input up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM digital audio signals.
Analog Outputs: There are two analog outputs--balanced XLR pairs and unbalanced RCA pairs.
Digital Outputs: Both optical (Toslink) and coaxial (RCA) outputs are provided. The digital output format is 24-bit/96kHz for compatibility with most third-party DACs.

Note: The MB25 can only wirelessly output audio from one analog or digital input source at a time. All analog and digital audio outputs are active at the same time.

Antenna Input: The unit has an SMA coaxial input for one of the two included Bluetooth antennas. A short (4.25") folding antenna attaches to the back of the unit. The 8" external antenna has a magnetic base and 39" cable for optimal placement.

Power Control: The MB25 has Power Control connections to send and receive power on/off signals when connected to other McIntosh components. A 3.5mm stereo mini plug is used for the Power Input connection, while a TRS cable with Ring open circuit is used for a direct connection to a McIntosh amplifier.

Power Requirements: The McIntosh MB25 has a 12-watt USB-C power input. An AC adapter with USB-A output (5V / 2.4A) and a USB-A to USB-C cable are included. Plug adapters for the EU, UK, and Australia are included for international connectivity.

The McIntosh MB25 replaces these items:

McIntosh MB20

Premium Bluetooth® transceiver

64 reviews

receives and sends Bluetooth audio signals
Bluetooth 5.0 with high-quality aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, and AAC audio streaming
range: up to 150 feet

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9 questions already asked

if i connect a stereo keyboard to XLR Analog in, would that be converted to digital Spidif out? I need a device that can switch between convert from analog to spidif or from bluetooth phone out to spidif..

adrian May 27, 2025

1 answer

This unit will not covert the XLR inputs to digital for the optical output. We do not currently have a device that can take in analog audio and convert it to digital. However, there are options that allow two devices to complete this task including two of these McIntosh MB25s

jason May 28, 2025 (Staff)

How would I connect this ? I have a McIntosh c28 preamp , does it go through a tape monitor?

ric May 03, 2025

1 answer

Those connections can work. There may be others that can work as well. We give lifetime technical support on every item purchased from us and include their toll free phone number on the shipping label as well as the order invoice and they can help with recommending the best connections to use with this Bluetooth transceiver

jason May 03, 2025 (Staff)

So I want to stream hd Amazon fr phone to this unit. I then hook this unit up to my old phase linear amp and preamp. Want to add a dac to it as well, doable?

garyh Jan 31, 2025

1 answer

Hey Gary, this should certainly be doable. The audio from Amazon will stream to this piece across Bluetooth from your phone or tablet. You will then go digital out, either optical or coaxial, to your DAC. RCA from the DAC to preamp and preamp to amp.

red Jan 31, 2025 (Staff)

Is this unit just a Bluetooth streamer or will it allow you to stream hi rez from say Tidal? And if it is Tidal or Qobuz compatible can I stream from the native apps?

patrick c Dec 22, 2024

1 answer

Hey Patrick, this is just a really high-end Bluetooth receiver for your audio equipment. Its designed to step up your signal from your phone and give you a higher quality sound using a simpler form of streaming. Its not a wi-fi based streamer like other pieces so there isn't necessarily native control since things like volume are controlled from both your device and amp.

red Dec 23, 2024 (Staff)

Does the MB25 allow an input (say a cassette deck or iPod via the RCA inputs) to pass through to the amp? Or do inputs only work for Bluetooth transmission?

matthew Dec 09, 2024

1 answer

Greetings Matthew. Thank you for your question. I do not see a passthrough on the analog in/out. The analog inputs re to be converted to digital with the McIntosh ADC then transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to a Bluetooth headphone, Bluetooth speaker, or an amplifier with a Bluetooth receiver. This MB25 can receive, and or transmit Bluetooth, just not simultaneously. So its basically an analog to digital converter, and a digital to analog converter.

thomas Dec 10, 2024 (Staff)

can i stream to more than one Bluetooth speaker simultaneously?

cesar Dec 09, 2024

1 answer

Greetings Cesar. That is a great question. It depends on the Bluetooth speakers. In normal cases Bluetooth is one transmitter, and one receiver. Meaning just one speaker, or one headphone. There are Bluetooth speakers by JBL and I'm sure others that thru an app can combine multiple Bluetooth speakers. They all would have to be the same brand, and all connected to that brands app. Hope that makes sense.

thomas Dec 09, 2024 (Staff)

I have an integrated Mc252. I would like to stream hifi through it via this device. While I know it will playback Bluetooth in some kind of compression. How can I stream through this with max fidelity to my integrated amp ?

dave o Sep 28, 2024

1 answer

Greetings David. That is an excellent question. High fidelity starts at the source. Begin with high resolution files, and yes Bluetooth will have a bit of compression because thats what it needs to do to get the data from point A to point B. Some Bluetooth receivers are brutal, and some not. I did have to opportunity to hear this in action when the fine folks from McIntosh stopped by. This device does not sound like a Bluetooth receiver, and I had to ask if it was using WiFi. They were using a high bit stream streaming service, not to mention any names.

thomas Sep 28, 2024 (Staff)

How is this different form the McIntosh MB20?

ajohnson184 Sep 04, 2024

1 answer

Greetings Aaron. Thank you for your question. the Specifications are the same across the board. Could be different hardware inside. The front panel though looks like it got all the upgrades.

thomas Sep 04, 2024 (Staff)

Can I listen to Apple's lossless music with the MB25?

joe Aug 07, 2024

1 answer

Greetings Joe. Thank you for your question. Youn can play just about anything you wish on this device. It has digital and analogue inputs, and it has Bluetooth. Bluetooth will compress the file a bit, so Lossless might be some loss, or anything via Bluetooth would be some loss as a matter of fact. I could give you a better answer knowing what the device is that you want to connect up to the MB25.

thomas Aug 07, 2024 (Staff)

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