The wireless speakers include McIntosh’s characteristic style and sound but with an old-school twist.
McIntosh’s wireless speakers, the RS150 and bigger RS250, have been around for several years and are notable for their high-quality sound, adaptability, beautiful appearance, and, yes, hefty price.
The renowned New York-based hi-fi maker has now introduced limited-edition versions of its wireless speakers that honor one of the most legendary bands of all time and pay tribute to their shared history.
A Landmark Partnership
McIntosh and the Grateful Dead collaborated to create the limited edition RS150 and RS250 wireless speakers. They commemorated the band’s 60th anniversary (the Grateful Dead was founded in 1965) and the hi-fi manufacturer and band’s shared history.
The two have a history dating back to Woodstock 1969, the legendary music festival powered by twenty McIntosh MC3500 amplifiers. On day two, the band performed.
However, the two are better known for the Grateful Dead’s iconic Wall of Sound from 1973. The Wall of Sound, which used 48 McIntosh MC2300 amplifiers (28,800 watts) to power over 600 speakers, eventually transformed the concert audio experience.
Same Speakers, Fresh Logo
The Grateful Dead 60th anniversary edition speakers are nearly identical to their predecessors, except for a minor visual variation. The special edition speakers bear the Grateful Dead’s name and the skull-and-lightning bolt insignia.
Otherwise, both wireless speakers share McIntosh’s characteristic style, which includes a high-gloss black finish, blue-glowing power meters, and a green illuminated logo. The sound quality is also the same.
The McIntosh RS150 is a 120-watt mono speaker that supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming. The McIntosh RS250 is a 650-watt stereo speaker with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming capabilities and various cable inputs.
Cost and Availability
Unsurprisingly, these limited-edition wireless speakers will cost more. While the standard McIntosh RS150 and RS250 speakers cost $1,200 and $3,000, respectively, the Grateful Dead 60th Anniversary Edition models cost $1,500 and $3,500.
You have to be a huge Deadhead and an audiophile with large pockets to want any of these limited-edition wireless speakers. Otherwise, you’re better off getting the standard models.
The special-edition speakers are now available on McIntosh’s website.
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